APPLICATION/ADOPTION PROCESS FAQs

If you are a prior adopter, and would like to read our post adoption FAQs, those are on this page after this section.

​

Q: I don’t live in Wisconsin. Will you adopt to me?

A: We primarily adopt to residents in Wisconsin and Illinois. We will consider other states on a case by case basis. If you are are outside Wisconsin or Illinois, and interested in learning more please email us PRIOR to filling out the application. Unless approved by us in advance, any applications not from Wisconsin or Illinois will be automatically cancelled.

​

Q: What is your application process?

A: It starts when you fill out an adoption application on our website. Our application coordinator will review, and let you know if she has any questions or needs any additional information. If you have current pets, or have had other pets recently, she will call your veterinarian’s office for a reference check. If you rent, she will call your landlord to verify that it is ok for you to adopt a dog, and to see if you have any breed or size restrictions. Once your application is complete and approved, you will receive an approval email with an application number.  You can find our application under the main adopt tab.  

​

​

Q: How long does the application process take?

A: We know that once someone has made the decision to add a new family member, they want to get the ball rolling right away. We try to process applications as quickly as we’re able. On occasion, waiting for a vet’s office or landlord to return our call can hold things up. We’ve turned applications around in as little as 24 hours, and we have had some that took over a week. Most take 3-4 days typically, however it could take up to 2 weeks. 

​

Q: My application was approved! Now what?

A: Congratulations! If there was a specific dog on your application, we’ll let you know 1) if that dog is still available and 2) if based on your application and home environment, that dog is a possible match for you. If so, the foster will get in contact with you to schedule a meeting. If the meeting goes well, the adoption can usually be completed immediately after.

If the dog you originally listed isn’t a good fit, we may make other suggestions, or you can let us know what other dogs have caught your interest.

If you need help finding that perfect match, that’s ok, too! Let us know if you are looking for a specific type of dog, and we’ll do our best to keep an eye out and notify you when a possible match becomes available. Continue to watch our website and Facebook page for upcoming pups, and let us know when someone catches your eye. Your approved application is good for 6 months, so there’s no rush finding the perfect addition to your family!

​

Q: How do you decide what breeds to list on your dogs’ bios?

A: More often than not, it’s an “educated guess”. With adult dogs, estimating the breed mix is a little easier than with puppies, but it’s still fairly subjective. When breeds mix, the variations can be astonishing. While DNA tests are becoming more detailed and accessible, unfortunately, they are neither time nor cost effective for us to do on the dogs we bring in.

Some organizations have walked away from using breed identifications all together, unless they have documented proof that a dog is a specific breed (a pure breed Lab that was surrendered with papers, for example). We use PetFinder.com for our available dog listings and bios, and their website requires a breed or breed mix be listed, so we don’t have that option at this time.

​

Q: What will happen at the meeting with my potential dog?

A: You’ll get to meet the dog who will hopefully be your new family member! Everyone who lives in the home should be present at this meeting. We want the entire family on board. If you have a resident dog (or dogs) they should be at this meeting as well. We have had people bring other pets also – we insist on the dogs meeting in advance, but other pets (cats, rabbits, etc) are up to you. The foster will introduce the dog to you, and answer any questions you have. We will facilitate introducing the dog to your dog (if applicable). There is no time limit on a meeting (within reason, of course) and we want to make sure everyone is comfortable.

If the meeting happens at our adoption center, and everything goes well, the adoption can be completed right away, and you can take the dog home that day. All adoptions are completed at our adoption center, so if you and the foster agreed to have the meeting elsewhere, a second appointment to fill out paperwork will be required.

​

Q: What should I bring to the meeting?

A: Since the meeting is scheduled with the ultimate goal of you adopting the dog, be prepared to complete the adoption and take the dog home from the meeting. You should bring:

* The entire family!         * Any resident dog(s)         * Martingale Collar         * Leash

*Crate for the car (if that is how you choose to transport your dog)         * Adoption fee

​

Q: What forms of payment do you take for the adoption fee?

A: Cash, personal check, cashier’s check, PayPal or credit card.

​

Q: What does the adoption fee cover?

A: Every dog we adopt out is up to date (as is age appropriate) on distemper combo vaccine, and bordatella vaccine. We run a fecal float on every dog we are able. All dogs are given a 5 day course of broad spectrum dewormer. Each dog over 6 months old is heartworm tested and given preventative. They are all microchipped. If they are over 4 months old, they have gotten a rabies vaccine, and spayed or neutered. Pups under that age are sent home with a certificate to have the procedure, as well as the rabies vaccine, done at one of our partner vets (at our expense) once they are old enough.

Per state law, every dog we bring into the state of Wisconsin must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) that is less than 30 calendar days old. They must also have a valid CVI on the date of their adoption.

Our adoption fees help us cover the costs of this care and the certificates, as well as transportation costs, overhead (our adoption center, office supplies, food, toys, etc) and medical bills for any injuries or illnesses we need to provide treatment for.

​

Q: I really want to adopt Sparky, but I won’t be ready to bring a dog into my home for a month. Will you hold him for me?

A: No, we do not hold dogs. If we held Sparky for a month for you, that is holding up a foster home that could be saving another dog from death row. And if in that month you change your mind about Sparky, he may have missed out on another potential home.

​

We know that many adopters have beautiful plans for their dogs that they adopt. Some of our alumni have mastered their sniffing skills and have become part of search and rescue groups, and we have an alumni that is the #1 All American Dog in the country and #5 All Breed Rally dog in the country!  Although we have a lot of amazing dogs that become Lucky Mutts, we can never guarantee their abilities.  We want our dogs set up for successful, happy adoptions, without expectations that they may not be capable of.  In order to ensure our dogs are being adopted for the right reasons and will live happy lives with their families, we do not adopt dogs out with intentions to be outdoor working farm dogs, ESA animals, or service animals.  

​