HDR Adoption Application

Happy Dog Rescue Adoption Application
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Article: How adopting a senior dog changed my life

Article: The Hypoallergenic Dog Myth

Adopter Resource Library

Dog Status
Current pets in your home*
You must be 21 or older and not living with your parents to submit an application. If you're under 21 or still live with your parents in their home, please have your parents submit the app with you.

We do not, under any circumstances, adopt to cities or to Long Island. Please do not submit our application if you live in a city with a population of over 30,000. We do not respond to these applications, so ignoring our restriction will not get you into consideration for adoption. HOWEVER, if you live more on the outer edge of the city where it's a suburban-type environment with green grass and trees, feel free to apply. Our dogs do not well in concrete jungles. Thanks for understanding.

Our dogs come from rural areas and do not do well in densely populated cities. (As an example, Easton PA has a population of around 26,000 vs Philadelphia with almost 1.6 million residents.) We do adopt to Easton if it's a suitable match but we will not adopt to Philadelphia. NYC/5 boros, fuggetaboutit. Not going to happen.

Completing this application does not commit you to adopting a dog, nor does it commit us to adopting a dog to you. It is merely a tool we use to help both you and us in assessing a possible match.

Preference is given to adopters with a securely fenced yard (vertical fencing, not invisible fencing).

Dogs are fostered near zip code 18330. Check your distance to this location before applying. You drive to us to adopt after the screening process is complete.

Our process is:
- Application reviewed as a potential match
- Vet reference (notify your vet we'll be calling)
- Video chat so you can see the dog here in foster and we can do your home visit (Google Duo app)
- Meet-n-greet to see if it's a love connection.
I'm filling out the application because I want to*

adopt Goober
What character/personality traits are most important to you in the dog you adopt? *
What date would you be able to drive to the Poconos (zip code 18330) to meet this dog?*

MonthDayYear
Date
If you currently have any dogs, does your dog(s) have any food/toy/fear aggression issues with humans or other dogs? Explain.*
My current dog(s) know these commands

I don't currently have any dogsMy dog(s) don't know any commandsSitComeDownStayHeelOff (put your 4 paws on the floor)Leave It (drop what's in your mouth or don't touch/chase what you're looking at)
Vet Name*
Please call your vet and give permission to release information to us.
Vet Phone Number*
Please call your vet and notify them we'll be calling for a reference. It helps to speed up the application screening process if your vet already has permission to release information to us.
Adopter's Name*
First & Last Name
Co-Adopter's Name
First & Last Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip
Please make sure you have typed your email address correctly. You'd be surprised by how many people don't! We can't reach you if there's a typo in your email addess.
Adopter's Email (Used to respond to your application.)*
Re-Type Adopter's Email*
Co-Adopter's Email
Adopter Cell Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Co-Adopter Cell Phone Number (if only 1 adopter, just repeat your number here)*

Area CodePhone Number
Phone Type*

CellHomeWork
Ages of all resident adults in your home including yourself.*
Ages of all resident minors in your home.*
Do you have any special needs human residents in the home such as physical limitations, autistic, etc that we would need to be aware of to help assess the match?*

AutisticBlindDeafFrail senior citizenWheelchairNone of the above
What's your Facebook link so we can keep in touch?
Have you read the entire bio for this dog? If so, please list the dog's needs below.*
Other than breed or size, why this dog? What made you want to apply for this one? If you are just interested in getting on our advance notice list, in this box type ADVANCE NOTICE APP.*
How many hours a day will your adopted dog be home without any humans present?*
HDR's Adoption Area and Your Role in the Adoption Meeting:*

We are located in northeastern PA. You drive to us to meet/adopt. Check your distance to zip code 18330 using Google maps. You must bring your current dogs and resident family members for the adoption meeting. If you decide to return a dog to us, you agree to drive the dog back to our foster home in the Poconos.
We do virtual home visits with every adopter using the Google Duo app. This is a video chat app for your phone or tablet. We can see you and your home/yard. You can see the dog and how it behaves in foster with us. You can ask questions about the dog during this phone interview. This helps us both decide if the dog might be a fit and if it's worth your time to drive to us to meet and potentially adopt that dog. Adopters seem to really appreciate being able to see the dog in foster with us and our dogs so they can get an idea of what the dog will be like once it's settled into their home for a few weeks.
Coming off of the year of hell we all went through, are you still employed / still receiving an income of some sort or have savings to live off of?

