Applying to Adopt a Dog
Through American Cocker Spaniel Rescue
How does the adoption process work?
A person who wants to adopt through American Cocker Spaniel Rescue (ACSR) fills out an Adoption Application and carefully reviews ACSR's Terms of Adoption. Applications are reviewed by our staff; applicants that qualify are then asked for what we call a "home visit". One of our volunteers meets with each applicant and their household members at their home for a short interview. Each applicant gets an opportunity to meet with the dog to see if they like each other. Information about each applicant is then reviewed and an applicant is chosen to adopt a dog. A couple of weeks after a dog is adopted, a volunteer with check with the adopter to see how everything is going and if there are any problems, concerns, questions, etc. We are always available to help however we can, after the adoption is made.
Where do these dogs come from?
The dogs that are available for adoption come from a variety of places. Some have been relinquished by their previous owners due to changes in their living situations, some were in danger of being put to sleep at animal "shelters" and removed from there. They are then placed in a foster home until some one adopts them. While they are in foster care, their temperments are evaluated and notes are kept on each dog which are given to their adoptive family.
How long will I have to wait to adopt a dog?
That depends on how many applicants there are per dog, and how long it takes to arrange for and complete the home visits, etc. We try to expedite the process as quickly as possible, as there are always more dogs in need of rescue and awaiting a foster home. But, at the same time, we don't want to rush and make a poor placement.
What if I don’t like the dog after I get it?
Adopters are under no obligation to accept any dog referred by ACSR. If you feel a dog is not right for you, notify ACSR, they will continue to refer you to likely prospects until the right match is found. We ask that you give the dog a month or two to adjust to it's new home, and that you do not give the dog away, sell it, or take it to the pound if you don't like it. We will find another suitable home for the dog.
Adoption Fees:
The usual adoption fee is in the $150-$250 range. We are all volunteers, and receive no compensation for the time we spend helping you find a dog, transporting or fostering them. The adoption fee merely reimburses us for veterinarian care, spay/neutering, food, medications, vaccinations, grooming, microchipping, etc. spent on each dog.
What do I get for my adoption fee?
Each dog will be spayed or neutered before adoption and have a medical check up. The dog will have a leash and a collar, any remaining food, and belongings they may have such as a bed, blanket, toys, chewies, etc. Any available medical records, and notes kept by the foster family will accompany the dog as well. Oh, yeah -- you also get a loving cocker spaniel!
American Cocker Spaniel Rescue
C/O Terrolynn Guiles
624 191st Street Court East
Spanaway, WA 98387-4602