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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
ADOPTION RELATED:
How do I adopt? Adopting from Island Dog Rescue is different from many other rescue organizations as our primary mission is not adoption. In addition to our “big issue” focus in the islands (rescue, spay/neuter, medical treatments, community outreach and education) we transport MANY dogs and puppies from the islands to stateside rescue organizations. We also bring SOME dogs/puppies to Virginia Beach for adoption by our local supporters. Our preferred adopters are people who believe in our mission and support our “big issue” rescue focus.
If you are interested in adopting from IDR, the first step is to fill out our electronic adoption application (link is at the end of this document.) Please do not message us and ask us if we have puppies available before you have submitted an application! The sad reality is that we always have puppies and dogs available - it is just a matter of when we are bringing them to the area.
Once you have filled out the application, our volunteers will review it as quickly as possible. This could take several days (sometimes it only takes an hour!) Please request to join the Island Dog Rescue Available Dogs in Virginia FaceBook group. You do not need to wait to hear from us on the status of your application. This group is where we post information about available dogs.
After you have submitted your application, please connect with us via private message on our main Island Dog Rescue Facebook page. Let us know that you have submitted an application, and what you are looking for. If you are not quite ready to adopt, that is ok too - your application will remain on file and you will have access to the group page where we post information about available dogs. You can reach out when you are ready! We encourage you to get involved as a volunteer or perhaps a foster.
Be advised that sometimes it can be a quick process and sometimes people wait a month or even longer to find the right addition to their family. The more information you can give us, the better we can help you.
We constantly have new dogs coming into care on the islands that are going through medical protocols. We decide where to send them based on interest. We cannot possibly list all of them so we use this informal matching process to decide which dogs will travel where and when.
Summary of the adoption application process:
Submit an application (link at end of this document)
Request to join the Island Dog Rescue Available Dogs in Virginia page
Connect with us via FB messenger to let us know you have applied and what you are looking for - or let us know you are interested in a particular dog that you see on our Available Dogs in Virginia page.
Private messaging on our main Island Dog Rescue page is our preferred method of communication. We have multiple volunteers that work together and it is easiest for us all to communicate here.
We are a foster-based rescue and our dogs and puppies are often on hold for adoption before they even arrive. We are fortunate to have so many people that believe in our mission and want to adopt through Island Dog Rescue to support our cause. If you are solely looking for a cute puppy to adopt as quickly as possible, we urge you to explore other options. Island Dog Rescue volunteers and supporters are given priority for adoptions.
I am approved to adopt, now what? IDR is a foster-based organization. We do NOT have a facility. You cannot come to look at the available dogs to choose one. Many of our dogs/puppies are adopted before they even arrive. A $100 donation serves as a deposit to hold a puppy for you on arrival.
The full adoption fee is due before any dogs go home. We have a 3-day adoption trial period. After three days, if you feel the dog is not a good match, you will be refunded all but $100. $100 of the adoption fee is considered a non-refundable donation to the rescue. Our average adoption fee is $395 for most dogs. The fees vary due to medical needs. Sometimes we reduce the adoption fee in special circumstances.
After the three-day trial period, no refund is issued. Matches sometimes don’t work out for a variety of reasons so we will continue to work with your family to find exactly the right dog for your home!
Why didn’t I get the dog I said I wanted? We try very hard to match dogs with families and lifestyles. We often have history from dog's previous owners, fosters on the islands, or our own personal observations. If you express interest in a dog but we feel that it won’t be a good fit then please trust us. There is likely a more in-depth reason and nothing personal against you or your family.
Also, we work on a first-come, first-served basis (as long as we believe it is a good match!). If a person completes our application process and we deem it a good fit then we will honor that match. We constantly have new dogs traveling so if you get your heart set on a dog already promised to someone else then let us know. We might have a similar dog waiting in the wings!
What does the adoption fee cover? The cost is to HELP cover vaccines, de-worming, transport, spaying/neutering, and (in some cases) micro-chipping. Our adoption fee is tax-deductible. The adoption fee does not fully cover all of our expenses and we welcome all donations (financial or your time.) We treat many dogs with life-saving surgeries and heartworm treatments, which never get publicized.
