City Dogs Rescue Attempts to Make the Adoption Process as Straight-forward and Efficient as Possible.
Please understand, we are here to provide forever, loving and APPROPRIATE homes for our dogs. Our requirements are for their safety, and to ensure lifelong compatibility. We want to see our dogs get into great homes as much as you want to adopt. You can help make the adoption process an enjoyable experience by being prepared and thoroughly thinking about the time and responsiblity needed to care for a living animal prior to making a visitation appointment.
City Dogs Rescue Requirements
1. You must be over 18 to adopt a dog, 21 to adopt a puppy under a year of age.
2. ALL members of your household must visit the dog you want to adopt prior to an application being processed. This includes unrelated roommates, nannies, etc. Visitations do not have to occur at the same time.
3. You must provide proof of home ownership or a copy of your lease and landlord contact information. In addition, we require a copy of your driver's license or state ID card.
4. You must provide the name and contact information of a veterinarian:
Either a current or previous vet used
The vet you plan on using for the adopted dog (we recommend City Paws Animal Hospital)
5. We will do a home training visit after the above information and references have been checked. The home visit is to confirm you live at the address provided, and to train you on how to bring a new dog into your home.
If you anticipate a move within six months of applying/adoption, we must be notified and may need further documentation for both residences. We do not adopt outside of the local metro DC area. Applicants must live in the local area and plan to reside here for at least a year, or until all contract requirements are upheld (ie. medical care, obedience training, etc.).
6. You must sign an adoption contract (email for a sample adoption contract and requirements). Contracts can be tailored for the specific requirements of the dog being adopted. Most adoption contracts require you to enroll in obedience training at an establishment of your choice within 90 days of adoption.
7. Puppies under the age of 10 months have additional adoption requirements. Requirements are based on the specific puppy, however for most we require the adopter to provide dog daycare or a dog walker if the adopter works out of the home, until at least 9 months of age. Obedience training at an establishment of your choice is required at 6 months of age. Please email us for more information.
8. Adoption fees are required at the time of signing the adoption contract. Adoption fees are non-refundable. Adoption fees vary for each dog, primarily based on age and amount of medical care provided. In general, puppies 8 weeks - 6 months are $280; puppies 6 months - 1 year are $250; adult dogs over 1 year are $200. These are only guidelines. Please email us to get the actual adoption fee for the dog you are interested in adopting.
