How to Adopt

Are you ready to adopt your new forever friend after looking at our wonderful adoptable dogs? Are you ready to provide a loving, safe and healthy environment for your new best friend? Great! Start by submitting our adoption questionnaire!

Submit the Adoption Questionnaire

Submitting the questionnaire does not obligate the potential adopter or K-9 Lifesavers. It simply begins the process of finding the best match for our dogs and our adopters. The adoption process is almost always completed within one week from when you submit your adoption questionnaire. Times can vary depending on your location, the dog’s location, and availability.

Once approved you will be eligible to adopt one of our dogs. Once the match has been made and you are ready to adopt, you will need to finalize your adoption by completing an adoption contract and paying the adoption fee – preferably by cash or check. At that time, available medical records will be provided along with a variety of other information.

Adoption Requirements

Our adoption process includes a phone interview, home visit, and various reference checks. Our adoption fees are non-negotiable and are based on the age of the dog and if the dog was treated for heartworm disease. Please see adoption requirements below

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.

  • Must provide landlord or condo associations contact information to verify that you are allowed to have the pet you are applying for.

  • Willing to complete the interview and home check process.

  • All members of the household must be present during the home visit.

  • Be able and willing to spend the time and money necessary to provide medical treatment and proper care for your pet.

Please Understand

  • K-9 Lifesavers will not place dogs on hold or take deposits.

  • K-9 Lifesavers will not pay veterinary costs for dogs once they are adopted.

  • K-9 Lifesavers works hard to make sure dogs are placed in homes which match their energy level, temperament and needs in order to make their new home a forever home. Interest in a specific dog does not guarantee adoption of that specific dog.

What We Provide Our Dogs

  • K-9 Lifesavers provides basic veterinarian care on all our dogs up to the time of adoption. This includes:

    • Age appropriate shots

    • Spay/neuter

Adoption Fees*

  • Puppy (6 months and younger) – $500.00 (this includes spay/neuter at our partner vet at 6 months of age)

  • Young/Adult Dog (7 months to 8 yrs) – $400.00

  • Golden Year Dog (8 years or older) – $300.00

  • Heartworm positive Dog – $450.00 (This includes treatment at one of our partner vets)

K-9 Lifesavers is often asked what is included in our adoption fees. Because we receive no government funding, we rely primarily on adoption fees to support our mission.

Some of our costs are obvious, such as food, leashes, collars, bowls, crates, bedding, and toys. But the adoption fee also covers a number of other services. Because we save “Death Row Dogs”, if an immediate foster is not available, we then pay boarding fees in order to save the dog and transport costs to bring the dog to the local area.

Our dogs receive heartworm tests, DHLPP, and rabies vaccinations. Puppies receive vaccinations appropriate to their age. We also flea-treat and de-worm every dog that comes into our program. Some have also been treated for other medical issues such as heartworm or kennel cough. The adoption fee covers only a portion of our animal care expenses and is less than what you would pay for these veterinary services on your own.

We hope this information is useful in helping potential adopters understand some of the costs that are involved in supporting K-9 Lifesavers Dog Rescue.

Things to Consider Before Adopting:

Do you really want a dog? Are you prepared for the lifestyle and financial impact? Are you up for cleaning up various messes? Do you have time for a dog? Are you willing to make scheduling changes and sacrifices in order to make this new relationship work? Are you willing to take your dog to obedience training? Do you have the time and energy to exercise your new dog appropriately?

What are your future plans? Will you be moving? Are you committed to finding a place that is dog-friendly? Are you getting married or having kids? How will you help keep the dog socialized with other people and kids?

Your new friend is counting on you to meet their needs. Consider the cost of food, toys, routine vaccinations, heartworm disease preventative care and, at a minimum, annual veterinary appointments. Please evaluate if you can make the financial commitment to provide these items on a regular and recurring basis.