• MS Word version of CAT application. You can download this file, fill it out, and email it to adoptions@saveadog.org or fax it back to us at 978-428-0051.

1. Web-based. Our Web Application is easy to fill out, but some servers will not let you send it because of fire wall issues. If that happens, then please print it out and fax it to us at 978-428-0051.

2. MS Word version of DOG application. You can download this file, fill it out, and email it to adoptions@saveadog.org or fax it back to us at 978-428-0051.

3. Text-based version of the application that you can cut and paste into your email message to us.

1. The first step in the process is to read our guidelines for adopting a dog from Save A Dog. See guidelines below. It is also important to us that you download and read our Important Reading Material for Dog Adopters packet. Additionally, you should read our Holistic Dog Web page http://www.saveadog.org/holistic.asp as we want your rescued dog to have a healthy lifestyle, free from chemicals and pesticides, and to live a long life. Following a holistic protocol will also save you from costly vet bills in the future.
   
   
2. Fill out the Adoption Application form on this Web site. We require an application first before allowing you to visit the dogs and the application process is at no charge to you. Knowing a little bit about you before you come down to meet the dogs saves both you and our adoption counselors considerable time and it benefits our rescued dogs as it gives us the extra time to take care of all their needs while finding them the best homes to live out their years.
   
   
3. Once you have filled out the application, we will review it and if you are a match for any of our dogs, we will send you the next steps. We are not a drop-in shelter where you walk through kennels. We do not have shelter visiting hours, especially since the pandemic as our space is small. We try to make the right match for both the dog and the adopter. If you work full time, for example, we may steer you towards an adult dog who can stay at home during the day or who can get along just along just fine with a dog walker.
   
   
4. The Next Steps document provides instructions on how to have your references email us and request some photos that will help us to make the best match.
   
   We ask that all decision-makers be present when you come to meet the dogs. If you have a resident dog we like you to bring your dog so that the dogs can meet.
   
   
5. Once you have met the dog and both parties agree it is a good match, you need to be ready to take the dog home within 24 hours. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to hold the dog for you to pick up the following day. If you change your mind, it is used as a donation towards the shelter. If you continue with the adoption, the fee is deducted from your total adoption fee.

Geographical Areas We Serve: While we have adopted dogs all over the New England region including the New York border, if we have multiple applicants for a particular puppy or dog, we give first preference to applicants who are in neighboring towns. For puppies especially, we like to adopt to local families as we offer Puppy Kingergarten classes at a discount to our adopters, where all the puppies from the same litter, for example, can attend a class together and play with their siblings. It is an easier transition for the litter mates if they can interact with pups familiar to them and similar in size and age. If you are located out of our service area, say over 25 miles away, and you are open to a variety of dogs, we welcome you to apply. If you see a dog on our web site who has been at the shelter for a while, please know that we are willing to "go the extra mile" and will receive applications from afar.

Crate Training: We require crate training for puppies. No exceptions! For information on crate training basics, go to http://www.saveadog.org/cratetraining.asp.

Working people: Please bear in mind that puppies need lots of socialization so we cannot place them in homes where they will sit alone all day. Even coming home for lunch is not enough for a young puppy. Animal shelters are loaded with dogs who did not get the proper puppy socialization and we do not want to add to the problem. Puppies need time and attention. We like to have your dog walker and/or doggy daycare information on the application or at some point before we call your references. People who can spend the most time with a puppy will be given preference and we will consider those with dogs already in the household as companionship for an older puppy or young dog.

We require a fully fenced in back yard if you have children under 11 years of age. You don't have to break your piggy bank in order to purchase a fence. In fact, there's a fence that we prefer that is very afforadable. It looks like the fencing here: Home Depot - YARDGARD Green Vinyl Coated Welded Wire Fence. Also see critterfence.com. We like this type of fencing because it goes flush to the ground so that dogs can't squeeze under, as they would with a stockade fence, and they can't climb it, as they can with a chain link fence. They can't see over it, so they don't tend to jump over it. 5' high is adequate for the majority of our dogs.

Invisible Fences: Invisible fences are okay in some situations, but they are not our favorite choice of fencing. It depends on the dog and on your location. You cannot put a puppy on invisible fence! We are not keen on the invisible fence if you live in a neighborhood where lots of people walk by as it frustrates any dog who wants to go and greet them. Border Collies and other herding or prey-driven breeds in particular do not do well on invisible fence. The fencing companies don't tell you about power outages and the number of people who have run over their own dog in the driveway on invisible fence. We suggest doing a lot of research before purchasing invisible fence. They are fine for some dogs and some locations, but disastrous for others.

Additional requirements if you live on a busy road: If you live on a busy road, we require a front entry way or breezeway at minimum and a physically fenced in yard. This is for the dog's safety so that the dog doesn't dart out into the street.

We require obedience training for all dogs under 3 years of age. Puppies need Puppy Kindergarten for socialization and for a jump start on obedience training. Then at adolescence and beyond, they need basic obedience. We offer 3 Puppy K classes for our adopted puppies. We offer the class with your puppy's littermates and/or other pups that were fostered with your puppy so that they can socialize with dogs they already know and who will not overpower them. These classes are taught in Sudbury by our volunteer trainers. We want to thank Especially For Pets, for letting us use their training ring. You will receive an email invitation to this class shortly after adopting your puppy. We teach using positive-reinforcement, reward-based methods.

Note to families with children under 5: It is a NOT a good idea to get a puppy or young dog if you have very young children, unless you are very dog experienced. (Here is an article you should read before adopting: Postpone Family Dog Until Kids Are School-Age: Experts)

If you are a "pack rat" or love clutter, you should consider adopting a senior dog who is past the stage of chewing and getting into things.

This may sound like a lot of scrutiny, but we want the safest situation for our rescued friends. We have learned a great deal about which placements work best through trial and error over the past few years. We have placed over 8,000 dogs since our incorporation and have learned a great deal from experience.