Frequently Asked Questions About Listing
How does the adoption process work?
A person who wants to adopt through SPDR fills out an Adoption Application and carefully reviews SPDR's Terms of Adoption. The application and a $5.00, non-refundable processing fee are then mailed to SPDR's post office box. The paperwork will be sent from the post office box to the appropriate breed rep(s).
How does the listing process work?
A person who wants to list a dog for adoption through SPDR fills out a Listing Agreement and mails that form to SPDR's post office box. A $5.00, non-refundable processing fee must be included with the form. If the owner has a good picture of his dog to include, that should be enclosed as well. The listing form will be sent from the post office box to the appropriate breed rep.
What is a breed rep?
A breed representative, or breed rep, is a person experienced with a particular breed. He or she evaluates dogs of that breed for adoptability, screens prospective homes for that breed, and matches adoptable dogs with suitable homes.
How soon can I expect to be contacted by the breed rep?
You will receive a postcard telling you that your paperwork was received. You should be contacted within ten business days after that by a breed rep.
What happens then?
The rep for your breed will ask for more information about your dog. She may want to meet your dog. She will make a decision about whether your dog is adoptable through SPDR. If so, she will refer suitable homes to you from her waiting list of adopters. If she has no homes waiting, she will let you know when she does get a prospective home for your dog. Or she might discuss taking your dog into a foster home until placement. However, SPDR has very few foster homes and this option is not always available. If she feels your dog is not adoptable through SPDR, she will suggest other options to you, depending on why she feels she could not find a home for your particular dog.
Why might my dog not be adoptable through SPDR?
Some dogs are too difficult to place due to advanced age, a medical condition, lack of training or an extreme temperament. Sometimes a breed rep simply has too many dogs available and not enough adoptive homes.
What if I don't like a prospective adopter referred by the breed rep?
You are under no obligation to accept any adopter. In fact, we encourage you to be selective about a new owner for your dog. If you feel an applicant is not right for your dog, notify the breed rep, and she will continue to refer applicants until the right match is found.
If the rep decides my dog is adoptable, does SPDR guarantee a placement?
No. SPDR can in no way guarantee a successful placement. And a successful placement can take time. Expect to work with your breed rep to find the best possible home for your dog.
Is the $5.00 processing fee all I have to pay?
The processing fee helps to cover the immediate costs of handling your paperwork. However, if we are successful in helping place your dog, we request that you make a further donation. SPDR is a registered Washington State charity and a 501© 3 organization; your donations are tax-deductible, and SPDR depends on such donations to continue operating. Our Board members and breed reps are volunteers, and receive no compensation for the time they spend helping you place your dog.
I want to get the money I spent on this dog back from the adopter.
SPDR is a rescue referral agency. People who want money for their dogs must advertise through other means. We do not help people sell dogs. Both adopters and listers are expected to make donations to SPDR after a successful placement is made.
I don't have the time for this. I'm going to take the dog to a shelter instead.
Find out how long the shelter will keep your dog and whether they screen prospective homes. Many shelters hold owner turn-ins only 24-72 hours before euthanizing them. They simply do not have the space to keep the large number of animals surrendered by owners and turned in as strays. If you must take your dog to a shelter, we recommend the Humane Society of Seattle/King County in Bellevue, or PAWS in Lynnwood.
If you have other questions, refer to our brochure or call our message line at 206-654-1117.
We look forward to working with you to find the best possible home for your dog.
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