Little Buddies Refuge Guinea Pig Adoption Application

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Before filling out this form, please confirm you acknowledge the following by checking all the boxes:* This field is required.
We take this all very seriously. Please understand that the guinea pig's well-being is our top priority, and we are by no means "first come, first serve" and have a right to deny your application for any reason.
This form takes around 30 minutes to complete on average, please set aside time to thoroughly respond and complete this application to be considered for adoption! We appreciate your time and consideration :-)
We love and cherish all of the guinea pigs in our rescue, and will do all that it takes to place them in their perfect, forever homes. Many of our piggies have suffered neglect and gone through several homes before coming to us, and now rely on us solely for the love and care they need. That being said, we are more than willing to wait to find that perfect, *forever* home for them. We hope that could be you!
Every question, prompt, and step in our adoption process has been specifically curated based on previous unsatisfactory experiences with adopters, reasons for which guinea pigs have been surrendered to us, and most importantly, with the guinea pigs' best interest in mind. Please understand that there is nothing more that we want than for the guinea pigs' to be in the best hands and cared for for the rest of their lives, and our thorough process is in place to ensure that.
You must be aware of and acknowledge the financial, emotional, physical, and time commitment it takes to adopt and care for guinea pigs for the rest of their lives. They are just as big of a commitment as any other pet. You must possess and prove you have the knowledge of proper, up to date guinea pig care and be open to receiving constructive feedback on your application as needed. We encourage learning and having an open mind. We *all* want the best for the guinea pigs.
You *MUST* be over 21 years old to adopt guinea pigs from us, and we do not adopt out guinea pigs to be "presents" for others or for children. If you are filling out this form, YOU are to be the sole caretaker. We happily adopt to families who agree that the adult(s) (21+) in the home will be the primary caretakers and are not expecting the children to fully care for them, only aid in their care under supervision.
You will need to have your ID on hand and be willing to provide personal information such as name, phone number, email, and home address. Once again, this is all in place to verify the validity of your application to ensure the best outcome for our adoptable piggies.
You *MUST* be willing and able to drive to our location in Chestnut Hill, PA pending an approved adoption application as well as have a reliable means of transportation and minimum of TWO suitable guinea pig carriers (a bin or cardboard box is NOT appropriate or acceptable).
You *MUST* have plans in place for inevitable circumstances (which we often receive as reasons for surrendering, thus we want to avoid them as much as possible) such as: landlord issues/moving/relocating, new family member (ex. a new baby or pet), allergies, travel, financial (ex. emergency vet visits, regular expenses like hay, veggies, etc)
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Once more, please check all the boxes to confirm you acknowledge and agree to the following:* This field is required.
I have researched, prepared, and am ready for guinea pig adoption
I currently have a reliable means of transportation (ex. my own car) for the adoption, annual and as-needed vet visits, and in case of emergencies
I am willing to drive to your private location in Chestnut Hill, PA 19118 once approved for adoption to pick up the piggies
I will house the guinea pigs indoors 24/7 and will not allow them outdoors unsupervised/unenclosed
I plan to adopt and keep a guinea pig pair or trio and understand that guinea pigs can become depressed without a same-sex buddy
I understand that there is the potential to develop allergies and have plans in place in that circumstance (or if I already do have allergies)
I understand that the minimum cage *BASE LEVEL* size requirements are 10.5 sqft for a pair of guinea pigs and that second or third levels DO NOT add space and thus the MAIN LEVEL *MUST* be 10.5 sqft or more, and bigger is always better in regards to cage size
I understand that guinea pigs *REQUIRE* veterinary care just as any other pet and need to be seen by an *EXOTICS* veterinarian specialized in guinea pig care, and that in the case of an emergency, it is more than ideal to have a 24/7 emergency exotics veterinary hospital within reasonable driving distance
I understand that Little Buddies Refuge does NOT adopt out unneutered male guinea pigs to live with more than 1 other male guinea pig or female guinea pigs whatsoever. Successful male trios are hard to come by, and most end with 3 single males who have to be housed separately permanently. If you have a pair or trio of males that get along, do not mess with that by adding any more. You are already lucky they get along, it is not worth the risk!
Ideal pairings are: 2 or more females or a pair of males. If we have a single piggy up for adoption, unless stated otherwise, they are to be paired with another piggy prior to adoption. We host bondings for approved adopters which involves you (ideally without any children as bonding can be dramatic at times!) bringing your piggy/piggies to meet the potential buddy/buddies and depending on if it works out or not, you may be able to adopt that day! Otherwise, we can always figure something else out.
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Are you over 21 years old and can confirm this with valid ID proof?* This field is required.
