Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

I'm curious about the adoption process, how lon git takes, how it all works, the questions they ask your references, etc.

Any info would be helpful.

Thanks,
Jenn

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

I adopted a dog a long time ago, which I ended up having to give away because we moved.

THe process didn't take long at all, I think they interviewed us and told us we had to return to have to dog spayed. They also ask for a donation, and I think they suggested $40 or so.

They also tell you that they will come to your home randomly to check that the dog is not being left outside.

Good luck with your adoption!!

ETA
By the way, this will get moved to Pets, so when you can't find it on NFR, look there.

Message edited 8/10/2007 10:07:44 AM.

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

I did! It was a long time ago. The best dog I've ever had!

I remember they check that your home situation is one that allows dogs.

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

You might want to check the Pets board as well

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

I've adopted a few dogs from them. After you pick out your dog/cat, you have to fill out some forms. They ask about your home; whether or not you live in an apartment or a private house; if you have a fenced-in backyard and how high is the fence. They want to know if anyone will be home with the animal during the day (I think this applies mostly to dogs). They want to know if you have any other dogs/cats, what kind and what vet you use or would use. I don't remember if they ask about income. As for references, they will ask for at least two not related to you and for their addresses and phone numbers. They will, also, ask for a donation. They itemize how much it costs for the care the dog/cat has received and it is up to you what you give. Some people give nothing, but, most give something. After you finish the paperwork, they send you to a waiting room while they check your references. The last time I adopted, they called my references, but, neither one of them was home. I was still given the dog. I have seen people rejected based on where they live and how the animal would be cared for. I, really, think they look YOU over and much of the determination is based on that.

The dogs I have adopted from there have been great. Never a health problem and the last one was spayed there. I would adopt from them again. I hope you find the furbaby of your dreams.

Forgot to add that they reserve the right to randomly check on the animal. They, also, sent a questionnaire in the mail to see how everything was working out.

Message edited 8/10/2007 10:20:08 AM.

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

We adopted our puppy (lab/shepard mix) from North shore in June. We'd go there again in a heartbeat- the process was quick and easy. The only heartbreaking part is seeing all the cats and dogs still there waiting for a home.

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

Posted by Maathy317

I've adopted a few dogs from them. After you pick out your dog/cat, you have to fill out some forms. They ask about your home; whether or not you live in an apartment or a private house; if you have a fenced-in backyard and how high is the fence. They want to know if anyone will be home with the animal during the day (I think this applies mostly to dogs). They want to know if you have any other dogs/cats, what kind and what vet you use or would use. I don't remember if they ask about income. As for references, they will ask for at least two not related to you and for their addresses and phone numbers. They will, also, ask for a donation. They itemize how much it costs for the care the dog/cat has received and it is up to you what you give. Some people give nothing, but, most give something. After you finish the paperwork, they send you to a waiting room while they check your references. The last time I adopted, they called my references, but, neither one of them was home. I was still given the dog. I have seen people rejected based on where they live and how the animal would be cared for. I, really, think they look YOU over and much of the determination is based on that.

The dogs I have adopted from there have been great. Never a health problem and the last one was spayed there. I would adopt from them again. I hope you find the furbaby of your dreams.

Forgot to add that they reserve the right to randomly check on the animal. They, also, sent a questionnaire in the mail to see how everything was working out.

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

Posted by AeroJenn

Posted by Maathy317

I've adopted a few dogs from them. After you pick out your dog/cat, you have to fill out some forms. They ask about your home; whether or not you live in an apartment or a private house; if you have a fenced-in backyard and how high is the fence. They want to know if anyone will be home with the animal during the day (I think this applies mostly to dogs). They want to know if you have any other dogs/cats, what kind and what vet you use or would use. I don't remember if they ask about income. As for references, they will ask for at least two not related to you and for their addresses and phone numbers. They will, also, ask for a donation. They itemize how much it costs for the care the dog/cat has received and it is up to you what you give. Some people give nothing, but, most give something. After you finish the paperwork, they send you to a waiting room while they check your references. The last time I adopted, they called my references, but, neither one of them was home. I was still given the dog. I have seen people rejected based on where they live and how the animal would be cared for. I, really, think they look YOU over and much of the determination is based on that.

The dogs I have adopted from there have been great. Never a health problem and the last one was spayed there. I would adopt from them again. I hope you find the furbaby of your dreams.

Forgot to add that they reserve the right to randomly check on the animal. They, also, sent a questionnaire in the mail to see how everything was working out.

Hmm...we're actually going to be moving out of state in about 2 months....so I wonder if that will make a difference.

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

yes we adopted two dogs from NSAL....
you will be there for a little bit, b/c they ask you for three references and will call them and ask them about you...if you would make a good owner and what not
I believe you pay $100
and they will usually come to your house and check up on the dog after a few months...but if you are moving...I would not tell them that, b/c they might not let you have the dog, they are pretty strict

Message edited 8/10/2007 10:32:53 AM.

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

I have 2 dogs both from the pound. One from NSAL and teh other from the Broome County Animal Shelter where my DH is from.

MY NSAL experiencer was a huge PITA-very similar to what Maathy said. We were there for about 5 hours. They did call and speak to both my references. They also said they would check on him but never did. He had an eye infection when we first got him but that was solved within a few days with meds.

My other dog was from a farm and was totally healthy and is a great dog--they both are. I have never had a purebread dog. I am a pound person. The NSAL does great things!

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

Posted by Maathy317

Posted by AeroJenn

Posted by Maathy317

I've adopted a few dogs from them. After you pick out your dog/cat, you have to fill out some forms. They ask about your home; whether or not you live in an apartment or a private house; if you have a fenced-in backyard and how high is the fence. They want to know if anyone will be home with the animal during the day (I think this applies mostly to dogs). They want to know if you have any other dogs/cats, what kind and what vet you use or would use. I don't remember if they ask about income. As for references, they will ask for at least two not related to you and for their addresses and phone numbers. They will, also, ask for a donation. They itemize how much it costs for the care the dog/cat has received and it is up to you what you give. Some people give nothing, but, most give something. After you finish the paperwork, they send you to a waiting room while they check your references. The last time I adopted, they called my references, but, neither one of them was home. I was still given the dog. I have seen people rejected based on where they live and how the animal would be cared for. I, really, think they look YOU over and much of the determination is based on that.

The dogs I have adopted from there have been great. Never a health problem and the last one was spayed there. I would adopt from them again. I hope you find the furbaby of your dreams.

Forgot to add that they reserve the right to randomly check on the animal. They, also, sent a questionnaire in the mail to see how everything was working out.

Hmm...we're actually going to be moving out of state in about 2 months....so I wonder if that will make a difference.

Don't tell them that. They never checked on me and once you're gone, there, really, is nothing they can do.

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

Yes- we got our dog Busey from NSAL about a year and a half ago- she's great.
Maathy described the process perfectly.
There is a room in the center of the kennels where you can bring in a dog you're interested in and get to know him/ her. Puppies are not allowed in there. There are also stricter guidelines for puppies- ie- someone being home, etc.
They ask a lot of questions, but if you are truly capable of having a pet, then you will be granted permision.
Last time we went, they had only sick dogs out- not super sick, but most were contagious to other animals, so we came home empty handed.
It may take more than 1 visit to find the best companion, but it's definitely worth the trip!
Good luck!

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

Is there a way to find out which days they'll have which dogs oout?

We're coming from over an hour away, so I wouldnt want to make the trip for nothing if they onyl had sick dogs out (b/c we're bringing it home to another dog and we cant risk her getting sick too)?

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?

Re: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?