Yes, in good shapeYes, but struggling to make ends meetCurrently unemployed or furloughedRetired
Annual Household Income*

Under $30,000$30,000-$50,000$50,000-$70,000$70,001 or higher
Most of the dogs we get are not housebroken. Are you willing to work on housebreaking?*

YesNo
Are you willing to use crate training if it is recommended for this dog?*

YesNo
Check off what you've taught to a dog and/or all that applies to you:

SitDownComeStayLeave ItWalk well on leashHeelOff leash recallAgilityAchieved Good Canine Citizen statusI have never taught obedience to my dogsI have never had a dog in the pastI have retrained a dog who was food aggressive with humans and is no longerI have retrained a dog who was food aggressive with dogs and is no longerI have learned to manage a dog with aggression issuesI have learned how not to set up a dog to failI have desensitized a dog to items they were afraid of such as nail clippers, scissors, grooming clippersI have worked with a trainer who was employed by a pet storeI have worked with a trainer who has their own businessRepetition is important when training a dogPositive reinforcement is important when training a dogI use positive motivation training methodsI use clicker training methodsI use dominance training methodsYou have to show the dog who's boss, sometimes by forceI don't really want to have to be bothered training a dog
If you do not have a vet reference due to being a first time adopter, please describe what you feel is appropriate annual vetting and preventive care for a dog. If you have listed a vet above, leave this blank.
Please help us determine where our marketing is working best. Where did you see this dog's listing?*

AdoptAPetPetfinderRescueMeFacebookMeWeFAPS Animal Rescue/Transport group on FacebookDogs Available for Adoption in Eastern PA & NJ group on Facebook
What drew your attention to this dog?
Please check all that apply to you and your family. This helps us determine if the dog's personality is a good match.*

I'm looking for an emotional support dogI'm looking for a cuddly lapdogI'm a senior and need a suitable match to my lifestyle and energy level.I'm into fitness and looking for a dog that will enjoy keeping up with me.I tend to be high strung and nervous.I'm a worrierI get stressed very easilyMy life is very hecticI work long hoursI'm cautious around new dogsI want a dog to be young enough so that it outlives me and I don't have to see it die of old age.I like to run right up to new dogs and hug/kiss themI'm into obedience training Cesar Milan styleI've given up a dog in the past due to lack of mannersI'm into obedience training Victoria Stillwell styleIn the past I've trained a dog and the dog attained Canine Good Citizen statusIn the past I've trained a dog and the dog attained Certified Therapy Dog statusI greet dogs by letting them observe and sniff me before I attempt to make physical contactI prefer dogs that are issueless and very adaptable to new situationsI teach my children not to touch a strange dog without first talking to the owner and asking is your dog friendly and can I pet it?I've never had a dog beforeI've given up a dog in the past due to lack of trainingIf a dog is afraid of me, I will move closer into their space to try to hug and reaasure themI'm ok with dogs that may not be comfortable in every situationI like the hard luck case type of dog. I want to make their world better.I'm used to managing a pack of dogs.I've only ever had one dog at a time.When dogs wrestle and growl it makes me nervous.I think when a dog barks it's being aggressive.I think dogs bark for multiple reasons, which may or may not mean aggression.I think dogs mostly bark to communicate.A dog that barks frequently would be a problem where I live.I want a young puppy.I want a young adult dog.I want a dog that's old enough that it's past puppy behaviors and chewing issues.I want a dog that's middle-aged and settled.I specifically want to give a senior dog a retirement home.I want a dog that enjoys riding in vehicles.
Personal Reference 1 (Name, Email Address, Relationship to you)
Personal Reference 2 (Name, Email Address, Relationship to you)
If you are 70 or older, is there someone in your family who would take your dog in should something happen and you become unable to care for a dog? If so, please provide their name, address, phone, and email address. Please discuss this with them before providing their information to us.
Name: 
Address: 
City St Zip: 
Email: 
Phone:
Are your current pets altered (spayed/neutered)?*

YesNoNo current pets
If you answered no above, why are they not altered?
How often does your dog see the vet and for what reasons? (check all that apply)*

Once a year without failEvery couple of yearsWhenever there's an illness or injuryWe do annual heartworm/lyme testingWe do annual fecal testingWe vaccinate annuallyWe vaccinate every 3 yearsWe titer annuallyWe vaccinate less than every 3 years for non-rabies vaccinesWe vaccinate for rabies every 3 yearsWe vaccinate for lymeWe do not vaccinate for lymeWe only regularly vaccinate for rabies as required by law, no other regular vaccines given
What do you use for flea/tick preventative?*