YesNo (please exit this form)
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Please provide your first and last name.* This field is required.You will be required to submit an ID for valid identification. If you go by a different name than what is on your ID, please write your legal name here and let us know the name you currently go by in the next prompt. We are no-judgement and only require this step to confirm your identity.
First Name
Last Name
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If the name you go by is different than what is on your ID, please let us know here. If this does not apply to you, please write "X".* This field is required.
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What pronouns do you use?* This field is required.We are an inclusive space and want all to feel welcome. If you are somehow offended by this question, promptly exit this form.
She/her
He/him
They/them
Any pronouns
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Please provide your preferred email address.* This field is required.We will utilize this as the primary method of contacting you regarding your application!
example@example.com
Confirm Email
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Please provide your current home address.* This field is required.This *must* match the address on your ID. We will utilize this to ensure the information thus provided has been correct and not misleading or false.
Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State
Zip Code
United States
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Country
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Do you own or rent?* This field is required.
I ownI rent
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If you rent, do you agree to submit verification of being permitted to own guinea pigs? If you do not rent, please also click "Yes".* This field is required.We have this extra step in place to ensure potential adopters and their prospective guinea pigs are not put in a situation where they may be evicted or may have to re-home the guinea pigs right away.
Yes (or I do not rent)No
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Please provide your preferred cell phone number.* This field is required.We may utilize this number to contact you if you do not respond to our email within 1 week post-submission.
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Please provide your date of birth.* This field is required.This *must* match the birth date on your ID.
Month
Day
Year
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Please take a well-lit photo of your ID and submit here.* This field is required.We will utilize this to match your information to your ID to ensure the integrity of your application. Thank you!
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Where did you hear about us?* This field is required.
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Why are you interested in adopting from us?* This field is required.We appreciate you for choosing #AdoptDontShop!
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Have you ever re-homed a pet?* This field is required.
YesNo
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Have you ever surrendered a pet?* This field is required.
YesNo
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If you answered "Yes" to either of the past two prompts, please elaborate below. If you answered "No" to both, please write "X".* This field is required.
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Have you ever *intentionally* bred guinea pigs or other animals?* This field is required.
YesNo
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Have you ever *accidentally* bred guinea pigs or other animals?* This field is required.
YesNo
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If you answered "Yes" to either of the past two prompts, please elaborate below. If you answered "No" to both, please write "X".* This field is required.
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Please provide the name and phone number of the Exotics Veterinary Hospital you plan to use for the piggies.* This field is required.
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Please provide the name and phone number of the *EMERGENCY, OPEN 24/7* Exotics Veterinary Hospital you plan to use for the piggies.* This field is required.
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Who will be the guinea pigs' main caretaker(s)? Please check all that apply.* This field is required.
Myself
My partner
My family (or family members)
My roommate(s)
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Who will be involved in housing, feeding, and caring for the guinea pig(s)? Please check all that apply.* This field is required.
Myself
My partner
My family (or family members)
My roommate(s)
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Who will be responsible for the guinea pigs' general expenses such as fresh food, housing, etc. (other than vet expenses)? Please check all that apply.* This field is required.
Myself
My partner
My family (or family members)
My roommate(s)
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Who will be responsible for paying for the guinea pigs' vet expenses? Please check all that apply.* This field is required.
Myself
My partner
My family (or family members)
My roommate(s)
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Do *YOU* have any *known allergies* to hay OR guinea pigs?* This field is required.
Yes, I have allergies, but I take medication
No, I do not have allergies
I am not sure if I have allergies
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Does *ANYONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD* have any *known allergies* to hay OR guinea pigs?* This field is required.
Yes, they do, but they take medication
No, they do not have allergies
I am not sure if they have allergies
I live alone
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What would your plan be if you or other household members developed allergies to hay or guinea pigs? If you or your other household members already take medication for allergies or other precautions, please write "X".* This field is required.
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Do you plan to move within the next 5-8 years?* This field is required.
YesNo
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What would be your plan with the guinea pigs if you had to relocate or decided to move? Please detail your course of action.* This field is required.
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What are your plans for the guinea pigs when you travel?* This field is required.
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If a fight were to break out between guinea pigs, what would be your course of action?* This field is required.
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Which of the following would be acceptable reasons in your mind for you to return or rehome guinea pigs? Please check all that apply.* This field is required.
Moving
New pet/pets
New baby
Allergies
Disagreements in the household
Divorce/family split
Not enough time for them
Kids not taking care of them
Financial instability
Guinea pigs fighting/not getting along
Landlord permission issues
None of the above
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Do you have any firsthand experience in taking care of guinea pigs?* This field is required.
YesNo
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Do you currently own a guinea pig or guinea pigs?* This field is required.
