Adoption Application

Best Dawg Rescue, Inc. (DAWG)
Address: PO Box 34213, Bethesda, MD 20827
Web:  www.dawg-rescue.org Email: dawg@dawg-rescue.org, Phone: 301-407-BEST

DAWG Application Process:

Applications can be submitted at adoption shows, by filling out the following application online and then submitting when complete, or by faxing to the fax number on page 1. We do not recommend mailing an application, as it is the least expedient way to apply.

If you wish to complete the online application below, please complete the application without interruption to avoid transmission failure, and be sure to make a copy! Also, please do not "tab" when answering questions, or the entire application may disappear from your screen.

If you cannot send the application online, please click here for the printable application to be faxed or mailed. DAWG's 24-hour fax number is to 301-576-3811. WE DO NOT OPEN ATTACHED APPLICATIONS. 

If you cannot send the application online or by fax, please mail to: Best Dawg Rescue, Inc. (DAWG), PO Box 34213, Bethesda, MD 20827. If you mail your application, please contact DAWG by email (dawg@dawg-rescue.org) or phone (301-407-BEST) to notify us that you've mailed an application.

Once an application is received, DAWG's preferred method of communication is by email. Please make sure your email address is clearly indicated. If you do not have email, we cannot return calls to a telephone number with call blocker.

Incomplete applications cannot be processed. Please make sure to include name/phone number for current and/or past landlord and vet, as applicable. If you are not sure of your landlord and/or veterinarian contact information when applying, please forward the information to dawg@dawg-rescue.org to complete the application.

DAWG cannot proceed with an application until all adults in the home agree to a specific dog. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

In addition, please review DAWG's policy regarding electric/invisible fencing which is not considered safe containment by DAWG. DAWG Fencing Policy.

DAWG makes every effort to get back to everyone who applies. However, if you do not hear from us within 7 days, please assume your application was not selected. In addition, please carefully read the adoption application for other clarifications about the application process.

Please note that DAWG reserves the right to select the most appropriate application for each dog. The entire application process is subject to the decision of an application review committee.

PLEASE NOTE: DAWG ONLY ADOPTS WITHIN THE DC METRO AREA INCLUDING MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA. OCCASIONALLY WE CAN GO FURTHER, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE FOSTER PARENT OR VOLUNTEER DOING THE HOME VISIT.  IF NOT SURE, PLEASE ASK IF WE WILL TRAVEL TO YOUR LOCATION BEFORE APPLYING.
 
Thank you.
   

Today's Date:


Show Location:


Applying to:
Foster  Adopt

Name of Dog(s) Applying for:

Breed/Type:

Where you heard about DAWG (if newspaper, which one)?

Please print identification information clearly, especially email address,  if printing and mailing in this form:

Applicant(s) Name:

Address:

City:

State:
 

Zip:

Place of Employment:

Since (mo/yr):

Email:

Home Phone:
 

Work Phone:

1.  Why do you want to adopt a dog?

2.  What do you think are the most important responsibilities in owning a dog?

3.  Please list preferences (age, sex, breed, personality):

4.  Have you submitted an application with another organization for a dog at this time?
yes no

5.  How do you intend to housetrain your new dog, including potential behavior problems like barking, jumping and protectiveness?

6.  As a dog ages, it often become incontinent and arthritic. How do you intend to handle your dog's age-related problems?

7.  Do you, or does another person in the household smoke?

8.  Does any member of the family have any allergies to animals?
yes no

Explain:

9.  Describe the kinds of personal situations where you might have to return your adopted dog, i.e., job loss, birth of children, move, marital change, etc.

10. For whom are you adopting the dog?
self  gift  other family member

11. How many people live in your home?

12. Please list ages of all household members and relationship to each other.
(Note: This helps DAWG match the most appropriate dog to the person(s) or family).

13. Who will feed the dog? Who will walk the dog or take outside?

14. Who will take care of the dog in the absence of the primary caretaker?

15. What reading and/or other steps have you taken to prepare for a new dog?

16. Will you take obedience training and provide proof of completion, if required?
yes no

17. Will you be willing to obtain a spacious, open-wire crate, as recommend by DAWG?
yes no

18. What kinds of animals have you owned?

19. Describe pets you currently own:

If you have more animals than space provided, please use an additional sheet of paper and attach to this form.

a. Name:

Type:

Age:

Sex:

Is the pet Spayed or Neutered?
yes no

Primarily Indoor or Outdoor? Explain:

What year did you get the animal?

