A reputable rescue puts the dogs in its care FIRST. a reputable rescue does the following:
1. take only the dogs they can handle in.
2. gets every dog vetted and speutered prior to adopting out, and preferably before they go to a foster home with resident dogs.
3. Does specific screening for forever homes.
4. Does NOT adopt out to rentals or people in college(unstable living conditions)
5. Assesses the temperment of every dog that enters the program, and follows strict guidelines for temperment of the breed of dog they are involved in.
6. Depending on the breed of dog, does NOT do same sex placements of male/male or female/female adoptions.
7. Prefers to adopt to homes with children at least over the age of 7 preferably (not many people can handle a puppy with a child under the age of 7)
8. Does a vet check, 3 reference checks, a 2 hour phone interview, and finally a home visit, where proof of ownership of the home is seen.. There the family/person/couple is grilled again, for at least an hour again on the breed they want to adopt.
9. Takes back any dog they adopted out no matter if the rescue is inactive or not.
10. has a GREAT adoption contract and has few to no returns.
11. Screens the adopters very well.
12. Places all rescue dogs spayed and neutered first, complete vaccinations were given, and the dog is given a clean bill of health from the rescue vet.
13. Tells the new owner to bring the dog to their own vet within 3 days.
14. Most reputable rescues are either 501C3, or working on getting to be nonprofit.. Non profit rescues NEVER make any money on their dogs.. For Profit rescues keep the profits and make money off the dogs..
15. A reputable rescue that takes donations will not split the donations among the members, the rescue will put the donations toward the vet bills incurred or toward a new dog coming into the program..