Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to have with me when I apply to adopt a dog?
- Valid driver's license or ID
- Document with your current address (recent bill, bank statement, etc.)
- If renting, bring proof that your lease allows pets. You will need a copy of your lease agreement or have your landlord's/landlady's phone number handy. We will need to call them to confirm.
- If you already have a dog and plan to adopt another dog, then they need to be introduced before the adoption. Plan to bring your dog to PARL for an introduction. We require a rabies vaccination certificate for your cureent dog.
What are the adoption fees?
- Dogs over 6 months of age are $90.
- Dogs under 6 months of age are $150.
What do the adoption fees cover?
Depending on the animal, they cover initial and ongoing health checks, vaccination, spay/neuter, microchipping, feeding, and grooming. They also help the many homeless and injured animals that we care for on a daily basis.
Why are puppies more expensive than adult dogs?
Puppies require much more attention from both our kennel/clinic as well as veterinary staff. There are more health checks, special care, and more frequent vaccinations.
What is the pet application process?
For canine adoptions, PARL reviews all applications for each animal at the end of each day to select the most suitable home for that animal. You will receive a phone call the following day to let you know whether or not you have been selected to adopt your desired canine pet.
Why must all the dogs be spayed or neutered?
Spaying and neutering pets helps to control the pet overpopulation problem. Spaying and neutering can also produce positive long-term temperament and health benefits. Animals that have been altered tend to be less prone toward aggression, hyperactivity, marking territory, and other unwanted habits.
How long does the adoption process take?
That depends on both you and the animal you want to adopt. The best thing you can do to shorten the adoption process is to fill out the adoption application as completely as possible. The more information that you can give us, the faster the process will go. Please realize that this is a non-profit rescue league and not a pet store. Our first priority is to find the best home for our adoptable animals.
Why do I have to pass an application process before I can meet a dog?
It's amazing how quickly people form bonds with animals. It is often upsetting for people to meet a dog, play with it, and then discover that they don't qualify to won that particular dog. It is better for the animal and potential adopters if you let us talk to you about your needs, expectations, and living environment before meeting a dog.
Why doesn't PARL give refunds?
PARL is a non-profit animal rescue organization. All adoption and surrender fees are donations and go toward the thousands of homeless animals that receive veterinary care, feeding, and are rehomed through PARL.
Can PARL guarantee that an animal will be well behaved or healthy?
Ultimately, no. PARL does its best to evaluate and re-evaluate the health and temperament of all its adoptable animals. That said, our direct observations are limited to the time the animal is in the shelter. With some animals, we have little or no prior history. Once in your home, an adopted animal's behavior may change a little, a lot, or not at all. Generally, we do not see radical changes in behavior when an animal goes from our shelter to your home, but we cannot offer any guarantee that this will be the case.
Also, keep in mind that the stress of being introduced to a new home may result in previously unseen health issues like shedding, lethargy, hyperactivity, coughing or wheezing, throwing up, or diarrhea. These issues will almost always pass once the animal has settled into your home environment. We understand that it can be a little shoking if these issues do arise. Please feel free to call us if you have questions or concerns.
Is there a question that you would like answered that isn't covered here? Please contact us at 401.421.1399 and we will be happy to help you.
