Striving to Find a Home for Every Senior
ADOPTION POLICY:
It is the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland’s policy to attempt to place each of our rescued dogs in a well-suited home to their needs. We work hard at matching our dogs to adopters so they may end their search for a loving, permanent home. Temperament, special needs, and personality are all factors in our placements. Please be aware that adoptions are not completed on a first-come, first-served basis but rather by striving to find the best-suited match for our dogs’ needs. Completing an application does not put a hold on a dog. We accept up to 3 applications on each dog and work towards finding the perfect match promptly.
Once an animal is placed in our rescue, the animal cannot be sold, given away, or otherwise transferred. If the adopter is, at any time, unable to keep or continue to maintain the animal for any reason, the animal must be returned to the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland, as required by our Adoption Contract.
It is the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland’s policy to attempt to place each of our rescued dogs in a well-suited home to their needs. We work hard at matching our dogs to adopters so they may end their search for a loving, permanent home. Temperament, special needs, and personality are all factors in our placements. Please be aware that adoptions are not completed on a first-come, first-served basis but rather by striving to find the best-suited match for our dogs’ needs. Completing an application does not put a hold on a dog. We accept up to 3 applications on each dog and work towards finding the perfect match promptly.
Once an animal is placed in our rescue, the animal cannot be sold, given away, or otherwise transferred. If the adopter is, at any time, unable to keep or continue to maintain the animal for any reason, the animal must be returned to the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland, as required by our Adoption Contract.
STEPS TO ADOPTION:
The Adoption Application & Sanctuary Visit
1. Check out our available pups on our Adoptable Dogs page or our Facebook Page.
The Adoption Application & Sanctuary Visit
1. Check out our available pups on our Adoptable Dogs page or our Facebook Page.
ADOPTER TIP ~ Don’t always search by looks or breed. As the Stones say, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well you might find, you get what you need”. Look for a dog that will match your household, energy level, and needs and you may just be surprised by what you find!
2. Fill out an online adoption application, including veterinary references and two non-family personal references. We require an application before visiting the sanctuary. Filling out the application allows us to ensure you are the best match for your dog(s) of interest. Based on your responses, we may suggest a different dog. Call us the matchmakers for dogs and their humans.
Active Duty or Veteran Military are encouraged to submit an application through Pets for Patriots. You'll have a discounted adoption fee and other benefits through our partnership.
3. Email [email protected] to schedule a time to visit. All visits are by appointment only; we do not allow walk-ins. You may select up to 3 dogs per visit. Once you have contacted us, we will telephone you to review some preliminary questions.
4. It’s time to meet your potential senior! We require a meet and greet before moving forward with your adoption application. All family members are required to come to the appointment. If you currently have any dog(s), we ask you to bring them along to meet the SDS dog. After your appointment, please let the Staff member know if you want to move forward, or email [email protected] to let the Adoption Staff know!
Application Processing, Home Visit, Veterinary Check, and Reference Checks
1. Once we have the go-ahead, your application will be thoroughly reviewed by our staff and assigned to one of our outstanding Adoption Committee Volunteers. They will guide you through the approval process.
4. It’s time to meet your potential senior! We require a meet and greet before moving forward with your adoption application. All family members are required to come to the appointment. If you currently have any dog(s), we ask you to bring them along to meet the SDS dog. After your appointment, please let the Staff member know if you want to move forward, or email [email protected] to let the Adoption Staff know!
Application Processing, Home Visit, Veterinary Check, and Reference Checks
1. Once we have the go-ahead, your application will be thoroughly reviewed by our staff and assigned to one of our outstanding Adoption Committee Volunteers. They will guide you through the approval process.
ADOPTER TIP ~ Contact your vet and personal references to let them know to expect our call! This will help expedite the approval process!
2. A Home Visit is required to ensure your home is a suitable, safe environment for your new pet(s). Our Home Visits are completed virtually, either via video chat or photos. We will guide you through the process when processing your application.
3. We contact your current or past veterinarian and ask questions regarding your pet’s medical history and care. We want to ensure that your current or deceased pets are/were adequately cared for while at your home. This process requires being current on vaccinations and spayed/neutered.
4. We will contact your references to ask questions about their impression of you as a pet owner. Please note that two of your references must be non-family members.
Finalizing the Adoption
1. Once approved to adopt, we will schedule a time for you to finalize your adoption at the sanctuary. Please leave any current pets at home to ensure a safe ride home with your new dog.
2. To finalize the adoption, you will need to sign a contract that details expectations regarding the care, health, and safety of the dog. We collect a non-refundable adoption fee of $200 and accept cash, checks, or credit cards. Pets for Patriots adoptions are $100. Donations are always appreciated!
3. If you have been approved but asked to select another pup, SDS will do its best to find one that fits your family and household. Once we find a better fit, you can come to meet the dog(s). If all goes well and the dog is ready for adoption, the pup is all yours!
Please note that the entire process may take two or more weeks, pending the time it takes for references to return our calls, release veterinary information, etc. SDS makes every attempt to process applications as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience while we match you with your new family member!