Adoption Application

Thank you for choosing to adopt! Our number one priority is to ensure the best possible fit for both our prospective families and dogs. Stand out from the crowd and be thorough and thoughtful when filling in the application.

We are a volunteer run organization, so please allow up to 72 business hours to receive a response!

Date (required)

How did you hear about us? (required)
We'd like to thank them!

Name of dog(s) you're interested in (required)

Have you read the dog's adoption profile in full? (required)
We ask that you read the dog's adoption profile in full as the details matter! If you haven't done so yet, please do so prior to applying. Find it at www.fetchandreleash.ca/adoption-info#our-adoptables
YesNo

Now that you have read the adoption profile in detail, why do you feel the dog you’ve chosen is a good match for your lifestyle and level of dog experience? (required)
Think about the dog’s needs as outlined in the adoption profile and what challenges you expect to work though in the early stages. How will you approach those challenges?

Your (legal) name (required)

First Name

Last Name

Your preferred pronouns:

Your age (must be 21+) (required)

Your phone number(required)

Your email (required)

Your address (required)

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

How long have you lived at your current residence? (required)

Your occupation. If you are self-employed, please be specific. (required)

Your Facebook and Instagram handles (required)

Partner / co-applicant's (legal) name

First Name

Last Name

Partner / co-applicant's age

Partner / co-applicant's phone

Partner / co-applicant's email

Partner / co-applicant's occupation. If they are self-employed, please be specific.

Have you or anyone in your household been convicted of a felony or animal cruelty?
YesNo

If yes, please explain.

Are you or anyone in your household prohibited from owning animals? (required)
YesNo

Have you ever bred animals for profit? (required)
YesNo

If yes, please explain.

Have you ever adopted an animal before? (required)
YesNo

If yes, through what shelter/ rescue?

Do you currently have any other applications in progress? (required)
YesNoNo, but I'm actively applying

If yes, at what stage are they?

When would you like to take your new dog home? (required)
Our adoption process takes approximately 1 - 2 weeks from start to finish. If and when your application is approved, you will have 72 hours to pick up your new family member before we move on to the next application. Please note we are unable to hold dogs to accommodate vacation plans.

Do you have any vacations or major life changes (such as moving, growing your family etc.) happening within the next few months? If yes, please explain in detail and tell us how you plan to minimize any transitional stress on your new family member. (required)

HOME LIFE

Are there any other adults in your home? (required)
i.e. caregivers, in-laws, roommates etc.
YesNo

If yes, please provide their first name, last name, age and relationship to you.

Are there children under the age of 18 living in your home? (required)
YesNo

If yes, how many and how old are they?

If there are children in the home, what role will they play in caring for the dog?

Respect is a two-way street! Dogs should never be expected to tolerate children or adults that do not respect their space or have an understanding dog etiquette. Please tell us what rules and boundaries you will put in place for your kids to ensure they understand how to safely and appropriately interact with a dog. *
If there are no children in your home, consider that your dog may interact with kids in the neighbourhood or your extended family.

Do all members of your household agree to adopt? (required)
YesNoNot sure, I haven't asked

Do any members of your household have animal allergies? (required)
YesNoNot sure, I haven't asked

If yes, please elaborate.

Describe the atmosphere / energy of your home. (required)
i.e. busy, hectic, high traffic (frequent visitors), quiet, low energy, minimal traffic etc.

What's your current living arrangement? (required)
Detached houseTown / semi-detached houseCondo / Apartment

Do you rent or own? (required)
RentOwnLive with family

If you rent, please provide your landlord’s first name, last name and contact information.

First Name

Last Name

Landlord's email

Landlord's phone

Do you have a backyard? If so, is it fenced? (required)
Yes, but it's not fencedYes, it's partially fencedYes, it's fully fenced, but not secure (i.e. there are some gaps)Yes, it’s fully and securely fenced (no escape routes)No backyard

If you live in an apartment or condo, do you have a balcony? (required)
YesNoNot applicable

Is your home air conditioned? (required)
Not air conditionedPartially air conditioned (1 or 2 rooms)Fully air conditioned

Do you smoke tobacco or marijuana products inside your home? (required)
YesNo

YOUR EXPECTATIONS
Help us match you with the right dog!

