Application: The adoption application is step 1 of the process. Meet and greets will not be scheduled until an application is completed and submitted. We do not operate on a first-come first-served basis, as it is our goal to find the absolute best fit for both our dog and the adoptive family. We can take up to TWO WEEKS to process your application and respond. DO NOT email us asking if a dog is available or if you application was received. If the dog is on Petfinder it is available. If you received a confirmation message after your application then it was received. You will hear from us regarding the status.
Housing Requirements: If you rent, we require a copy of your lease or a letter from your landlord stating you are allowed to have the animal you are interested in. This letter needs to be on your landlord’s letterhead, and with appropriate contact information to verify the pets-allowed policy. If you own a home we will verify ownership via county tax records in your state.
Bring your existing dog(s) if you are adopting another one: We want to make sure your existing pet loves your new friend as much as you do. Meeting on neutral territory will make the selection and introduction process that much easier. If you have cats at home, we will do our best to cat test for you but it is not always possible. Often dogs in a new environment will not display a prey drive towards cats during the first couple of weeks of acclimation; this test is only meant to indicate to us an immediate failure if the dog shows aggression.
All family members and/or roommates must meet the animal: Some small children are allergic to cats or dogs, but their parents are not aware of it yet. Some elderly family members can’t handle the size or activity level of some of our canine guests. Some animals get along perfectly with one person, yet may act aggressive toward another. Bringing everyone who will be a part of the family or the household is critical to the success of the adoption. Please note that we do not adopt animals out to anyone under the age of 21 and ALL family members must attend the meet and greet.
Out of State Adopters: We do adopt to out-of-state residents, however, in-state applicants (Georgia and New Jersey) receive priority. If you live outside Georgia or New Jersey we will do our best to find a rescue partner to conduct a home visit on our behalf. If a home visit cannot be completed, we cannot adopt a dog out to you. You must come to and meet the dog(s) you are interested in adopting and if you want to adopt, you will have to drive your new dog home with you. We do not fly dogs.
Each adoption process will vary due to the needs of the particular animal and background of the applicant. Please be patient, we are working hard to ensure that our dogs are placed in the best home possible.
ADOPTION FEES
We do not give discounts or run “specials” on adoption fees. No exceptions. Owning a dog, or any pet, is a big financial commitment. The adoption fee is just a small example of this. If an applicant cannot afford the adoption fee that is an indication they may not be financially ready to adopt a dog. Additionally, though the adoption fee does not cover our expenses for each dog, it does help recoup some of the cost and helps us keep the rescue running. Adoption fees are NOT refundable
Dogs adopted to Georgia Residents-$325.00
Dogs adopted to all other states
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- Puppies 8 weeks to 6 months-$510.00
- Puppies 6 months to 1 year-$490.00
- Dogs 13 months to 6 years-$475.00
- Dogs 7-9 years-$450.00
- Seniors-$400.00
- Seniors for Seniors pay a reduced fee for our senior dogs.
- Adoption fees are payable via Paypal, Venmo, Cash or Certified Check ONLY.
Puppies are altered prior to adoption, typically at 6-8 weeks of age. However, if for some reason a puppy is unable to undergo surgery prior to adoption, the adoption fee is $510 plus a $150 refundable spay/neuter deposit. Upon receipt of proof of spay/neuter, you will be refunded your $150.00.
Puppies are adopted out with appropriate shots for their age/weight. If puppies are adopted out before all vaccines can be completed, boosters and second shots are required and the responsibility of the adopter.
All dogs will be given their first and if time permits, second DHLPP, bordetella, rabies (IF age appropriate), and will be tested for heartworm (age appropriate), and treated for intestinal parasites prior to adoption. However, please remember that our dogs come from shelters in rural areas. Certain intestinal parasites may not present themselves while the dogs are in our care. Worms are a common problem for dogs, especially young dogs and puppies. They often require multiple dewormings to ensure your dog is worm free. Hounds in Pounds provides 1‐2 (sometimes more) dewormers while the dog is in our care. Many dogs will require a third or fourth dewormer.
Our dogs are also up to date on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention before you take them home. You must continue these monthly treatments as a condition of your adoption. Heartworm and flea preventative after the adoption is not provided to you.
If a medical concern arises we may be able to help. Some conditions are not observed in a foster pet until they transition to a new home. We ask people to contact us at hipinfo2015@gmail.com if anything happens medically so we can offer assistance. We cannot reimburse you for vet bills or guarantee the health of a pet. Please note that most of the animals in our rescue come to us with unknown medical histories. We make every effort to adopt out only healthy animals; however, we cannot guarantee the health of the animal you decide to adopt.
Hounds in Pounds does not conduct DNA tests on the dogs it adopts out. We use information provided by the shelters, veterinarians, and volunteers to give the best estimate to the dog’s breed. As a result, we cannot guarantee the exact breed of any Hounds in Pounds dog. We do our best to inform adopters about the potential dog breeds for each dog.”
The relationship between adopter and Hounds in Pounds Rescue doesn’t end once the paperwork is completed. We consider our adopters to be a part of the HIP “family” and we are available to offer guidance and suggestions, if needed, during the pet’s transition to his or her new home and family. We encourage adopters to be in touch and enjoy receiving updates and photos of our former HIPster pups!