NexgardK9 Advantix IIBravectoSeresto
What do you use for flea/tick preventative?*
Are you in contact with any other rescues or shelters about a specific dog?*

Yes, application is pendingYes, but I am looking to adopt two dogs.Yes, but they have not respondedYes, we are approved to adopt from another rescueYes, but just an email inquiry. No app yet.No, but I am looking at several dogs onlineNo, I am only interested in this particular dogI'm really not sure what dog I want.Haven't fallen "in love" with any particular dog's bio yet.I may be applying to other organizations.I'm kind of just putting out feelers right now.If you have another suitable applicant for this dog, go ahead and work with them first to see if it's a match.Oh please, oh please, consider me! I really love this dog's bio and temperament.I'm not going to adopt elsewhere unless you tell me this dog has definitely been adopted by someone.
Are you going to meet another dog?*

YesNo
Is anyone in your home allergic to dogs?*

YesNo
Does anyone in your home fear dogs?*

YesNo
Does anyone in your home smoke?*

YesNo
How much effort are you willing to put into helping this dog adapt to your home/family/lifestyle? Please check all that apply to you. Use the "Other" choice to add anything else you think we need to know to help ensure a good match.*

None, I want an easy/perfect dog.Some but not much. Dog should settle in within a week and be issueless.I understand that dogs have emotions and issues just like people, that each dog is different and will have different training and emotional needs.I always take my newly-adopted dogs to a trainer.My trainer follows Cesar Milan style of training.My trainer follows Victoria Stillwell style of training.I can handle basic obedience, but not anything out of the ordinary.I've dealt with shyness issues in a prior dog.I've dealt with resource guarding issues in a prior dog.Dog absolutely must be 100% housebroken and never have an accident in my home.I can handle a few housebreaking accidents initially but if it goes beyond a week, I'd want to return the dog.Housebreaking from scratch is not a problem.We use the newspaper swat/rub dog's nose in it for housebreaking training.We use dominance training. If a dog challenges us, we will pin it down to the floor.We crate train.Crate training is cruel, we won't do that.We're seriously into training and want to teach/bond with our dog through modern/advanced training methods.We use a choke or prong collar for leash training.We use clicker training.We use treat training.
Which trainer's methods do you prefer?*

Victoria StillwellCesar MilanI am not familiar with either trainer's methods.
Dog trainers teach*

My dogMe
What is your level of dog training experience?*

I've never taken classes with a trainer.I've taken classes but it's been a long time since.I've taken classes within the last 2 years.I plan to attend my first class within weeks of adopting a dog.I am a certified dog trainer.I've trained a dog in obedience AND agility
How soon would you introduce your newly-adopted dog to other dogs outside your home?*
How soon would you introduce your newly-adopted dog to people other than the residents of your home?*
Are you familiar with dog regulations in your area?*

YesNo
If you answered no to the question above, please contact your town/county/condo assoc and ask them what the regulations are.
If yes, please describe local dog regulations and restrictions:
I/We live in a*

Single Family HomeDuplex/TwinCondo/TownhomeTrailerApartmentFull time RVer/camper/van life
Do you rent or own this property?*

RentOwn
If you rent and you have to move for some reason, what happens to this dog if you can't find a place that allows dogs?*
If you rent, you must show us a written letter from your landlord or a copy of the section of your lease stating that you are allowed to have dogs and showing any limitations.

If you live in a condo or townhome, you must show us written proof that you are allowed to have a dog there and show any restrictions.

Please send this documentation to hdrescue2@gmail.com
Do you have a yard?*

Yard, fenced with a vertical fenceYard, fenced with invisible fencingYard, no fenceNo yard (apartment/condo/townhome)
If fenced, fence height is:

2' high3' high4' high5' high6' highUnderground wire/invisible fencing
Approximate dimensions of your lot:*
Do you work outside the home?*

YesNoOne applicant is home/works from home
If you both work outside the home, how many hours per day are you away?*
How many hours per day will this dog be alone? Explain*
Do you use a dog sitter or doggie daycare if you are gone for more than 8 hours a day?*

