Adoption Process
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Adoption FAQs
Before submitting an application, make sure to review our Adoption Policy section to familiarize yourself with our processes. If you have questions that aren't covered in the policy section, we have provided a list of Frequently Asked Questions below. If you still need more information, please contact us at [email protected].
How do I meet the dogs?
We hold two adoption events a month in the Herndon/Reston, Virginia area. Please view our Event Calendar for dates and locations. There are times we can accommodate a meet/greet outside of the adoption event, however, the easiet way is to attend our event. *
*All potential adoptions require a meet/greet prior to adopting.
*All potential adoptions require a meet/greet prior to adopting.
What is the criteria for adopting?
We do not have a set list of criteria for approved adopters. We don't make approval decisions based on generalizations such as whether or not you have children, a fenced or un-fenced yard, a current pet, if you are a senior, or a first time dog owner. We believe that each dog is an individual with unique needs, just as are adopters are unique. We may be more selective with certain dogs and these factors may mean that some dogs are not suitable for your family or environment but we will not deny adopters from adopting from us based solely on a set criteria. We do require adopters to be at least 21 years old, agree to an interview with an Adoption Coordinator, agree to a home visit and from there we will do our best to work with you to find the perfect match!
where is your shelter located?
We do not have a physical shelter. All dogs are placed in loving foster homes in the Northern Virginia area, where they are treated as family members. Being in a foster home allows our dogs to decompress and experience a loving atmosphere while they are being assessed for health and temperament, and any medical or behavior needs. If you would like more information about becoming a New Love foster, please visit our foster page.
can I adopt out of state?
When a family chooses a dog from New Love Animal Rescue, we make a lifetime commitment to the family and the dog. Because we are a small, volunteer-only rescue, we are not equipped to handle pre-adoption home checks and continued post-adoption support outside of a 65 mile radius of our home base in Herndon, VA.
If I am the first to apply, will i get the dog I applied for?
We are not a first-come, first-serve rescue. We work very hard to match our dogs with the best adopting family available. Because of the time and effort we put into "matchmaking", New Love Animal Rescue has a very low return rate.
if the dog I applied for is already adopted, can you stilL help?
Absolutely!! Our goal is to rescue and place dogs that need forever homes. Just because the initial dog you wanted didn't work out doesn't mean you won't be a great family for another one. We would be happy to pre-approve your application, complete your home check, and work with you to find the perfect fit for your family and lifestyle!
do you require a fenced yard?
We do not deny applications due to no fence. However, while many of our dogs do not require a fenced yard, some may need that security. Your Adoption Coordinator can discuss with you whether or not the dog you are interested in would be best served with a fenced environment. If you do not have a fenced yard, we do NOT encourage you to let your dog "off leash" in an unsecured area. Dogs can easily wander off or run off during play and may not be able to find their way back home!
can you GUARANTEE the size of a puppy?
No. Since most of our rescued dogs are coming from shelters, we have no history of parentage. That makes it very hard to determine breeds and/or potential size at adulthood. We try to offer our best educated guess based on a puppies general age, size, and estimated breed.
will my pet be spayed/neutered?
Yes. This is NOT optional. New Love Animal Rescue takes canine over-population and the health benefits of spay/neutering very seriously. If you adopt a dog under the age of 6 months prior to it being spayed/neutered, it will be a requirement in your Adoption Contract. We will follow up with you post adoption to confirm surgery has occurred and to document for our legal records.
what is included in my adoption fee?
All animals are adopted with their core vaccinations up to date. If the animal you are adopting has a special medical or behavior need, we will amend the adoption contract detailing the pets history and needs. The amendment will also include any special clauses.
what is in the adoption contract?
These are the things you are agreeing to when adopting with New Love Animal Rescue! We will provide you with the adoption contract to sign at the time of adoption. Please note that this adoption contract may be updated at any time.
Sample Adoption Contract.pdf | |
File Size: | 798 kb |
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why have I not received a response?
New Love Animal Rescue is a small, volunteer-only based rescue. We all have full-time jobs, families, friends, and responsibilities in addition to the time we spend supporting the rescue. Our delay in communication could mean that we just haven't gotten to your application yet, or it could mean that your situation and lifestyle aren't a good fit for that particular dog. It isn't uncommon for us to get 20+ applications per day, so please be patient. If you have submitted an adoption application and have not received a response within 7-10 days, you are more than welcome to send a follow-up inquiry to [email protected] .
Thank you New Love for bring Dex into our lives. When we lost our previous dog, we didn't know when the right time would be... but we found New Love.