YesNo
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If you currently own guinea pigs, please tell us their name(s), sex(es), age(s), where they were aquired (pet store, a friend, etc.) and personality. If you do not currently own guinea pigs, please just write "X".* This field is required.
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Are you looking to add to your herd or find a friend or two for your current guinea pig(s)?* This field is required.
I am looking to find a friend or two for my current guinea pig
I am looking to add to my herd
I do not currently have other guinea pigs and am hoping to adopt a pair or trio
I do have other guinea pigs but the guinea pig(s) I am looking to adopt would live separately
Other (you can elaborate on the next prompt)
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Please describe what type of guinea pigs you are looking to adopt (sex, age, personality, etc.) If you have already checked out our adoptables and have a piggy or two in mind, you may write their name(s). If you own other guinea pigs, please specify whether you are hoping to bond them/have them live together.* This field is required.
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Do you currently have pets *other than guinea pigs* or plan to in the near future?* This field is required.
Yes, I currently have pets other than guinea pigs or have plans to get them in the near future
No, I do not currently have pets other than guinea pigs and do not plan to get any in the near future
I do currently have pets other than guinea pigs but am not sure about my future plans for getting other pets
Other
42
Additionally, do you foster any animals (or plan to)?* This field is required.Thank you for being a foster parent! Fostering saves lives <3
Yes (I do now or I plan to)No (I don't and I don't plan to)
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What type(s) of pets do you currently have or foster? Please check all that apply.* This field is required.
Dog(s) and/or cat(s)
Reptile(s)
Rabbit(s)
Ferret(s)
Other Rodent(s)
I do not have other pets
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If you have other pets (or plan on getting any) would they be in contact with/be left in the same room unattended/unsupervised with the guinea pig(s)?* This field is required.
YesNo
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If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please elaborate. If you do not have other pets or you chose "No", just write "X"* This field is required.
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Do you have young children (under 13 years old) or teens (14-18) that live with you or kids that visit often?* This field is required.
YesNo
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If you have young children (under 13 years old) or teens (14-18) that live with you or kids that visit often, would you ever feel comfortable leaving them unsupervised with the guinea pigs? If this does not apply to you, please write "X".* This field is required.
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Where do you plan to house the guinea pigs/set up their cage?* This field is required.
A common area like a living room, kitchen, or dining room
A private area like a bedroom, office, or guest room
Other
49
What is the brand and full name of the cage that will house the guinea pig(s) you intend to adopt? If you do not know the brand and name or the cage is custom made, please indicate that. If you do not have a cage yet/have not purchased one and would like recommendations, please indicate that. Please note that photo and video proof of setup will be required.* This field is required.Ex. "5x2 C&C Cage from Kavee Cages"
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What are the measurements of the cage that will house the guinea pig(s) you intend to adopt? L x W in feet or inches AND/OR square footage is preferred. If you do not know, please indicate that. If you do not have one or have not purchased one yet, please just write "X"* This field is required.Ex. "The cage is 56" L x 27" W and is 10.5 sqft"
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What type of bedding will you be using in the cage that will house the guinea pig(s) you intend to adopt? Please include the brand and name of the bedding.* This field is required.
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What types of hides and accessories will be in the cage that will house the guinea pig(s) you intend to adopt?* This field is required.
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Do you plan on using a water bottle or water bowl?* This field is required.
Water bottle
Water bowl
Other
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How many water bottles and/or bowls do you plan on using for the single piggy, pair or trio you wish to adopt?* This field is required.Ex. "I plan on using 2 water bottles for three guinea pigs"
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Please insert at minimum 2 photos of your current CAGE SETUP. If you do not currently have a cage set up, please attach photos of what you plan to buy.* This field is required.
Drag and drop files here
Select files to upload
Max. file size: 10.6MB
Cancelof
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How often do you plan on cleaning their cage/how often do you clean their cage if you currently have guinea pigs? * This field is required.
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Do you have any plans to let the guinea pigs free-roam/have access to or roam around your house or apartment? If so, please elaborate on how that would be done, how often, what safety measures would be taken, etc. If not, please just write "X".* This field is required.
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What are your plans for getting their nails trimmed and how often?* This field is required.
59
If you plan on adopting one or more long-haired guinea pigs, what are your plans for grooming them? How often, bath/blow dry, etc. Please be as specific as possible. If you do not plan to adopt a long-haired guinea pig/guinea pigs, please write "X".* This field is required.
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How often do you plan on bringing them to the vet?* This field is required.
61
Do you believe in bathing guinea pigs?* This field is required.
YesNo
62
If you were to give a guinea pig a bath or otherwise "clean" them, how would you go about it and what products would you use? How often? If you believe guinea pigs should not be bathed/don't plan on bathing your guinea pigs, please just write "X".* This field is required.