YesNo
Have you discussed this adoption with all members of your household?*

YesNoYes, adults have discussed. Kids don't know yet.
We will be speaking to all household residents to confirm everyone is aware of this application process and wants to have a dog added to the family. Please do not submit this application if you are "trying to talk someone into" adopting this dog or think "once they meet the dog, they will want one" or "I'm getting this dog as a birthday present for them." In those scenarios, you are welcome to email us to discuss the dog, but we would like all adults in the home to be involved in that email discussion.
Fantasy question: What would your dream dog be like? (If this dog is not a fit, we may be able to recommend another based on what you say here.)*
How much do you feel you can reasonably afford and would be willing to spend on your dog per year (for things like veterinary care, licensing, ID tag, food, toys, crate, other supplies, training, pet sitting, etc)? *
How much are you willing to spend on training classes in the first year?*
I want a dog that:

Is already housebroken.Is already leash trained.Is old enough that it's past the puppy/chewing stages.Does not need to be crated when I am home.That I can train myself. I don't mind housebreaking or doing obedience training myself.That really needs a good home, regardless of what issues it may have (health/training needs).Is already crate trained.That needs a lot of exercise.That doesn't need a lot of exercise.That will travel with me often.That I can take to work and it will be well behaved.That I can take camping.That needs work on socialization and training. I love rehabbing dogs with issues.That I can train as a therapy dog.That matches my furniture or carpet.That doesn't make nose prints on the window.Will happily tolerate my young children climbing all over it, hugging and kissing.That rides well in the car without being nervous or getting carsick.Never shedsHas low maintenance/grooming needsNever barksNever growls
If you have children under the age of 10, check all that apply and list their ages in the last row*

We do not have children under the age of 10 living hereWe have children under the age of 10 visiting frequently but not living here full timeWe only occasionally have children under the age of 10 visiting usThis will be my children's first petMy children have not been around dogs regularlyMy children have been around other family members dogsMy children have been around large dogsMy children have lived with large dogsMy children have been around small dogsMy children have lived with small dogsMy children want a dog to sleep in bed with themMy children think hugging and kissing a dog is great funMy children like to pull a dog around by the collarMy children will encourage our new dog to jump up on them for attentionMy children are generally gentle and quietMy children are generally gentle but somewhat noisyMy children are really not gentle with dogs so need a tolerant dogMy children are pretty loud and rough so we need a dog that won't be scared of that kind of behaviorI do not allow my children to climb on dogsI do not allow my children to pull a dog's ears or tailI do not allow my children to hug dogs.I do not allow my children to kiss a dog on the face or head.We do not plan to do any training, so we need a dog that is already trained.We do not plan to do any housebreaking, so need a dog that is already housebroken.One of my children has been bitten by a dog in the pastOne of my children is afraid of large dogsOne of my children is afraid of small dogsMy children have attended classes with a dog trainer in the pastWe are going to attend classes with a dog trainer as a family so everyone learns the same way to train
What activity level do you prefer?

Wild and crazy is coolLeash trained daily jogging partner would be excellentMedium energy, plays a bit then hangs out with youLow energy, walks slowly on leash, a total couch potato
Please check all that apply. I want to adopt this dog...*

As a family petTo breed with my dogTo train/use for huntingTo train/use for agilityTo train/use as a therapy dogTo train/use as an assistance dog for the disabledTo use as a guard dogFor a jogging/hiking partnerTo interact with lots of friends/familyAs a gift for a friendAs a companion for my dog(s)As a companion for my cat(s)As a companion for my child/children
Please check all that apply. My adopted dog will...

Be kept outside most of the timeBe kept indoors most of the timeBe left outside during the work day while we are awayBe kept inside while we are awayBe crated when we are not homeHave free reign of the house when we are not homeBe taken to formal obedience classesBe trained by me/usTake frequent car rides with usBe kept on a lead line/cable in the yardBe mostly interacting with adultsBe interacting frequently with children under 8Be interacting frequently with older childrenMust be housebroken prior to adoptionWill be housetrained by usWe be walked more than one mile per day every dayWill be walked occasionallyBe attending formal group obedience classes with usBe trained by us without the advice of a trainerHave private sessions with a trainer as neededBe attending agility classesBe taking frequent car rides/trips with usBe boarded when we go on vacationStay with family when we go on vacationBe returned to Happy Dog Rescue if we can't keep itBe given away to someone else if we feel it's not a good match for usBe turned in to a shelter if we can't keep itBe going camping with usBe going on boat trips with us
Please take time to think, be honest with yourself and us when answering this question. What are you absolutely NOT willing to deal with at the time of adoption or at any time during the life of the dog?*