Why doesn’t someone answer my message immediately? We are fully run by volunteers who love dogs. We are trying to manage all of our hats and day jobs along with rescuing the sweetest dogs in the world. Sometimes, we are great at it. Other times, we are a bit slower. We have several people who volunteer with us so you may not always speak to the same person. Please have patience with us. We typically try to answer messages within 24-48 hours. Days when dogs are arriving are always hectic so please give us some extra grace on those days. If you haven’t gotten an answer within 48 hours then please message us again. We are not ignoring you and it never hurts to get a gentle reminder.
How do I donate? There is a donate button at the top of our Facebook page. You can also make payment for the adoption fee there. Or click the link below to our secure CREDIT CARD: secure credit card processing page (Make sure there are no spaces after words as auto-fill leaves, and use a decimal in the number.)
Or, you can send a PayPal gift to stxgratefulpaws@yahoo.com
or Venmo to @IDR-USVI
Every penny goes right back into saving dogs, no one that is part of this organization receives any compensation for their work.
Do you offer a health guarantee? We provide health records at adoption. All records are recognized by US veterinarians.
All pups have at least two DHPP vaccines and rabies (if old enough, small puppies may need a booster).
They have been dewormed. But, they most likely WILL need it additionally.
We require you to visit a vet within one week of adoption.
Some dogs are spayed/neutered. We REQUIRE spay/neuter by 9 months of age. We can connect you with local low-cost options. We are major advocates of spaying and neutering to manage the massive pet overpopulation around the world.
If you choose not to alter your pet by 9 months of age, Island Dog can assume ownership of that dog and rehome it.
If there is a major medical issue, we will work with you or take the dog back into the rescue for treatment (as noted in the adoption contract).
Minor/routine needs such as deworming, skin issues, demodectic mites, ear mites, and rashes are expected to be covered by the adopter. These are all common with rescue pups but can be cleared up with routine vet care.
You said my pup would arrive tomorrow. Why is he delayed? Island Dog Rescue coordinates from multiple sources on Caribbean Islands and all animals are flown to the mainland on commercial, cargo, and even private flights. Like human travel, flights vary based on availability and even weather limitations. As you can surmise, many factors go into transport and the logistics in general. If you want a great overview of the transportation process we invite you to see the video NationSwell did on our founder, Sali Gear. We do our best to stick to plans. But, safety for the dogs always comes first. We want them here, too! We will keep you as updated as possible about arrival dates and times.
What breed is the dog or can I specify a breed? Your guess is as good as ours?! We affectionately refer to them all as “Coconut Retrievers”. You might spot the legs of a daschund, the coloring of a lab, or the ears of a chihuahua but guessing is all that we can do. These are all rescues from the streets. Occasionally, we know information about the mother. But, that is the exception, not the rule. We can estimate the dog’s full grown size but these are also guesses. Doggie DNA tests are between $80-$150 and we would love to see your results as well! We do not guarantee the breed estimate or size estimate of our dogs.
Do you have any hypoallergenic, non-shedding dogs? If you are looking for a hypoallergenic, non-shedding dog you may be better off working with breed specific rescues. Our dogs are almost always a mix of MANY breeds and we absolutely cannot tell if a dog will be hypoallergenic or what level of shedding it will be.
Does this dog have any pit or bully breed in it? Again, if you are concerned about specific breeds you may be better off working with a breed specific rescue. It is impossible to determine what breeds may or may not be present in a rescue dog’s make-up. DNA testing is available and a fun way to learn what breeds your dog is. But if there are specific breeds you are seeking or you want to avoid, we cannot accurately tell you that they are or aren’t present.
What dog food do you suggest? Island Dogs need high quality nutrition, as all dogs do. Please do your research, talk with your vet, and decide the best food for your dog. Then, watch your pup transform as he/she thrives in a loving home.
Do I have to spay/neuter my puppy? YES! By 9 months of age, we require you to alter your pet, if not done prior to adoption (by 6 months is recommended). This is not negotiable. If you adopt an older pup that is not spayed/neutered we will give you a definitive timeline for altering.
Do I have to keep my dog on heartworm preventative? YES! Heartworm treatment is expensive and extremely painful for dogs. Preventing heartworms is EASY! There are multiple options in medications and injections (given by your vet) to prevent heartworm disease. IDR insists that you give our dogs the love they need by providing this simple preventative.
