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Congratulations on taking the first step toward meeting your new best friend!
This 8 Step Guide is your essential guide to welcoming a rescue dog into your life. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know to ensure a smooth transition, set your new pup up for success, and build the foundation for love and companionship.
Take your time, soak in the knowledge, and make sure to click on all the links!
Trust us, you won’t want to miss a single word—your success with your future rescue dog depends on it!!
Your application is processed by our dedicated processing team. It can take some time to hear back as we must contact all 3 of your personal references, your vet reference (they need your permission to speak to us) and a landlord reference (if applicable).
Important Things to Know:
Just because you are interested in or apply for a specific dog, it does not guarantee that you will receive or adopt that particular dog.
Sometimes, the dog you're interested in may already be in discussions with other approved applicants, in the adoption process, or may be adopted before your application is fully approved. And sometimes the dog you are most interested may not be a good match for your lifestyle or home. If that happens, we'd be more than happy to help you find another dog that's the perfect match for you!
You’re not locked into the dog(s) chosen on your application—we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.
Most dogs are in Texas, but those in Canada are marked with CA/🇨🇦.
Purple heart is heartworm positive 💜
Once your application is approved, you will be added to a Facebook Messanger group chat.
Your Facebook Messenger group chat is where you’ll connect with our team members in Texas and Canada as well as the foster of the dog(s) you are interested in. This is where you'll discuss your preferences, ask questions, get updates, and choose your perfect match!
Important Things to Know:
The dog you’re interested in may already be in the adoption process. If this happens, we’ll gladly help you find another match!
You’re not locked into the dog(s) listed on your application—we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.
When you choose a dog you want to explore, we will connect you with their foster so you can ask questions.
We encourage you to take your time and ask lots of questions.
If you rent your home, please complete our Adopter's Landlord Consent Form.
You need to read all of our heartworm information THOROUGHLY! This is vital to the health of your new dog
Any dog is at risk of testing hearworm positive. It can take 6 months for a heartworm test to reflect a positive result if infected.
Dogs with a purple heart next to their name are heartworm positive 💜
Age-appropriate vaccines (including Bordetella and rabies, if old enough)
Spay/neuter
Microchip
Up-to-date preventative medications
Heartworm test (for dogs 7+ months old)
Lifetime Support from the AADR team
What is the dog’s overall health and condition (weight, heartworm status, teeth, scars, etc.)?
How does the dog do with other dogs, cats, or kids?
How is potty training progressing?
Have you noticed any behavioral issues or reactivity?
How does the dog behave in the car or on walks?
How long has the dog been with the rescue?
Can I see photos or videos of the dog?
If the dog is fostered near you, you may schedule a meet-and-greet at the foster’s convenience.
Please Note: Volunteers do their best to answer these questions honestly, but we may not always have all the information. Our goal is to match dogs with families where they’ll thrive.
Do I have time and patience to care for a rescue dog?
Am I financially prepared for adoption fees, initial vet visits, and monthly preventatives?
Am I ready to train and address unwanted behaviors?
Is everyone in my family 100% on board?
Can I handle potential accidents, chewing, or lack of manners?
Am I willing to hire a trainer if needed?
Do I have unknown allergies to dogs?
These are rescue dogs, not perfect pets—they need time, love, and patience. Make sure you’re ready to help them adjust and succeed in your home.
"Dog tested" or "dog friendly" means the dog did not react negatively during testing and seems friendly, but behaviour may vary with different dogs. Just like people, dogs have unique personalities and play styles, so not all dogs will get along all the time.
Keep in mind, a dog’s behaviour can change once they’re in a home environment.
Your Lifestyle:
Do you need a dog that interacts well with large dogs, small dogs, or older dogs?
Will your dog be in daycare or visit dog parks?
Will your dog stay home during the day?
Are your walks in busy areas with other dogs?
Will your dog spend most of its time with humans?
Your Needs:
What type of dog do you already have?
Submissive/Dominant
High energy/Low energy
Older/Younger
Male/Female
How does the dog play?
Rough play
Tag/chase
"Cat tested" means the dog was exposed to a cat in a controlled setting, like a shelter or foster home. If a dog is "cat friendly," it means they didn’t show aggression and may have been scared, curious, or simply ignored the cat.
If a dog is labeled "no cats," it means their reaction suggested they wouldn't do well left alone with a cat.
Remember, these tests are often done in shelters where dogs may be stressed, and the cats used for testing may be more accustomed to dogs or brave by nature.
While these tests offer a good indication, they’re not a guarantee of cat-friendliness—they’re more of a prediction.
