Adoption
Interested in adopting a BDRA dog? Simply fill out our application. Dog Adoption Application
All of our adult dogs are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations, microchipped, and on heartworm and flea/tick preventive. All puppies are up to date on vaccinations, microchipped and on heartworm and flea/tick preventive.
BDRA does not allow the use of Invisible/Electronic fences on dogs.
FEE
All of our adult dogs are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations, microchipped, and on heartworm and flea/tick preventive. All puppies are up to date on vaccinations, microchipped and on heartworm and flea/tick preventive.
BDRA does not allow the use of Invisible/Electronic fences on dogs.
FEE
There is a $400 adoption fee. This fee helps to cover the vet work we do for our dogs, but it never covers all of a dog's expenses, which is why we are always fundraising! For unaltered dogs (such as puppies too young to be spayed/neutered prior to adoption), we require an additional $100 spay/neuter deposit that is refundable upon BDRA receiving proof of spay/neuter and rabies vaccination.
Please note that Massachusetts residents will be required to pay an additional $200 toward quarantine fees should they adopt a BDRA dog currently fostered out of state.
Please note that Massachusetts residents will be required to pay an additional $200 toward quarantine fees should they adopt a BDRA dog currently fostered out of state.
TRANSPORT AVAILABLE
Blind Dog Rescue Alliance will transport dogs a reasonable distance to an approved adopter at no extra cost, so do not let distance discourage you.
Blind Dog Rescue Alliance will transport dogs a reasonable distance to an approved adopter at no extra cost, so do not let distance discourage you.
OWNER SURRENDER
If you have a blind/visually impaired dog that you need to rehome, please visit our Owner Surrender page.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is the adoption fee? When do I pay it?
The adoption fee for all of our dogs is $400. Please note that Massachusetts residents will be required to pay an additional $200 toward quarantine fees should they adopt a BDRA dog currently fostered out of state. This is only a small amount of what BDRA pays for each dog, many of whom require additional testing and treatment for their eyes and other health concerns. This fee is collected at the time of the adoption and can be paid via check or cash. We cannot accept credit cards, except through PayPal, prior to physically taking custody of the dog. However, if you are interested in a puppy or other dog that has not been spayed or neutered, there is a $100 deposit due at the adoption which is fully refundable once proof of spay/neuter and heartworm testing has been supplied to BDRA.
Are you licensed to import dogs to Massachusetts?
Yes. BDRA's Massachusetts import license:
If you have a blind/visually impaired dog that you need to rehome, please visit our Owner Surrender page.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is the adoption fee? When do I pay it?
The adoption fee for all of our dogs is $400. Please note that Massachusetts residents will be required to pay an additional $200 toward quarantine fees should they adopt a BDRA dog currently fostered out of state. This is only a small amount of what BDRA pays for each dog, many of whom require additional testing and treatment for their eyes and other health concerns. This fee is collected at the time of the adoption and can be paid via check or cash. We cannot accept credit cards, except through PayPal, prior to physically taking custody of the dog. However, if you are interested in a puppy or other dog that has not been spayed or neutered, there is a $100 deposit due at the adoption which is fully refundable once proof of spay/neuter and heartworm testing has been supplied to BDRA.
Are you licensed to import dogs to Massachusetts?
Yes. BDRA's Massachusetts import license:
All of our dogs are cared for in private foster homes. We cannot make arrangements for private meet and greets until an application is received and references have been checked. Many of our dogs are at local public events where you can certainly go to meet them.
Will you transport the dog to me? What if I live in Canada?
Generally, as long as you do not live more than 18 hours from a dog’s foster home, we can arrange a transport to deliver your dog to you. If you are unsure, please email adoption@blinddogrescue.org. We do transport dogs into Canada. However, much of Canada (and the US ) is too far for a dog to safely travel in one weekend. We take into account the individual dog when making a decision regarding transport distance. If you are willing to fly to the dog, please let us know when you are submitting an application. Generally, we require that a dog not be flown in the cargo of a plane.
Will I get to speak with the foster home?
Once your vet and personal references are completed, one of the adoption coordinators will call you. If we feel your home is a good match for a particular dog we will ask the foster home to speak with you as well. This allows you a chance to ask any specific questions you may have and likewise for the foster home to find out more about you.
Why does BDRA require a home visit?
BDRA requires a home visit to ensure the home and property are safe for the dog. We are not looking to see if a house is immaculate, but rather for safety issues. Is the fence secure? Will it keep the dog in and other dogs out? Are the stairs gated for safety or can they be if the dog cannot safely use stairs unsupervised? Are there sharp corners or edges that a blind dog can get hurt on? In a lot of ways preparing a home for a blind dog is like baby-proofing: you need to get down on the dogs eye level and see what could injure them.
Why do you have to be at least 21 years old to adopt from BDRA?
BDRA dogs require a special level of care and stability. We feel that it is necessary that the primary care giver of the dog be an adult that is physically and financially able to care for the dog long term. We often find children who wish to adopt a dog. However, we do not believe that is in the best interest of the dog. In addition to concerns regarding the needs of the dog, the adoption contract is a legally binding contract and must be signed by an adult.
How long does the adoption process take?
The time from start to finish for each application varies. We do call your vet and all 3 personal references. Depending on how quickly we are able to speak with them will really dictate how long the application takes. We also have to schedule a home visit. This can take time depending on where you live and how easy it is for you to schedule a meeting with everyone who lives in your home. In general puppies take longer to process since demand is greater and BDRA is evaluating multiple applications for each dog. Please remember we are all volunteers and have other jobs and responsibilities in addition to BDRA.
Why is there a spay/neuter deposit?
In Pennsylvania, we are required to maintain a kennel license. Consequently, we are subject to periodic visits from the dog warden. The dog warden requires we provide proof that all of BDRA’s dogs are up to date on vaccines, heartworm tested and spayed or neutered. The $100 deposit is intended to make it easier for BDRA to get that paperwork from the adopter. The deposit is fully refundable once proof of heartworm testing and spay/neuter has been received by BDRA. This fee is in addition to the $400 adoption fee.
What happens if there are multiple applications for the dog I’m interested in?
Every application received is reviewed. We do not work on a first come first serve basis but rather strive to make the best match for each individual dog. Often, we receive multiple applications that all would make great homes however we must choose only one. When there are multiple applications, it can take a little longer for us to process since we are ultimately comparing applications and references.
How can I tell if my application went through? How long until I hear from someone about my application?
You will receive an email with a copy of your application. If you do not supply an email, it is very difficult for us to contact you. You will also receive an email from the adoption coordinators within 24-48 hours. If you have not heard from anyone in 3 days, please email adoption@blinddogrescue.org.
If you have additional questions, please email adoption@blinddogrescue.org.