Adoption Process

Are you looking for a Forever Dog? Suitability is important to us, which is why we go to great lengths to find our dogs’ the perfect match. When reviewing an application, we take into consideration all aspects of the applicant’s lifestyle to best ensure that your new dog is A Forever Dog.

All dogs at Valley Dog Rescue of Texas are rescue dogs. We make sure that all dogs are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered before an adoption is finalized. If you are interested in adopting one of our dogs, please fill out the ADOPTION APPLICATION.

In order to qualify to adopt a VDR animal you must:

What to expect during the adoption process:

APPLICATION

Applying is the first step in our adoption process. Once an application has been submitted, our adoption coordinator will contact you within 24-48 hours. This conversation will allow you to ask any questions you may have and help us gather information about you to find the right match. (If you don’t receive a phone call within 48 hours or have questions, please e-mail vdroftexas.applications@gmail.com)

HOME VISIT

When VDR takes on the commitment of a dog, it’s a huge responsibility. Finding the right fit for a forever home is part of that responsibility. The home visit is intended to support the adoptive family and to ensure that this will be the right match. Be open with me; ask me whatever questions you want. I’m here to make sure that everyone is happy, and that you and your new dog live happily ever after!

MEET & GREET

Allows for an introduction between the dog and potential adopter and/or their pets. This interaction allows both parties to assess if they are the right fit for each other based on behavior, personality, and lifestyle. You will also be able to determine if “Jack” is right for you and it is a good time to ask questions about personality, behaviors, training, and health.

FINALIZE ADOPTION & TAKE YOUR NEW PET HOME

All VDR animals must have a signed contract before leaving for their new home. This contract will give you important information about our adoption policy as well as information about your pet.

What your adoption fee covers:

Our adoption fee includes:

Age-appropriate vetting is also included:

*Puppies that are deemed unqualified for alteration due to size or age will require a mandatory spay/neuter appointment designated and scheduled by VDR.

**VDR reserves the right to alter adoption fees based on age, special needs, or individual circumstances.

Thank you for considering adoption!

Are you ready to find your new best friend?
Browse our ADOPTABLE DOGS and read on to learn more about our adoption philosophy.

Adoption Tips

Caring for a companion animal goes far beyond providing food, water and shelter. It takes research and careful planning to bring the right pet into your home, and to make sure your lifestyle is the right one for your pet. Read on for tips to prepare yourself, as well as your home, for a new furry friend.

Are You Ready to Adopt?

Which Pet is Right for You? Your personality and lifestyle, along with challenges such as space restrictions and amount of time spent at home, should be explored to determine what pet is right for your household. Research different breeds and ask the VDR adoptions Team for guidance.

If You're Considering Adopting a Dog:

Loyal and loving, dogs are social animals who thrive on being upstanding members of their families.
It is a good idea to draw up a schedule of who in the family will help with the care of your new dog, including walking, playing, feeding and grooming.
Socialization is the key to a happy and confident dog.
Basic manners can also help adult dogs brush up on their skills or new learn ones.

Questions for All Adopters:

Do you have any other pets and how will they react to a new pet?
Is your current residence suited to the pet you're considering?
How will your social life or work obligations affect your ability to care for a pet?
Do you have a plan for your new pet during vacations and/or work travel?
How do the people you live with feel about having a pet in the house?
Are you (or anyone living in your home) allergic to pet hair?
Do you or any of your household/family members have health issues that may be affected by a pet?
What breed of dog is the best fit with your current lifestyle?
Is there tension in the home? Pets quickly pick up on stress in the home, and it can exacerbate their health and behavior problems.
Is there an adult in the family who has agreed to be responsible for the pet's care?

Other Considerations:

What do you expect your pet to contribute to your life? For example, do you want a running and hiking buddy, or is your idea of exercise watching it on TV?
If you are thinking of adopting a young animal, do you have the time and patience to work with the pet through its adolescence, taking house-breaking, chewing and energy-level into account?
Have you considered your lifestyle carefully and determined whether a younger or older animal would be a better match for you?
Can you train and handle a pet with behavior issues or are you looking for an easy-going friend?
Do you need a pet who will be reliable with children or one you can take with you when you travel?
Do you want a pet who follows you all around the house or would you prefer a less clingy, more independent character?

Time Considerations:

Pets need to be fed two to three times a day, more often in the case of puppies, and need a constant supply of fresh water.
A responsible pet parent should spend at least one hour per day giving direct attention to his or her pet. This may include training, exercising, grooming, and playing or, with cats, may just be lap time on the couch. Dogs need to be taken out to potty several times a day.
A pet with an abundance of energy needs more time to exercise and interactive toys to keep them entertained.
Pets with long coats may need 20 minutes a day of grooming to prevent matting.
Pets with certain medical conditions may require additional time and attention.
Remember that adopted pets may need additional bonding and reassurance time in the early weeks.

Preparing Your Home for a New Dog:

Whether it's tightly sealing your garbage cans or paying attention to decorations during the holidays, you'll need to make your home safe before adopting. That includes keeping toxic foods, pet-unfriendly plants and dangerous household items out of paw's reach. Here are some suggestions for preparing your home to welcome a new canine companion.
Have a cozy bed for your pet. Pets are much more likely to keep off furniture if they have attractive alternatives of their own.
Hide or conceal electrical cords as they may be an attractive thing for your new pet to chew on.
It may be a good idea to roll up and store decorative rugs until your new dog is fully house-trained.
Use dog crates and gates to confine your new dog when home alone until his house manners earn him unsupervised freedom.
Provide plenty of “their” things for your dog to chew. If they have attractive toys and bones of their own, they will be much less likely to gnaw on your things!
Check to make sure that plants in and around your home are not poisonous to pets.
Consistency and Attention.
Animals need consistent expressions, rules, and results to learn what is expected of them. They want to please and it boosts their morale to know that they have completed your command. They need to be treated fairly to know that their owner is trustworthy. By nature, many animals are born with happy and outgoing dispositions. Abuse can change this into fear, nervousness, and aggressive and unpredictable behavior. Pets adopted from shelters may need additional care and guidance to begin to trust people again. Your love and consistency can help to give your pet a new life.

Adopt a Dog