How did you acquire the animal?

Comments:

b. Name:

Type:

Age:

Sex:

Is the pet Spayed or Neutered?
yes no

Primarily Indoor or Outdoor? Explain:

What year did you get the animal?

How did you acquire the animal?

Comments:

20. Describe past pets owned during the past 15 years:

If you have more animals than space provided, please use an additional sheet of paper and attach to this form.

a. Name:

Type:

Age:

Sex:

Was the pet Spayed or Neutered?
yes no

Primarily Indoor or Outdoor? Explain:

What year did you get the animal?

How did you acquire the animal?

Year deceased (or last year you had pet)?

Cause of death, or where pet is now (detail):

b. Name:

Type:

Age:

Sex:

Was the pet Spayed or Neutered?
yes no

Primarily Indoor or Outdoor? Explain:

What year did you get the animal?

How did you acquire the animal?

Year deceased (or last year you had pet)?

Cause of death, or where pet is now (detail):

21. If you were not able to keep a prior pet, please explain why:

22. List current and past vet/animal hospitals:

If several vets were used, please explain and provide approximate service dates.  Please note that application review cannot be completed unless each vet's phone number is provided.  If the space provided is insufficient, please use an additional sheet of paper and attach to this form.

Please be sure to list the Name, Phone Number with area code, owner name(s) under which records are listed, and date of last visit.

23. Name of vet you will use for your new pet:

24. What kind of veterinary care do you plan to provide?

25. What do you think it will cost for vet care, food, supplies and equipment, toys, training and boarding?  Please explain in detail, including the dog food you expect to use:

26. What type of home do you live in?
house  townhouse  duplex  condo  apt  mobile

27. Do you own or rent your residence?
own  rent

28. If you rent:

Landlord name:

Landlord phone number:

What type/size pets are allowed?

If you have rented your current residence for under a year, please provide prior address and prior landlord contact phone number:

29. Do you have a fenced yard?
yesno

Note: Secure, fully fenced yards are typically required for homes with children under age 12.  For some dogs, fences of minimum 5 to 6 ft. are required.

What type of fence?

How tall? (Give range of heights, if relevant):

Does the fence belong to you, or neighbors?

Any holes or gaps?
yes no

Is the fence attached to the home?
yes no

30. If you do not have a fence, do you plan to install a fence?
yes  no

If yes, when?

31. Describe when/where you will walk/exercise a dog on a leash:

32. List all the places where the dog will be able to have off leash play/exercise:

33.How often do you intend to exercise the dog and for approximately how long?

34. How many hours will the dog be left unattended (i.e. workday)?

35. How many hours/day will the dog be without adult supervision?

36. When you are home, where will the dog be kept?

37. Where will the dog sleep?

38. When no one is home (i.e. at work, shopping), where will the dog stay (be specific)?

39. Have you used or do you plan to install a dog door?

40. How often do you travel?

41. What will you do with the dog when you travel?

42. If you move, what will you do with the dog?

43. Are you or your spouse with the military?
yes  no

44. Are you aware DAWG requires all dogs/cats in a home to be spayed/neutered?
yes no

45. Are you aware of the adoption fee ($250 nonrefundable donation)?
yes no

46. Are you familiar with your local animal control laws?
yes no

47. Have all adult family members met with and agreed upon the dog?
yes no

I have read the above information carefully and have filled out this application honestly.  I understand that omission of information and/or failure to answer all questions and sign the application can result in this application being declined.  Also, if omission or untruth is discovered after an adoption takes place, I understand that Best Dawg Rescue, Inc. (DAWG) reserves the right to annul the adoption and reclaim the animal.  I give Best Dawg Rescue, Inc. permission to fully investigate the information provided as well as contact veterinarians and related officials.  If the application passes this review, I agree to a home and yard visit by a DAWG volunteer before an adoption decision is made.

In addition, I understand the adoption decision is dependent on many factors, including but not limited to the compatibility of the family and home to the individual animal, and other applications received on this animal.  I understand it is DAWG's prerogative to decide which home is most appropriate and that their decision is final.  Therefore I will not argue with the decision.  Unless otherwise indicated by DAWG, I am free to apply and undergo the application process in the future.

Signature(s):

_____________________________________________________________

Date:

_____________________________________________________________

Printed Full Name(s):

_____________________________________________________________