It is important to understand that while all of Anna’s Angels Dog Rescue’s dogs receive appropriate vaccinations and preventative treatments, no medical intervention (ex. vaccine, surgery, treatment, etc.) is guaranteed to be 100% effective or free from risk. Additionally, just because a dog tests negative for a disease, does not show signs of a condition, or that a particular issue is not noted at the time of veterinary evaluation, it does not guarantee that it will not appear or develop in the future. Any medical condition, disease progression, recovery and outcomes can be unpredictable and health outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
It is also important to understand that any dog's behaviour can change with a new owner and situation, as a dog may respond differently in unfamiliar environments, with new people, or to changes in routine. Each dog has a unique personality, and factors such as stress, adjustment periods, or the presence of other pets can impact how they behave. This makes it impossible to predict with certainty how any dog will react in every given situation, even with the best intentions and preparation.
Make sure all your questions have been answered!
Once you've found your perfect match, let us know, "I want THIS dog!"
Here's what we'll provide:
Your contract
An invoice that connects you directly with your chosen dog
For dogs fostered in Canada: Depending on location and the willingness of both the adopter and foster, you may have the option to meet your future dog before officially adopting. Multiple meetings are possible if feasible, ensuring you feel confident and excited about the journey ahead!
Here’s what you need to know about completing your adoption payment:
You receive your invoice via email
Payments are made through Petstablished
All funds are in USD
The fee is listed as a ‘donation’
*Please note, as part of our policy, we are unable to offer refunds or return payments in the event of a rehome.
Click the link below for step by step instructions!
Transporting rescue dogs is a complex and carefully managed procedure involving numerous moving parts to ensure the safety and well-being of every dog on the journey.
Be sure to check out our transport page so you’re fully prepared!
Join Our Adopter Alumni Facebook Group!
Welcome to our community! The link to join this Group will be shared with you in your transport group chat!
This group is where you can all your dog's share updates, celebrate milestones, and connect with fellow adopters, volunteers, and fosters. We love seeing your updates—your stories are what keep us going!
Important Note:
After your dog arrives, the Facebook Messenger group chat used during the adoption process may no longer be as closely monitored as time goes on. While Messenger is helpful during the adoption journey, it’s not designed for long-term support, and we want to ensure no messages are missed or overlooked. To provide you with the best assistance, we’ve implemented a designated support email: helpteam.aadr@gmail.com (please allow 24-48 hours for a response). This helps us ensure that all post-adoption communication gets the attention it deserves.
We’re here to help support you and your dog for life. Thank you for being part of our rescue family and helping us create brighter futures for these amazing dogs!
Decompression
This is the MOST exciting time & the start of something special! BUT this is often the hardest part of the process and where many fail!
It’s important not to rush this period. This is key to setting them up for success.
Once your dog arrives, they will NEED TIME to decompress.
Remember:
These are ANIMALS- they are rescue dogs, not perfect pets
they will make mistakes
They often have no manners or obedience
Keep safety at the forefront of your mind!
failure to so can result in deadly consequences
It is up to YOU to set them up for success!
Be patient, trust the process and enjoy the incredible journey ahead. If you encounter challenges, we’re here to support you.
You NEED to visit our decompression page for detailed information! Here you'll find the full decompression protocol and dozens of resource links to address many common challenges you may face!
Also Check out more info on our Common Behaviours & Resources to Help, Dog Body Language, Muzzle Training, Dog Fights pages!
Misc Health
Dry/ Irritated Skin
Coconut oil
1 Tbsp ingested am & pm and/or rub on the area
Coughing
Warm water w/ honey & lemon
Robitussin (please ask for dosage)
Diarrhea
100% Pure Canned pumpkin
Slippery Elm
Itching/scratching
Children's benadryl
Chicken allergy? Switch food to Salmon based
Many common household items are dangerous to your dog; even fatal!
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet
Microchip, Collar & Leash
Make sure that you have registered your new dog's Microchip!
If your dog gets lost, this could be the difference of them being returned to you or lost forever!
Dogs arrive with a martingale collar on. Use this collar for the first couple of weeks. It works by tightening when they pull and makes it impossible to slip out.
Keep a leash attached to your dog at all times for the first week; even indoors.
Vet Appointments
Book your new dog a vet appointment as they will need a heartworm preventative.
You will have approx 4 weeks from the day they leave Texas until they are due for a heartworm preventative again (sometimes less!)
Check your dog's medical records online via your Petstablished account.
Be sure to plan financially! Always plan ahead and have the funds that may be needed!
Anna’s Angels is committed to supporting our dogs for their entire lives. If you find that your adopted dog is not a good match, it is crucial to contact us immediately. All rehoming situations must go through Anna’s Angels.