Adoption Application

ALL FIELDS ARE REQUIRED. THE FORM WILL NOT SUBMIT UNTIL ALL FIELDS ARE FILLED IN.

If any field does not apply to you, please fill it in with “N/A”.

Ready to Adopt?

This section covers general AHDRO requirements for potential adopters and details our process. Once you have finished reading, please accept the adoption terms below.

REQUIRED HOME VISIT: A home visit is a prerequisite for potential adopters. This is NOT a white-glove inspection. AHDRO would like to meet the members of your family as well as your current pets. Should you be outside our immediate area, we may utilize a nearby reputable rescue to conduct the home visit. This valuable step helps to prevent rehoming of adopted pets.

AGE REQUIREMENT: You must be twenty-one years of age. All children in the household must be over the age of 5.

REGION & TRANSPORTATION RESTRICTIONS: AHDRO accepts applications from outside of our geographical area, yet does not ship pets. Potential adopters need to be willing to drive to the foster home, meet their possible match and proceed with an adoption, if so desired.

COMMITMENT PLEDGE: You are committing to your adopted dog for their lifespan which may be ten years or more. Many of the dogs in the program have had a difficult start to their lives. Owning a dog is a financial obligation that requires routine veterinary visits and care, which can be costly. Please take this into consideration before adopting. Our mission is for permanent placement in a loving home. Should circumstances arise where a dog must be returned, please contact AHDRO immediately as our policy is to accept and re-home any of our previously adopted dogs.

UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES AGREEMENT: In the extreme event that you can no longer care for your AHDRO dog, you agree that the dog will be returned to Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio. The dog is not to be surrendered to a shelter or another rescue.

NEIGHBOR CONSIDERATIONS: Collies and shelties can be vocal, although not all are. Please consider your home environment and that of your neighbors when adopting.

CAREGIVERS ONLY: AHDRO does not adopt rescues to be given as gifts. The intent is for the adopter to be the caregiver for the dog they adopt.

LIVING SITUATION: AHDRO dogs shall be indoor companions. Collies and shelties are highly intelligent, social dogs that thrive best living with family members. These dogs come to us for a better life and will not be adopted as outdoor farm dogs or watch dogs.

LANDLORD APPROVAL: Written proof of landlord approval and pet deposit, if required, is necessary if your residence is a rental, condominium or part of a Homeowner’s Association.

EXERCISE PLANS: A fenced-in yard is ideal, although AHDRO understands this is not always possible. Should this not be an option, the adopter must be committed to daily walks and exercise in all kinds of weather. Please keep your adopted pet on a leash and supervised unless in a secure area. Note that a fenced yard may be required based on individual dog's history.

GROOMING: Collies and shelties are a double-coated breed that requires weekly brushing and an occasional bath. Grooming and any associated costs should be considered.

MICROCHIPPING: Even if AHDRO has micro-chipped your dog prior to adoption, provide double protection by also having your dog wear an AHDRO ID Tag and one with your information as well.

VETERNARIAN CHECK: Your veterinarian will be contacted as part of the screening process. Current pets in the household and pets that have passed within the last five years should show that they are/were spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, receive regular heartworm testing, heartworm prevention, and have a consistent history of wellness care. Please provide AHDRO with rationale as to why a pet is un-spayed or un-neutered so due consideration can be made.

CONTRACT TERMS: The AHDRO adoption contract is a legally binding document. By signing, it is agreed that your rescued pet will be provided with proper veterinary care. This care includes a yearly wellness exam, heartworm testing and prevention, routine vaccines, and emergency care if needed. Heartworm disease is potentially fatal, yet easy to prevent. Products that contain Ivermectin should be avoided in collies, shelties, and other herding breeds.

RESCUE DOG: Important to know and share with your Veterinarian…Please realize that the designated ages of our adoptable dogs that are rescued with unknown histories are estimated. Our team of Veterinarians make this estimation based on lenticular changes in the eyes, muscle tone, hair/coat (grey muzzle, thinning), and an oral exam.

TIME FRAME: The adoption process of AHDRO purposefully includes several steps. This helps match you with a dog that is most compatible with your family and lifestyle. Expect to receive confirmation of your application submission within 5 business days. Please do not call until after this timeframe as you paperwork may not have been processed. Please keep in mind we are an all volunteer organization.

AHDRO RIGHTS: Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio reserves the right to deny an application.