Adopt
ADOPTING A RESCUE DOG
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GENERAL POLICIES
Our ultimate goal is to match every dog with a permanent loving home through a careful adoption process. We want every adoption to be successful so that our rescued dogs will not have to be moved around again, to experience even one more minute of hunger, discomfort, loneliness or pain. We realize that it is extremely hard on a rescued dog if their new adoptive family rejects them after only a few days or weeks. We are acting on their behalf and we take this responsibility very seriously.
Our “welcome home” policy ensures that our dogs are always welcome to come back to us at any point in their lifetime in the unlikely event of an adopter not being able to keep the dog.
We do not adopt out dogs on a first-come-first-serve basis, but rather work to make the best possible match between the needs of the dog and the lifestyle of the applicant. We do not adopt dogs out as Christmas presents and all Boston Terriers adopted through our program are spayed or neutered.
Although we are pleased to answer specific questions about our rescued dogs, we cannot proceed until we have your application in hand.
Please note that we do not ship our dogs but applicants can apply for dogs outside their province provided they arrange pickup.
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BEFORE YOU APPLY
We ask that you carefully read the general information about our adoption policies below, (including home visit requirements and adoption fees, and also that you be sure you meet the specific requirements for the Boston you are interested in adopting).
Puppies are rarely available through rescue. Most rescued dogs range in age from young adult to senior, but all have a lifetime of love to give in return for welcoming them into your family.
All Boston Terriers adopted through our program are spayed or neutered. Rescue is not a place to find a mate for your Boston. Don’t even ask! Irresponsible breeding is why many dogs find themselves in our program in the first place.
If it is important to you that your Boston is an ideal representative of the breed standard, perfectly marked and of a specific size, or if you really must have a dog of a certain age or gender, a rescued dog is probably not for you. Rescued Bostons aren’t ordered to meet your exact requirements. You bring a rescued dog into your heart and home because you want to share your life with a Boston that needs you.
Please be prepared to work with your rescued dog through the adjustment period that follows adoption. The move to their new home will be at least the second move in a relatively short period of time and some stress and confusion is natural.
Housebreaking mistakes may occur until the dog is used to the new routine. They may be cautious at first and it may take a little while for them to be interested in food or play. Many rescued dogs have been through a lot – abandoned, neglected, or even abused. In order for them to adjust to your home and family they need your time, love and patience.
If you can’t commit 100% to your new companion, please don’t adopt.
It is extremely hard on a rescued dog if their new adoptive family rejects them after only a few days or weeks.
There is no perfect dog, just like there is no perfect human. A dog is a lifetime commitment and requires attention, love, patience, and training. It is your responsibility to ensure that you put enough effort and time into your dog to have the companion you want. There is no such thing as a pre-trained, non-barking, 100% house-trained, gentle and perfect dog that loves all people, children, and other pets. Each dog is an individual and comes with their own unique traits and behaviours.
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ASSESSMENT OF THE DOG
Our rescued dogs are assessed during the time they are in their foster home. During the foster period, we conduct a thorough evaluation of behaviour, personality, and health. Each dog has a full veterinary assessment, and is updated on all vaccinations, heartworm and fecal tested, microchipped, spayed or neutered if necessary, and provided with any additional medical care required.
Once BTRC determines that a dog is ready to find their forever home, we begin the adoption process. The first step is accepting applications from potential adopters. We are looking for a good match between the dog and the adopter by assessing compatibility with lifestyle and family makeup.
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DOGS & KIDS
It is our usual policy not to adopt dogs with unknown histories to a home with young children under 6 years of age. We do this for the safety of the children in the home as many of the dogs that come into our rescue organization come from unknown or even abusive pasts, making them unpredictable around youngsters. Not every dog is right for children, and not every child is right for a Boston Terrier.
A dog can be a child’s best friend and the Boston Terrier breed is no exception. Properly socialized and trained, the Boston makes a safe, reliable and fun-loving companion. Nonetheless, dogs are animals, and in some unfortunate circumstances dogs can and do bite. As we value the safety of your child and of our rescued dogs, we feel this policy is in everyone’s best interests.
In the instance that a dog comes with a positive proven history around children, or has lived happily with children in their foster home, we will place them in a family with dog-savvy children.
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APPLICATION PROCESS
- Adoptable dogs are posted to the BTRC website and shared on social media.
- Applicants must fill out an adoption application for the specific dog they are interested in.
- We do allow out-of-province adoptions but do not ship our dogs. The successful adopter must be able to travel to meet and bring home their new companion.
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The Placement Team reviews all the applications carefully to select those that best fit the needs of each dog.
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Selected applicants undergo a screening process which involves a family interview and home visit. These may be conducted virtually or in person. Both are mandatory for any adoption to proceed as it allows us to “visit” with potential adopters and assess if the desired dog will fit the family’s lifestyle.
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Personal and vet references will be contacted.
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The Placement Team selects the home they feel is the best match for the dog.
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Please understand that not being selected for a particular dog is not a reflection on your suitability as a home. We receive many great applications and there is only one dog to place!
Important Note: We do not keep applications on file. If you apply for one dog and are not selected and another becomes available that is a good fit we encourage you to apply again for that specific dog
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FINALIZING YOUR ADOPTION
The adoptive family chosen completes an Adoption Contract and pays the designated adoption fee.
Standard Adoption Fees:
Puppy (Under 1 year) – $650
Young adult (1-4 yrs) – $600
Adult (5-9 yrs) – $550
Senior (10+ yrs) – $450The adoption fee is not a sale price, but rather a financial contribution to help offset the cost to get each dog ready for adoption. On average, we spend at least 4 times the adoption fee for veterinary and other expenses while the dog is in foster care. Our only payment is seeing a happy dog and a happy family.
All dogs have received all veterinary care they require before being placed in the adoptive home. A full medical history will always be disclosed and veterinary records given to the adoptive family.
The adopted dog’s microchip contact information is transferred to the adoptive family, leaving BTRC on as an emergency contact.
A free 6-week trial period of pet insurance with Petsecure is included with each newly adopted dog. The adopter has the option to continue after the intial trial period ends.
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ADOPT ME!
Find all dogs presently available for adoption HERE.