My existing dog is not adjusting to the new addition. What do I do? Please talk to us about how to introduce your new pup to your home. There are many steps you can take to ensure a successful transition for all. We do insist all Island Dogs have a “decompression” period and be fully vaccinated before visiting pet stores, dog parks, and public venues. We have resources for you to reference as part of your adoption package, but also trainers and other people familiar with the process. Get in contact with us!
How do I help my new dog thrive in a home environment? Not all of our dogs/puppies have had access to grass or know the difference between carpet and grass. This will require training. Most of our fosters on the island take on 15-30 dogs each and may not have the time to work one on one training each pup. Many have only had access to a patio or a home that is more open-air than our homes in the states. This video may help you bond with your pup and help them adjust to our idea of house training.
How do I see what dogs are available? You can join our Island Dog Rescue Available Dogs in Virginia Facebook group. This is where we post the latest information on incoming dogs and puppies.
FOSTER RELATED:
Why should I foster? It saves two lives! The one you foster is saved and you make room for another to be rescued (sometimes the third life that benefits from fostering is yours!). We cannot rescue without fosters and fostering is a lifeline for any rescue organization that does not have a physical location. As a foster, you may also have the first option of adoption for that dog. We have MANY foster fails! That means fosters decide they cannot say “goodbye” and choose to adopt. We LOVE when this happens. The other benefit is you receive lots of love from a thankful canine. To become a foster for Island Dog, you need to fill out an adoption application and indicate you want to foster under the specific dog question. We will approve you quickly. Please be specific about what you are willing to foster (age, gender, size) and your family makeup.
What are my responsibilities? Fosters are responsible for providing a safe and loving place for our dogs. Our hope is that you will do all the actions with a foster that you would do with a dog of your own so that they may transition successfully to a new home.
You must provide a 24-72 hour decompression period for a dog arriving from transport. (more information will be provided about this very important step)
You may transport to a vet appointment(s) if needed and with prior approval but the visit will be at OUR cost.
You will be responsible for providing food, a crate, toys, bedding, etc. If that is not possible we do have donations and may be able to help if this creates a hardship, so please let us know. We never want the financial burden to be a reason someone doesn't foster.
You will be asked to “advertise” your dog via social media and personal connections. Adoptable dogs will be listed on Island Dog Rescue’s Facebook Page and website but our fosters are our best resource for finding homes. Please include pictures, video, name, weight, size, experience with children, other dogs, and cats, medical status, and anything you can think of that potential adopters may ask. As the dog’s foster home, you know the dog’s needs and likes best and you will help us screen potential adopters. We value the gift of life our fosters bring to these dogs! Please keep in mind, fosters are not permitted to approve applicants for adoption. Referrals are encouraged though!
At no time can a foster or dog in an adoption trial visit a dog park, preschool, school, or other public venues. This is a liability issue.
IDR does not allow or condone the use of electronic collars or physical punishment. We believe in positive reinforcement training and have trainers as volunteers that will help you with any training issues should you encounter them.
Should you decide to adopt your foster, you will let us know, fill out the adoption application if you are not already an approved adopter, and pay the adoption fee.
Where is the Foster Contract? The foster contract is filled out before fostering your first dog with IDR. It covers the terms and conditions that protect both you and our organization. Please do not submit a Foster Contract until you are asked to.
Where can I see a list of dogs available for foster? We are a Virginia Beach foster-based organization, which means we depend on you as foster families to host our dogs prior to adoption. There is no dedicated page for viewing all available dogs (and cats) on the island. We offer to match you up with the type, size, and temperament of the dog you describe to us that you are interested in. When we are in need of fosters for an incoming group of dogs we will post on our Island Dog Rescue Foster Group on Facebook. Approved fosters are asked to join this group and you will be contacted if a dog meeting your criteria is traveling and needs a foster home.
What is the time frame for fostering a dog? We prefer you tell us the time frame you are interested in fostering a dog. Some may be with you for a few days and others a few weeks. Please let us know if you prefer a short-term foster or could do a longer-term foster. We typically know if a dog will need a longer adjustment period or if they need medical attention that will require treatment prior to adoption.
Can I take my foster to a pet store or a dog park? Until the dog has been socialized you may NOT take an IDR foster to a public event without prior approval. Also, if they have not completed the veterinarian-prescribed vaccine protocol, they should not go to any public venue, as they are not fully protected by their vaccines. The exception is small dogs and puppies who can go along in a shopping cart though! Their feet are never to touch the ground. (By the way, this applies to any pup, not just rescues).
