Dog Adoption Application
Thank you for considering adoption from City Dogs Rescue! If you would like to meet a dog that you are considering adopting, we REQUIRE you to first fill out an application. We adopt to the Washington, DC metro area to include MD, VA, and DE. You only need to fill out one application and it will apply to any of our dogs.
If you haven't selected a dog yet but would like to get pre-approved, please write "pre-approval" under "dog's name" on the application.
City Dogs Rescue has a thorough adoption process in order to find the best possible fit for each of our dogs (we do not operate under a first-come, first-served model). As an all-volunteer organization, it may take a few weeks before everything is finalized should we find an appropriate match. Please know we do our best to process adoption applications as quickly as possible. This requires checking references, arranging home visits, and coordinating visits with potential dogs. We appreciate your patience in the process!
Adoption Process
Adoption Fees
Unless otherwise noted, CDR charges an adoption fee of $350 for dogs (including puppies). The adoption fee for senior dogs is reduced to $175. This fee typically includes health care provided before adoption: Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations (age appropriate), flea and heartworm prevention prior to adoption, spay/neuter procedure (depending upon the age of the dog -- not included for puppies), SNAP test for parasites, initial health check vet visit when going from the municipal shelter to City Dogs Rescue. We expect all adopters to make their own vet appointment within 3 weeks of adoption.
- Adoption Application: Interested adopters should fill out an adoption application to indicate they are interested in learning more about a dog and setting up a visit. If you do not hear back within 2 weeks, then we didn't find a good match based on your lifestyle or the dog was no longer available.
- Adoption Counselor: Applicants who pass the initial screening process will be assigned an Adoption Counselor, who will contact your references and set up a meeting or adoption.
- Reference Checks: CDR will call references listed on the application. If applicable, CDR will call the applicant’s veterinarian to ensure that previous pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and well cared for.
- Renters/Condo Owners: For renters, CDR will check with an applicant's landlord to ensure that dogs are permitted and that the dog of interest wouldn’t violate any size or breed restrictions. We also review condo association rules regarding pets.
- Meet the Dog: CDR will work the applicant to set up a meeting with the foster and the dog. If you know that you're interested in adopting a specific dog, we can arrange for the adoption to happen the same day of the initial meeting. Most of our dogs are in foster homes in the DC metro area. We will do our best to find a convenient location. Some dogs are located at City Dogs Daycare, but an appointment still needs to be arranged with the adoption counselor in order to meet any dog.
- Home Visit: A CDR volunteer will conduct a home visit. CDR will visit each applicant’s home to see the environment where the dog will live and answer any questions the applicant might have.
- Adoption Contract: If the applicant is approved for adoption, CDR and the prospective adopter will enter into an adoption contract. The applicant will be required to pay an adoption fee which helps to cover our costs from spay/neutering (age appropriate), microchipping (when available), vaccinations, and any other veterinary attention needed while in our care.
Adoption Fees
Unless otherwise noted, CDR charges an adoption fee of $350 for dogs (including puppies). The adoption fee for senior dogs is reduced to $175. This fee typically includes health care provided before adoption: Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations (age appropriate), flea and heartworm prevention prior to adoption, spay/neuter procedure (depending upon the age of the dog -- not included for puppies), SNAP test for parasites, initial health check vet visit when going from the municipal shelter to City Dogs Rescue. We expect all adopters to make their own vet appointment within 3 weeks of adoption.
