FAQs

1. What do I need to do before bringing my dog home?

• Make a vet appointment scheduled within the first few days of adoption to get your dog a physical and discuss the vaccination schedule with your vet. The vet will also need to sign the pet insurance form so that you can call and activate it that day. This form will be available to print from your PET PORTAL once we finalize the adoption and you set up your account.

• Purchase the necessary items to care for the dog - food, crate, bowls, safe chew toys, collar, and leash. 

• Dog-proof your home. 

• Final adoption donation balance payment must be paid in cash at pick-up.

2. Can we have a "meet & greet" with a dog prior to adopting it? Can we bring our current dog to meet the new dog?   Yes, you can see all of our available dogs at our public adoption events (usually held at Petco in Toms River on Hooper Ave on the weekends). 

• To be able to pet/hold a dog, you must first have an approved application and your own dog must be up-to-date with their own vaccines/preventatives (records must be provided). 

• Only fully vaccinated puppies/adults will be available for private meet & greets. Puppies with less than 4 vaccines can meet you and your family if you are a pre-approved adopter, but will not be allowed to meet your own dog. Puppies love everyone, the question is, "How does your current dog behave around other dogs?"

• Our policies are in place to keep exposure rates down and to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.

3. I have applied and have not heard from anyone?? I have emailed the rescue and have not heard back?? 

• Please email us at ecpcrescue@gmail.com to check the status of your application. Please allow up to 72+ hours for all emails to be answered. 

• We sometimes receive dozens of applications on one dog, so you may not have been chosen to adopt that particular dog.

• We are all Volunteers trying our very best to keep everything running smoothly. Our daily goal is to make sure all dogs are healthy and being cared for first, then we will have time to review applications and emails.  Thank you for your patience!

4. What should I expect once I take my puppy home? Training starts at the door. Do your research and make a plan prior to bringing home your new dog. 

• It takes 3 months to fully transition a new dog into your home, check out this article that discusses the 3-3-3 rule: 3-3-3 LINK 

• Please understand these babies will be scared and confused, they will have accidents and they can feel fearful or timid. They may not eat much or sleep through the night at first. They may also hide for a couple days. This is normal when a dog is rehomed.

• Adult dogs are considered a FLIGHT RISK for 30 days, the first couple weeks you must leash walk in your own fenced-in yards, let him/her get used to the surroundings and sounds. Do not walk your new dog out in the neighborhood just yet. Do not host a welcome home party just yet, give your dog time to acclimate to the new surroundings. Take precautions when opening doors (house and car) to the outside.

• Your contract will state that you need to get an evaluation from a dog trainer if there are any behavior problems. It is a violation of contract if you rehome the dog yourself, drop it off to a shelter, or abandon the dog. You are responsible for setting your dog up for success, please do your research before committing to 15+ years with a pet.

• Click the "Helpful Articles & Videos" for additional resources and information.

5. WORMS HAPPEN! 

• Your rescued dog will always need to be on monthly preventatives, even in the winter! Please make sure you get these from your vet at your first visit. 

• Here is some information on dog parasites:  LINK 

6. What does "NO PAWS ON THE GROUND" mean??  Puppies with only 2 vaccines must be kept out of public places like pet stores, public parks, front yards, sidewalks/streets, etc. until 2 weeks after the 3rd vaccine.

• When visiting the vet's office, bring a pee pad or old towel to put on the scale and table and make sure to carry the puppy in and out! 

• You can socialize your puppy in your house and in your backyard ONLY until it is fully vaccinated.

7. What if my new dog is sick? EMAIL ecpcrescue@gmail.com immediately if your dog presents with any medical issues. 

1. What happens if my newly adopted pet requires veterinary care immediately after adoption?

 You must contact Ecpc Rescue immediately at eccrescue@gmail.com and bring your pet to our veterinarian to be checked out at our expense.

• In case of a True medical emergency, and you must seek immediate veterinary care. it is crucial to notify East Coast Paws N Claws Rescue (ECPC Rescue) as soon as possible. at ecpcrescue@gmil.com

2. What if my adopted pet faces a medical emergency?

• a. If a true medical emergency arises, please seek immediate veterinary care.

• b. In emergent situations, ECPC Rescue may request the adopter to return the pet to the rescue for immediate care.

• c. Always contact ECPC Rescue promptly in such cases.

3. Can I approve estimates or treatment plans without notifying ECPC Rescue? No 

• Adopters must notify ECPC Rescue before agreeing to any estimates or treatment plans provided by the veterinarian. Please be aware that ECPC Rescue is not responsible for estimates approved without prior notification and approval from one of our representatives.

4. What if I need financial assistance for veterinary care?

• East Coast Paws N Claws Rescue is committed to the health and well-being of our adopted pets. If financial assistance is needed for veterinary care, please reach out to us, and we will do our best to try and support you. We can take the pet back into our care so we can fully support the treatment plan physically and financially.

5. Can I return my adopted pet if medical issues arise?

• If you choose to return your adopted pet due to medical issues within the first week, ECPC Rescue will handle all vetting and medical expenses as necessary. We will do this with the veterinarians we have a relationship with. we can not use your veterinarian. 

6. What if I decide to keep my adopted pet and manage vetting at my expense?

• If you choose to keep your pet and manage vetting at your expense, ECPC Rescue will refund your adoption donation in full. 

7. What is the procedure for re-adopting my pet after returning it for medical care?

• If you return your pet for medical care, you will have the opportunity to re-adopt it once it has fully recovered. We understand the importance of continuity in the bond between pets and their adoptive families.

8. The contract remains in full effect.