What you should know before you adopt

We’re so glad you’re considering adoption 💛

Before submitting an application with The Dog Rescue Project, please take a moment to read the information below. It helps ensure our dogs are placed into homes where they can truly thrive — and saves everyone time and heartache along the way.

Adoption is a Commitment

Adopting a rescue dog is a long-term commitment, often 10–15 years. Many of our dogs have experienced change, loss, or trauma, and they need stability, patience, and understanding as they settle into a new home.

We ask that everyone in your household is fully on board before applying.

Our Process Is About the Right Match

Our adoption process isn’t about being “approved” or “rejected” as a person, it’s about finding the right match for each dog.

This means:

• Not every applicant will be the right fit for every dog

• Some applications may be declined or deferred

• We may suggest a different dog (or waiting) if we feel it’s in the dog’s best interest

This can be disappointing, but our responsibility is always to the welfare of the dog.

Be Honest on Your Application

Please answer all questions honestly and thoroughly. There are no “perfect” homes, we’re looking for realistic, safe, and suitable ones.

Being honest helps us:

• Assess you for the right dog for you

• Provide the right support

• Set everyone up for long-term success

Applications with missing or misleading information may be declined.

Rescue Dogs Take Time

Even dogs that seem confident and friendly can struggle during the adjustment period.

Common challenges can include:

• Anxiety or shutdown behaviour

• House training accidents

• Separation stress

• Reactivity to dogs, people, or new environments

Patience, consistency, and training are essential, especially in the first few weeks. The 3,3,3 rule is really important here!

Renting

If you rent, you must have written permission from your landlord to have a dog before applying.

If you plan to move in the near future, please consider whether adoption is the right step right now.

Children & Other Pets

Not all dogs are suited to:

• Homes with young children

• Homes with cats

• Busy, high-energy households

We will be honest about a dog’s known needs and limitations on their online profile, and we expect adopters to respect these boundaries.

Adoption Fees

Our adoption fees help cover veterinary care, desexing, vaccinations, microchipping, food, and ongoing rescue costs.

Adoption fees are non-negotiable and go directly back into saving more dogs.

Foster-Based Rescue = Limited Capacity

We are a foster-based rescue run by volunteers. This means:

• We don’t have a physical shelter

• We can only take in dogs when foster homes are available

• Responses may take time during busy periods

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Post-Adoption Support

We don’t disappear once a dog is adopted. We offer guidance and support during the trial, and we’re here to help if challenges arise.

We have a dog parents Facebook group, and are here to help for the life of the dog.

Still With Us?

If you’ve read this page and feel confident that adoption is the right step for you right now, we’d love to hear from you.

Check out our dogs for adoption HERE

If now isn’t the right time, there are many other ways to support rescue - fostering, volunteering, donating, or simply sharing our dogs.

Thank you for caring 💛