Why have you decided to get a dog? (required)
A dog can live well over 10 years and requires a major commitment of time, finances and emotion. Are you prepared for a significant lifestyle change?

Please indicate your level of experience. (required)
First time dog ownerHad family pets growing upI've been personally responsible for 1 or 2 dogsSeasoned dog owner

In your own words, what makes a responsible pet owner? (required)

Are you prepared for an adjustment period ranging from several weeks to several months? (required)
The move to a new home can be a stressful experience for even the most well-adjusted dog. During this time, it’s not uncommon for a dog to regress or to develop new, unwanted behaviours. Fetch + Releash expects families to invest time and effort into resolving these transitional challenges. What have you done to prepare for bringing your new dog home?

When deciding if a dog is the right fit for you, what factors go into this decision? Please tell us what qualities are most important to you in a dog, and whether you have any limitations. (required)

What size is your ideal dog? (required)
Check all that apply
Small (under 30 lbs)Medium (30-50 lbs)Large (50-80 lbs)XXL (80+ lbs)Doesn't matter. It's all about the fit.

What level of energy does your ideal dog have? (required)
Check all that apply
Low (couch potato)Medium (relaxed indoors after a decent walk)High (go go go!)

On average, how much physical exercise will you provide for your dog each day and what does that look like? Please be realistic. (required)
i.e. 30 min walk, 30 min backyard play time, 20 min dog park etc.

Please describe the types of mental stimulation you will provide daily i.e. tricks training, puzzle toys, games, scent work etc. (required)

What reason(s), if any, would compel you to return a dog? (required)

It’s not unusual for a dog to regress in behavior or develop new unwanted behaviours in the first few weeks or months in a new home. Are you prepared to consult with a qualified animal behaviourist to address any concerns? (required)
Not all trainers are created equally. Please reach out to us for advice on choosing a credentialed behaviourist.
No, I plan to wing it. Can’t be that hard, right?YES! I plan to work with a qualified trainer. I want to ensure we’re set up for life-long success.I plan to leverage my experience as a seasoned dog owner, but I will contact a qualified trainer if needed.No, I am the dog whisperer.

Fetch + Releash believes in modern day, scientifically backed training methods. In your own words, tell us what positive reinforcement means to you. (required)

Are you willing to adopt a dog with special needs? (required)
i.e. medical issues requiring frequent vet visits and/or medication, post-operative care, dogs who are incontinent and require diaper changes, dogs who require a wheelchair etc.
YesNoNot sure

How often do you plan to take your dog to the vet? (required)
Check all that apply
Once a year for their annual wellness check-upAs neededNever – we don’t believe in vaccinating

DAILY ROUTINE

Please provide us with a brief overview of a typical day in your household. (required)

On average, how many hours will your dog spend alone each day? What is the longest stretch of time your dog will be alone without a potty break?

As a policy, we require that dogs receive a mid-day potty break when left home for longer than 8 hours. Based on the professional opinions of vets, a dog should go no more than 8 hours without an opportunity to relieve themselves. Just because he or she CAN hold it, doesn’t mean they should. A dog that is forced to hold its urine for excessive amounts of time is prone to UTIs and other complications. If you are away from home for more than 8 hours during the work day, please tell us your plan to ensure your dog gets a mid day potty break. If you choose to use a dog walker, please share with us your estimated cost per month for a dog walker. (required)

Are you currently working from home due to COVID-19? What will happen if and when you return to work? How will your routine change? (required)

Who will be responsible for feeding and walking the dog? (required)
MeMy partner / co-applicantMy roommateMy kids

Who will be responsible for training the dog? (required)
MeMy partner / co-applicantMy roommateMy kids

Where will your dog be kept when you're at home and when you’re away? Do you plan to crate your dog? (required)

Where will your dog sleep at night? (required)

PETS - PAST AND PRESENT

Do you currently have any pets at home? (required)
YesNo

If yes, please tell us what kind and how many.

Are you current pets spayed/neutered? (required)
YesNo

If no, please explain.

Are you current pets up to date on vaccinations? (required)
YesNoNot sure

If no, please explain.

Have you previously owned a pet that is no longer with you? (required)
YesNo

If yes, what happened to them?

Have you ever rehomed an animal? (required)
YesNo

If yes, please explain.