Obedience trainingAgility trainingHousebreakingChewingJumpingCrate TrainingPulling on leash during walksCounter surfingObedience trainingFear of menFear of womenFear of childrenMouthiness (may sometimes snag your hand or arm instead of the toy in play and will need redirection/training)GrowlingBarkingRough play with my dogLeash trainingHigh activity levelFood/toy aggression/not willing to share with other dogsFood/toy aggression with peopleWhining/cryingObedience TrainingCounter surfingBlindnessLimited SightDeafnessSeparation Anxiety (gets upset when left alone)DiabetesSpecial DietLong Term MedicationIncontinence / Leaking UrineTaking classes with the dogGets stressed/carsick when riding in vehicleDoesn't know how to climb stairsCan't climb stairs due to age/arthritis/health issuesHeart conditionSkin allergiesFood allergiesTrimming nailsYeast on coat or in earsEar mitesFleasTicksHeartworm preventativeAnnual heartworm/lyme combo testingI will do whatever it takes to help this dog adjust and work with a trainer to help resolve any training needs.
What would cause you to return a dog?*
What do you feel is a reasonable amount of time for a dog to adjust to life with you/your family and why?*
What would you do if at any time during the life of the dog your vet diagnosed an expensive health condition?*
Do you plan to get pet health insurance?*

YesNoI wasn't aware this was available.
What brand of dog food do you plan to feed?*
Grooming (please check all that apply)*

We use a professional groomerWe trim dog nails ourselves at homeWe bathe our dogs at home once a weekWe bathe our dogs at home once a monthWe bathe our dogs at home once every few months or whenever their coat feels dirtyWe bathe our dog twice a yearWe don't bathe our dogWe check ears weekly for infection/yeast/mitesWe check coat daily for ticks in spring/summer/fallWe clean teeth using home methodsWe take our dogs to the vet for dentals whenever the vet recommends this is neededPrefer a dog that doesn't shedDon't care about shedding
How long have you been looking for a dog?*
Do you plan to take formal obedience classes?*

YesNo
Do you have any additional comments, questions or concerns? Anything else you would like us to know to help match you up to a dog?*
Applicant Agreement

Please read before signing!

If you have any current pets, please contact your vet and advise them that Happy Dog Rescue will be calling for a vet reference. We will need to know if your current pet(s) are altered and up to date on their vaccinations. We will also need to know how frequently you take your animals in to the vet for an examination. Veterinarians will not release this information without your permission. Please email us after you have made this call so that we know your vet will release the information to us. Your vet may require written permission from you prior to releasing this information.

By signing below, you are giving permission for Happy Dog Rescue to use the information on this application to contact your references and veterinarian and you give permission for your veterinarian to release your pets' medical records to our rescue. You also agree to a home visit as part of the adoption process.

By signing below, you certify that you have read, understood, agree with, and will comply with, the Happy Dog Rescue adoption policies. You further certify that the information you have provided on this form is true, correct, and complete. You understand and agree that falsification of any of the above information or any information disclosed during the review process is grounds to disqualify your adoption application and nullify all adoption(s) and/or adoption agreements between you and Happy Dog Rescue. By checking the box below, you certify that this is your electronic signature guaranteeing that everything you say on this application is true. You further agree that your electronic signature is binding on this adoption application. You understand that completing this application does not guarantee you will get this dog or any dog through our rescue. Please check the box below and fill in your name(s) to indicate that you have read, understand, and agree to all of the above.
Please put me on your advance notice list. Applicants on this list receive advance notice via email of new arrivals before they are posted on adoption sites to the general public.*

YesNo, I'm only interested in this dog.
Adoption fee (check any that apply to you)*

Goober $350 + tax
Adoption fees are payable in cash with bills no larger than $20.

We occasionally get questions about a senior discount. What we have done is discount the adoption fee based on the age of the dog. Since most seniors want a dog that's more settled, that automatically gives you a discount should you choose to apply for an older dog. This also gives the general public of any age an automatic discount when they apply for more mature dogs. More mature dogs are often overlooked in shelters.

The rest of the adoption process is a vet reference (please notify your vet we'll be calling), a home visit and meet-n-greet/in-person discussion about the dog and your family. If you rent, we also need written proof from your landlord that you are allowed to have dogs and listing any restrictions. Please check your email regularly after submitting this form as we communicate primarily via email.
Please read the above, check this box, sign, and click Submit.*

I/We have read and understand all of the above.
Applicant's Signature*
Co-Applicant's Signature
Today's Date*
After you submit this form, it will take you to our resource page for adopters. Spend some time reading there, lots of useful information we have gathered over the years.

Feel free to email us with any questions: HDRescue2@gmail.com (Renters please send landlord verification to this address.)
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