Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to fill out an application before talking with someone about a dog?

The application is a two-way tool; it tells us a lot of information about potential adopters and it hopefully makes adopters think about the process of adopting. All reputable rescue organizations require applications. It is part of the process and a permanent part of the dog’s record. There are many more applicants than there are people to review them, so taking the time to speak with applicants prior to reviewing their application takes us away from the work we need to be doing with the dogs.

Why do Rescue groups require a fenced yard?

Not all dogs require a fenced yard, but many do. Some dogs simply will not go potty on lead no matter how long you walk them. Imagine how frustrated you might be when after walking the dog in the pouring rain or freezing cold for 45 minutes to no avail only, upon returning home, to have the dog relieve itself on the rug in your house. Not a good thing for anyone! A secure fenced space alleviates this vexing problem. Also, a secure fenced yard is a great safe space for a dog to run flat out, off lead, for sheer pleasure.

So what about those electric fences?

Electric fences are the same as no fences at all. An electric fence is at best, a deterrent, not containment.

We recognize that there are some communities or circumstances where a physical fence is not permitted or will not work, and the only available option is an electric fence. MAPR will adopt certain dogs to qualified homes with electric fences with the understanding that the dog is NEVER put outdoors unattended and never off lead. Electric fences will not stop a motivated dog from chasing an animal, another dog or a car; but the shock aspect of the electric fence will prevent the dog from passing back through into the yard.

Why is the adoption fee so high?

Speaking plainly and directly, it takes money to save dogs.

Many dogs come into our organization needing vet work, sometimes extensive vet work to make them adoptable. Some dogs have temperament issues that require time and possibly skilled training.

In the best situation, adoption fees offset cost, but that is rarely the case. Adoption fees may seem higher for young, healthy, adoptable dogs, but these fees help pay the bills for senior, sick and troubled dogs.

I want a brown female (Toy, Miniature or Standard) Poodle. I want a dog under a year old. I want a dog that is housetrained and has obedience training. Are any of these available?

Probably not. Rescue is not a pet store. We have the dogs we have. The more criteria you put on your wish list for adopting, the longer you will have to wait; in the case of a brown female Poodle in Rescue, the wait might be forever. On average, most of the dogs we see in rescue are cream-colored males between the ages of 4 and 7.

I want to adopt a rescued dog and make it my service dog.

We do not place rescued dogs as service dogs. We believe that rescued dogs should be beloved pets and nothing more, that they should never have to work for their people. Whatever they have been through that lost them their home and landed them in Rescue is enough for any living creature to endure. In addition, we can never guarantee that a rescued dog is capable of fulfilling whatever service is required of them. What if they fail at their job? Are they then abandoned yet again? The best service dogs are those that are bred by thoughtful, reputable and responsible organizations and are raised from puppies to do the work that they do.

My children are 18 months and three years old. Can I adopt a dog?

We will not adopt adult dogs into homes with children under the age of 6 and prefer children to be closer to age 8. We are firm on this point.