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If you plan on or are open to adopting male guinea pig/a male guinea pig, have you considered that they may need "boar cleaning"? What would be your plans for that?* This field is required.
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Which of the following is an indication of a medical emergency for a guinea pig? Please check ALL that apply.* This field is required.
Not acting like their "normal" self
Sleepiness/lethargy
Not eating/drinking/defecating
Limping
Eye squinting/eye crust
Sneezing/coughing
Respiratory sounds: wheezing/"crackly" breathing
Weight loss
Difficulty/straining defecating
Blood in urine
Discharge on vulva/penis/anus
Very soft poops or diarrhea
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What would you do/what would be your plan in the case of a medical emergency with your guinea pig(s)? Please detail your course of action.* This field is required.
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Which of the following are UNSAFE/INADVISABLE for guinea pigs? Please check ALL that apply.* This field is required.
Honey
Seeds
Putting vitamins in their water
Scented bedding
Full body costumes, harnesses and leashes
Large quantities of veggies, herbs and fruits
Hamster/exercise balls
Adding a third (or more) male to an already bonded male pair
Candles/air fresheners/strongly scented products
Yogurt drops
67
Do guinea pigs enjoy or require "play dates" where they are allowed to interact supervised or unsupervised with a piggy/piggies they are NOT bonded to/live with?* This field is required.
YesNo
68
Is it SAFE OR ADVISABLE to allow male and female guinea pigs that are NOT neutered/spayed to interact (whether it is supervised or unsupervised)?* This field is required.
YesNo
69
Is it SAFE to allow guinea pigs to interact with other pets (ex. dog, cat, bearded dragon, hamster) whether supervised or unsupervised?* This field is required.
YesNo
70
Is it SAFE to house guinea pigs with rabbits?* This field is required.
YesNo
71
Please describe the ideal guinea pig diet. What do you plan to feed the guinea pigs or feed your current guinea pig(s)?* This field is required.Please add as much detail as possible.
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What is the part of a guinea pig's diet that should be available in *large quantities* and *easily accessible* at ALL times (besides fresh, clean water)?* This field is required.
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What is the most CRUCIAL aspect of a guinea pig's diet? * This field is required.Hint: they are unable to produce this on their own. The answer is *NOT* hay (but that IS very important, too!)
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About what percent of a guinea pig's diet does HAY make up for?* This field is required.
80%
15%
5%
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About what percent of a guinea pig's diet do VEGGIES make up for?* This field is required.
80%
15%
5%
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About what percent of a guinea pig's diet do PELLETS & TREATS make up for?* This field is required.
80%
15%
5%
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What TYPE of hay do you plan on offering? Ex. Timothy hay, orchard grass* This field is required.Please be specific!
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*HOW* do you plan on offering hay? Will you be using a hay feeder, hay tray, or another method? Please describe in as much detail as possible, including brand and product name if applicable!* This field is required.
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How OFTEN do you plan on feeding VEGGIES?* This field is required.
Once a day
Twice a day
Three times a day
Other
80
How much of a serving of veggies is recommended in TOTAL for TWO guinea pigs PER DAY?* This field is required.There is a right answer to this question.
1 cup
2 cups
3 cups
They can have unlimited veggies
Other
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Please list a few of the veggies (& herbs, fruit) you plan to feed the guinea pigs below and HOW OFTEN each one will be offered. * This field is required.
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What is the MOST efficient way to ensure guinea pigs are getting enough Vitamin C?* This field is required.There is a right answer to this question.
Put liquid vitamin C drops on their veggies
Put liquid vitamin C in their water
Offer high vitamin C veggies daily
Give them Oxbow vitamin C tablets
All of these are good options
Other
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How do YOU plan to ensure they get their daily vitamin C?* This field is required.
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What pellets (often referred to as guinea pig "food") do you plan on feeding the guinea pigs? Please list the brand and product name. Please do not just write the brand. * This field is required.
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How much of a serving of pellets in TOTAL should TWO guinea pigs be offered PER DAY?* This field is required.There is a right answer to this question.
1/2 cup
1 cup
2 cups
Guinea pigs can have unlimited pellets
86
Do you plan on giving them artificial treats (anything other than fruit, ex. Oxbow Vitamin C tablets)? If so, be specific and please list the brand and product name(s). If you do not know, or would like recommendations, please indicate that.* This field is required.
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Do you plan to supplement their water with vitamins?* This field is required.
Yes
No
Only if a vet recommends it
Other
88
Is there anything else you'd like to let us know? Please write in the text box below. * This field is required.Thank you so much for taking the time to fill out our adoption application and we look forward to working with you! Plan to hear back from us within 1-3 days, after that, please shoot us another email: littlebuddiesrefuge@gmail.com :-)
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