From Intake To Adoption
Adoption 🐾
At HOMEWARD BOUND Large Breed Rescue, every dog’s journey is guided by compassion, safety, and a commitment to finding the right forever home — not just the fastest one. Below is an overview of what happens from the moment a dog enters our care through adoption and beyond.
1. Intake: When a Dog Comes Into Our Care 🏥
Dogs may come to us from shelters, owner surrenders, cruelty/neglect cases, strays, or emergency placements. Each intake decision is carefully evaluated based on:
Immediate safety and welfare of the dog
Available foster homes and resources
Medical and behavioral needs
Ability to responsibly support the dog long-term
Initial Intake Steps
Once a dog is accepted into the rescue, the following steps take place:
Physical intake assessment (visual exam, weight, condition)
Quarantine/decompression period as needed
Veterinary care, which may include:
Vaccinations
Heartworm testing
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Deworming and parasite treatment
Spay/neuter (when age and health appropriate)
Treatment for illness or injury
Microchipping (if not already microchipped)
Every dog is placed into a foster home whenever possible. We are a foster-based rescue, which allows dogs to live in a home environment rather than a kennel.
2. Decompression, Evaluation & Rehabilitation 🧠
Many dogs entering rescue have experienced stress, instability, or trauma. We prioritize allowing dogs time to decompress before making assumptions about their personality or behavior.
Decompression Period
Dogs are given time to rest, adjust, and feel safe
Expectations are kept low during this phase
We follow the 3-3-3 Rule (3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months) to understand adjustment timelines
Ongoing Evaluation
During foster care, we assess:
Temperament and personality
Energy level and exercise needs
Interaction with people, children, dogs, and other animals
Training level and learning style
Behavioral strengths and areas needing support
If needed, dogs may receive:
Basic obedience training
Behavioral modification plans
Professional trainer or veterinary behavioral support
This process helps us truly understand each dog so we can match them appropriately.
3. Preparing for Adoption 🐕
A dog is considered adoption-ready once they:
Are medically cleared or have a disclosed medical plan
Have completed spay/neuter (unless medically deferred)
Are stable in a home environment
Have a clear adoption profile outlining their needs
At this stage we:
Create an adoption bio based on real-life foster observations
Take updated photos and videos
Clearly disclose known medical or behavioral needs
Begin actively accepting adoption applications
4. Adoption Application Process 📝
Our adoption process is designed to ensure long-term success for both the dog and the adopter.
Step 1: Application
Interested adopters complete an Adoption Application, which helps us understand:
Household members and lifestyle
Experience with dogs (especially large or special-needs breeds)
Other pets in the home
Work schedule and daily routine
Plans for training, exercise, and veterinary care
Expectations and boundaries
Submitting an application does not guarantee adoption.
5. How We Choose Adopters ❤️
We do not operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Instead, we choose the adopter who is the best fit for that specific dog.
Selection is based on:
Compatibility between the dog’s needs and the adopter’s lifestyle
Experience level and willingness to learn
Safety considerations (environment, fencing, supervision)
Commitment to lifelong care
Understanding of the dog’s known needs and limitations
Adoption Requirements
All potential adopters must meet the following requirements before approval:
Pass a veterinary reference check
Provide a recommendation from a current or recent veterinarian
**Current pets must be:
Spayed or neutered (unless medically exempt with veterinary documentation)
Up to date on vaccinations
On year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Pass a phone interview with a rescue representative
Pass personal and/or professional reference checks
Complete and pass a virtual or in-person home visit
Some dogs may have additional placement requirements based on their individual needs.
Our goal is placement success, not speed.
6. Meet & Greet 🤝
Approved applicants may be invited to:
A virtual or in-person meet and greet
Interactions with resident dogs (when applicable)
A conversation with the foster to discuss daily routines and needs
This step ensures comfort on both sides before moving forward.
7. Adoption Approval & Contract 📄
Once approved:
An adoption contract is signed
Adoption fee is collected (fees help cover medical care and future rescues)
The adopter receives:
Veterinary records
Training and transition guidance
Decompression and adjustment resources
Dogs are adopted as indoor companion animals and may not be rehomed, transferred, or surrendered elsewhere without contacting the rescue.
8. Post-Adoption Support 🛟
Adoption is not the end of our relationship — it’s the beginning.
We provide:
Post-adoption guidance and check-ins
Support for adjustment or training concerns
A safety net if unforeseen circumstances arise
If at any point an adoption is not successful, the dog must be returned to the rescue.
Our Promise 🐶
Every decision we make centers on:
The dog’s physical and emotional well-being
Responsible, ethical rescue practices
Long-term success over quick placement
Thank you for choosing adoption and for supporting rescue dogs on their journey from intake to forever home.