Thinking back to past and present pets, have you ever had to deal with a serious health or behavioral issue? (required)
YesNo

If yes, please explain the issue and the steps you took to resolve the issue.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Please explain what research you have done on the cost of dog ownership. (required)
Have you drawn up a budget? Do you feel comfortable that you are financially equipped to provide quality care for a dog? * Consider things such as high quality diet, leash, collar, crate, durable toys, treats, pet insurance, grooming, boarding/sitting, dog walking, annual vetting, emergency vetting, winter coat and boots, etc.

Do you plan to purchase pet insurance? (required)
Pet insurance saves lives. Emergency and / or specialized vetting can be extremely cost prohibitive and can add up quickly.
YesNoNot sure, tell me more

If a vet recommended a surgery that could guarantee a better quality of life for your dog, but the surgery was too expensive for you, would you consider putting the dog to sleep? (required)
YesNoNot sure

If yes or not sure, please explain your financial threshold and what factors would go into making this decision. (required)

If for any reason you were no longer able to care for the dog (i.e. debilitating illness or a move to a retirement home), who would care for your dog? Please provide their name, age and relationship to you. (required)

Is there anything else you feel is important for us to know? (required)

PERSONAL REFERENCES

Reference # 1 (required)
Must be 18+ and not an immediate relative or someone who lives in your home.

First Name

Last Name

Email (required)

Phone number(required)

Relationship to you (required)

How long have you known each other? (required)
Less than a year1 - 2 years2 - 3 years5+ years

Reference # 2 (required)
Must be 18+ and not an immediate relative or someone who lives in your home.

First Name

Last Name

Email (required)

Phone number(required)

Relationship to you (required)

How long have you known each other? (required)
Less than a year1 - 2 years2 - 3 years5+ years

Reference # 3 (required)
Must be 18+ and not an immediate relative or someone who lives in your home.

First Name

Last Name

Email (required)

Phone number(required)

Relationship to you (required)

How long have you known each other? (required)
Less than a year1 - 2 years2 - 3 years5+ years

Name of past or present vet clinic
Must provide if you've owned an animal in the last 10 years

Vet clinic phone

APPLICATION TERMS & CONDITIONS

I understand that Fetch + Releash is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to rescuing homeless animals and that any misrepresentation of the above information is just cause for Fetch + Releash to deny my application, and/or reclaim the dog that is in my home.
I understand and agree

I acknowledge that every dog is an individual and that Fetch + Releash cannot guarantee against parasites, diseases and/or behavioural issues. Once adopted, the dog becomes my sole responsibility and I agree that I will not hold Fetch + Releash responsible, nor seek any compensation for damages, medical fees or other liabilities incurred by the dog I adopt.
I understand and agree

I understand that the move to a new home can be a stressful experience for even the most well-adjusted dog. I am prepared for an adjustment period ranging from several weeks to several months. I also understand that is it not unusual for a dog to regress in behavior or develop new unwanted behaviours during the first few weeks of the transition and that I am expected to take FULL OWNERSHIP for consulting with a qualified animal behaviourist in an effort to correct and mitigate the unwanted behaviours.
I understand and agree

I understand that if I choose to return the dog within 2 weeks of adoption, I will receive a refund of my adoption fee less HALF. After two weeks the adoption fee is forfeited to Fetch + Releash. After 4 weeks an owner surrender fee may apply. I hereby acknowledge that acceptance into the surrender program is dependent upon ii) availability of a suitable foster family and ii) completion of a professional assessment the discretion of Fetch + Releash and at my own cost.
I understand and agree

I understand that once my application is approved, I will have 72 hours to complete the paperwork, provide the adoption fee and bring my new family member home. After 72 hours, Fetch + Releash reserves the right to move on to the next application or implement a $30 a day dog sitting fee.
I understand and agree

Before you SUBMIT! Just know that if your email doesn't have Fetch + Releash as a trusted user, our emails may go to JUNK mail! Please add adopt@fetchandreleash.ca to your contact list. Keep an eye on both your regular & junk inboxes as you wouldn't want to miss an email from us! Note: Fetch + Releash is a volunteer based organization. We receive an extremely high volume of email and applications, and although we are doing our best, it is not always possible to respond to every inquiry.I understand