1.Application is submitted by mail, email, or via the website
2. Application is screened by the NBSTR board members, and any questions that come up about the application are addressed.
3. Application is sent to the Application Coordinator(s)
4. References are called
5. Home visit is performed
6. Applicant adopts dog.
You can visit our Adoptable Dogs page here on www.nbstr.org, or you can go to one or both of our Petfinder listings: www.petfinder.com/shelters/WI226.html primarily featuring dogs in WI, IL, and other states, or www.petfinder.com/shelters/MN68.html featuring dogs primarily being fostered in Minnesota.
You can also visit us at our Petco meet-n-greets or other events. Find our schedule on our Calendar page.
You can do either. An email to nbstr.board@yahoo.com will help clarify questions you have about the dog; or, you can simply apply and fill in the name of the dog in which you are interested in the indicated area of the application. Either way, we will do our best to answer questions about the dog.
Absolutely. Just fill out an application, and instead of mentioning a dog by name, use the space indicated on the application to describe what you are looking for. You can then keep in touch with us about any foster dogs you see on Petfinder or at an event that intrigue you.
We have tried to give you several alternatives. The easiest is probably just to use our online application. However, we also have a .pdf version that you can print out and send to us in the mail or drop by one of our events (see Calendar).
We also would be happy to email you an app to cut and paste into an email back to us.
We care very much about the future of our foster dogs. We want to feel as certain as possible that they will be cared for. Often an applicant's history with a previous dog (or any pet) helps ensure us of this. You should always list the name and phone number of your current (or previous - if you do not currently have a pet) veterinarian and groomer. If you've never used either before, please indicate why. If you have no history of prior pets, we require three personal references - only one which can be a relative. We also require a land lord reference if you rent your home/apartment.
All applications are directed to the members of NBSTR that make up its board.
Yes, all NBSTR applications are screened. The NBSTR board members check to see that all necessary information is included and that there are not any outstanding factors that would preclude an applicant from adopting with us.
After your references have been checked and are satisfactory, a NBSTR volunteer will visit with you in your home. We spend time answering any questions you have about adopting or about a particular dog or dogs. We also want to be sure the home environment will be safe for any of our dogs. These home visits can be set up at a time convenient for you. Often the foster mother of the dog in which you are interested will do the home visit herself, with that dog
Our board will notify you if, before or after the screening process, your application does not meet our basic guidelines. In such a case, we would not be able to persue an adoption with you, unless those guidelines could be met.
Yes! You are under no obligation to adopt now or in the future if you fill out an application. If you wish us to keep your application on file for the future, please indicate to us how long you intend to wait. You will want to email us once that time period has expired. You can also email/contact us if you suddenly see that "perfect dog."
We can keep your application as long as you like, but you must contact us occasionally to let us know you are still interested/waiting for the right dog to come along. If we do not hear from you within a 2-4 week period after we have contacted you, we will assume you have changed your mind about adopting at this time and will delete your application from our files.
We ask that you contact us if you are no longer interested in persuing an adoption or have found a dog elsewhere.
Occasionally applications and correspondence get lost in cyber space, or are somehow overlooked. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have not heard from us within a reasonable amount of time (1-4 days) of submitting an application or sending us an email.
Yes, we would like you to meet the dog. We will either bring it along on a home visit, or invite you to meet it at one of our events. We can also make other arrangements, depending upon circumstances. Exceptions may be a longer-distance adoption. If that is the case, then you should be as thoroughly informed about the dog as you feel comfortable before making any decisions. Adoptions are never forced. If you feel uncomfortable with a pending adoption, please tell us!
Most likely, nothing. Often we get multiple very good applications for a particular dog. The final choice of adopters is left up to the foster mom, and she will always look for the best possible fit for the dog's needs and personality. Sometimes, too, there is that special, inexplicable "thing" that happens when one of our foster dogs "choses its home" by sending loud and clear messages that the potential adopter they are visiting is "the one." In such cases, we do not argue. Please remember that if you were not able to adopt the dog in which you were interested, it was likely nothing wrong on your behalf. There are always more wonderful dogs coming in to rescue...including one right for you.
- Long distance adoptions are possible, but there are some things to keep in mind:
- We feel it is important that you meet the dog before you adopt, if at all possible. It's often true that you don't know a good match will be made until you and the dog can meet.
- We will not ship a dog via transport other than rescue volunteers, and you will most likely be expected to drive a distance to meet the transport.
- It is our policy that the foster mom may make the placement herself if that is what she chooses. If that's the case, she may restrict the area of placement to a locality near her. We try to include the range of adoption area in the Petfinder descriptions.
Covers many areas of our adoption procedure. Please email us with questions that you cannot find answers to here.
|
