Adoption Process
It is the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland’s policy to attempt to place each of our rescued dogs in a home that is well-suited 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 in a timely manner.
Once an animal is placed from 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 website or our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SeniorDogSanctuaryMD
Once an animal is placed from 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 website or our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SeniorDogSanctuaryMD
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 adoption application completely online including veterinary references and two non-family personal references. The application may be found under the Online Forms tab. An application is required prior to visiting the Sanctuary. Filling out the application allows us to ensure you have the best match with your dog(s) of interest. Based upon your responses, we may suggest a different dog that may be a better fit.
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 adoption@sdsanctuary.com to schedule a time to visit with the dog. All visits are done by appointment only; we are not allowing walk-ins at this time. You may select up to 3 dogs to visit at one time. Once you have contacted us, we will telephone you to review some preliminary questions.
4. It’s time to meet your potential adoptee! A meet and greet is required prior to moving forward with your adoption application. All family members are required to come to the appointment. If you currently have any dog(s), we will ask you to bring them along to meet the SDS dog. Once your appointment is complete, please let the Staff member know if you would like to move forward, or email adoption@sdsanctuary.com to let the Adoption Staff know!
Application Processing, Home Visit, Veterinary Check, and Reference Checks
1. Once we have the go ahead that you would like to proceed, your application will be fully reviewed by our staff, then assigned to one of our wonderful Adoption Committee Volunteers. They will be able to guide you through the approval process.
4. It’s time to meet your potential adoptee! A meet and greet is required prior to moving forward with your adoption application. All family members are required to come to the appointment. If you currently have any dog(s), we will ask you to bring them along to meet the SDS dog. Once your appointment is complete, please let the Staff member know if you would like to move forward, or email adoption@sdsanctuary.com to let the Adoption Staff know!
Application Processing, Home Visit, Veterinary Check, and Reference Checks
1. Once we have the go ahead that you would like to proceed, your application will be fully reviewed by our staff, then assigned to one of our wonderful Adoption Committee Volunteers. They will be able to 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 that 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. Your current or past veterinarian will be contacted and asked a few questions in regard to your pets’ medical history and care. We want to ensure that your current or deceased pets are/were properly taken care of – this means 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 you have been selected to adopt a dog, we will schedule a time for you to come finalize your adoption at the Sanctuary. Please leave any current pets at home so that you can have a safe ride home with your new dog.
2. To finalize the adoption, you will need to sign a contract, which details expectations in regard to the care, health, and safety of the dog. A non-refundable adoption fee of $200 will be collected. We accept cash, check, or credit card. Adoptions through Pets for Patriots are reduced to $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 will fit your family and household and have you come to meet the dog(s). If all goes well, you will be permitted to adopt the dog, if they are ready, at that time.
Please note that the entire process may take 2 or more weeks, pending the amount of time it takes for references to return our calls, release for 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!
3. Your current or past veterinarian will be contacted and asked a few questions in regard to your pets’ medical history and care. We want to ensure that your current or deceased pets are/were properly taken care of – this means 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 you have been selected to adopt a dog, we will schedule a time for you to come finalize your adoption at the Sanctuary. Please leave any current pets at home so that you can have a safe ride home with your new dog.
2. To finalize the adoption, you will need to sign a contract, which details expectations in regard to the care, health, and safety of the dog. A non-refundable adoption fee of $200 will be collected. We accept cash, check, or credit card. Adoptions through Pets for Patriots are reduced to $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 will fit your family and household and have you come to meet the dog(s). If all goes well, you will be permitted to adopt the dog, if they are ready, at that time.
Please note that the entire process may take 2 or more weeks, pending the amount of time it takes for references to return our calls, release for 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!