What if I discover a problem with my foster? In all cases notify us immediately by Private Message (PM) or phone call and tell us what the problem is. Every foster has a specific point of contact. You will receive general training to help you better identify any issues that should be reported to us.
Not every dog is the right for every family. We want you and your family to be safe and healthy so if fostering becomes a problem then we want to know.
Dogs have personalities just like people and everyone might not get along. We do ask fosters to try to give the dogs some decompression time but if you feel that you cannot manage the behaviors that a dog is showing then we will work to move the dog to a new foster.
We have fosters of all skill and experience levels and we need every single one of them to help save lives!
Please ask permission before taking a foster dog to the veterinarian for any reason.
What if I want to adopt my foster? We LOVE foster fails! That is acceptable and encouraged, just complete the adoption contract and pay the adoption fee if the dog is not already committed to an approved adopter.
What if I find a home for my foster? We also LOVE when our fosters refer friends and family to adopt. While we absolutely encourage these referrals, please remember that all adopters must be approved and the ultimate decision about who will be offered a dog to adopt is made by the organization, not the foster.
Where do I pick up my foster? Island Dog Rescue is based out of Virginia Beach, Virginia. An address is provided 24 hours prior to a known arrival of a transport. Occasionally there is a need for fosters who live near major airports, like Philadelphia, Newark, Dulles, and Boston. Please make it known if you are willing to foster near there and how far you are willing to drive.
Where is the Foster Contract? Island Dog Rescue has a contract posted via a link to the contract at the end of this document.
General:
Is the dog house broken? If you are adopting a puppy, the answer is no. If you are adopting an older dog, the answer is possibly yes. Some dogs come from foster homes, some from shelters, and some from sanctuaries so we have varying amounts of info on them. Regardless, Island Dogs are typically very smart. They will catch on quickly with consistent training and lots of rewards.
Is the dog good with kids? It is important to keep in mind the age of the dog you are adopting. While puppies are generally desired by people with young children, puppies often play rough and can unintentionally hurt small children. People worry about aggression or unpredictable behavior when adopting an older puppy or dog. ALL dogs must be supervised at ALL times with children. IDR can only report what is known/observed about an available dog. Another question to ask is - “How is my child with a dog?” Do they understand what is appropriate behavior (is it a pony or a dog?),, understand that a face-on, open-arm grasp of the neck is actually an “aggressive” move to a dog that has not been in a home, and understands the human and family relationship. Many children are bitten and dogs are wrongly labeled for events that are preventable.
Does the dog shed? Because we cannot guarantee the breed of our dogs, we also cannot guarantee the level of shedding for our dogs. If you make your preference known for a dog with short hair or minimal shedding, we will do our best to match this but please understand that we cannot make any guarantees! If you truly need a non-shedding dog, you might be better off working with a breed-specific rescue organization.
Where is “the farm”? To be clear, we do not operate out of a facility but if we have a large transfer it may happen at our horse farm in Virginia Beach. There are no dogs kept there.
Rainbow Reawakenings Farm is located behind Hunt Club Farms off London Bridge Road, in Virginia Beach. The address is 2424 London Bridge Road, But use 2388 London Bridge Road if using GPS. Turn into Hunt Club Farms and follow the side road on the left, the road is dirt and gravel and the speed limit is 10 mph due to horses and other animals. The Farm is on the right-hand side approximately ½ mile down the road. Neighbors appreciate us parking on the farm's side of the road if needed.
How can I help in other ways? There are many ways you can help us. Fostering is one of the biggest blessings for us. You can share our posts and help spread the word. You can help at adoption days or events. You can donate to the rescue in other ways; monetarily, by direct payment to one of our many vet bills here and on island and also by purchasing electronic gift cards through Petsmart or Petco so that they can be redeemed directly by our fosters on the island. Any of these help the souls in need on the islands and we are most grateful.
Where is the adoption application?
Right here! Click the link and get started now:
Where is the adoption contract?
Click the link to view but remember this is completed upon adoption finalization for a specific dog.
Where is the foster application?
Where is the foster contract?
Click the link to view but remember this is completed just before fostering when asked to submit.
How do I pay with a Credit Card? Pay By Credit Card
How do I pay with Venmo? @IDR-USVI (Sali Gear)
How do I pay with PayPal? PayPal gift to stxgratefulpaws@yahoo.com
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