Save A Bow Wow Rescue’s General Rules for Adoptions

Care and Responsibility: Adopters must provide medical care, keep pets indoors, and ensure they wear their identification collar. AirTags and/or GPS tracking devices are highly recommended.

Rehoming our Rescue Dog: Save A Bow Wow Rescue will always take back any adopted dogs, and under no circumstances are these dogs to be rehomed to others without our prior written consent. Should you rehome our rescue dog, or fail to notify us of our dog escaping, running away, or similar; you will be in Breach of Contract and ramifications are clearly listed below.

Behavior and Training: Pets may take time to adjust and may require additional training. We cannot guarantee temperament and are not liable for damages or injuries. Save A Bow Wow Rescue volunteers do their best to learn as much about the pets in our program in an effort to prepare them for their adopted home. We cannot guarantee this pet will have the same behavior in its new home as the animal displayed in our program. We do our best to place every pet into the home we believe is best suited for the pets specific needs.

Health Awareness: Adopters accept potential health risks associated with pets from unknown backgrounds. We cannot guarantee health status and are not responsible for related medical expenses. If needed, you can utilize our rescue vet at reduced rates. There is no obligation to the rescue to assist with medical expenses after contractual signing so obtaining pet insurance is highly recommended and in some cases, a requirement by our rescue. Contact us immediately if the pet shows concerning behaviors. 

Post-Adoption Health Issues: Should the Adopter observe any health issues or concerns with the Dog after the adoption, the Adopter agrees to promptly contact Save A Bow Wow Rescue for guidance and support. Save A Bow Wow Rescue may provide advice on how to proceed but does not assume any liability for medical costs or health outcomes.  Save A Bow Wow Rescue will very likely refer you to their delegated Veterinarian of which you may be authorized to receive the rescues financial rates to overcome any medical issues. Save A Bow Wow Rescue does not guarantee any compensation, but have at times contributed to adopted pets care within (7) days of adoption. Note: Should your pet be returned after any compensation is provided by the rescue, please refer to our exceptions to refund policy.

Pet Insurance Exam / Free Baseline Exam for Adopters: Save A Bow Wow Rescue strongly recommends that all adopters schedule a comprehensive veterinary health examination within seven (7) days of adoption. To support our adopters, free veterinary exam vouchers are typically available for use with a non-rescue-contracted veterinarian, should adopters wish to utilize this resource. A post-adoption veterinary examination, including baseline bloodwork, helps establish an overall health baseline for a newly adopted dog. This allows a veterinarian to identify any pre-existing or developing medical conditions that may not be immediately visible and to ensure the dog is transitioning well into their new home. Early evaluation supports long-term health, provides peace of mind for adopters, and helps guide appropriate care moving forward. Additionally, an evaluation performed by an independent veterinarian may provide the baseline documentation required by pet insurance companies, should pet insurance have been a condition of adoption or an optional service elected by the adopter.

Liability Release: Adopters agree to hold Save A Bow Wow Rescue harmless for any injuries or damages caused by the pet, including bites or injuries to people or other animals.

Photo/Video Release: By adopting, you grant permission for Save A Bow Wow Rescue to use photos or videos shared for promotional purposes while protecting your privacy.

For questions or support, please contact us.

Application Processes for Save A Bow Wow Rescue

Thank you for your interest in adopting a dog from Save A Bow Wow Rescue!

How to Apply: Please fill out our application at saveabowwow.com/rescue/adoption-form if you are interested in adopting.

Dog Availability: If a dog is listed on our website, it is available for adoption. Once a dog is pending adoption, this page will be updated accordingly.

Communication: Please refrain from calling or texting. As an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, we do not have staff available to monitor phone calls. We appreciate your understanding and will review your application as soon as possible. If your situation is a good fit for one of our rescued dogs, we would be happy to approve your application.

Important Note(s): All breed and age descriptions are our veterinarians’ best educated guesses, unless we have breeder paperwork available. Submitting an application does not imply any agreement or guarantee for adoption.

Thank you for taking the time to read this listing in its entirety! We look forward to your application.

Adoption Process:

1. Adoption Application: Start by completing our adoption application: saveabowwow.com/rescue/adoption-form (Submitting an application does not imply any agreement or guarantee for adoption).
2. Meet & Greet/Home Check: Once pre-screened, we’ll arrange a meet and greet with all members of the household, along with a digital home check, likely followed by an in-person home check.
3. Signed Adoption Agreement: Should you successfully pass steps 1 and 2 above, you’ll sign a legally binding adoption agreement
4. Adoption Funds: A financial contribution is required to help cover the costs of rescuing and rehabilitating pets. Any funds are disclosed before any adoption is formally approved and prior to any contract signing.

Once all these steps are completed, you’ll be on your way to a happily ever after!

Return Policies for Save A Bow Wow Rescue

Save A Bow Wow Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming pets, promoting responsible pet ownership through education, spay/neuter programs, and microchipping.

Please give us ample time to locate a foster home to receive back your prior adopted pet. We will always take back our dogs; barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Adoption Refunds: We take pride in successful placements. If your adopted pet isn’t a good fit, you may return them within 14 days for a full refund, less a $20.00 administrative fee per pet. If you choose to gift your entire adoption fee to support our rescue efforts, we will provide a tax receipt.

Exceptions to the Refund Policy: While Save A Bow Wow Rescue does not cover medical expenses after adoption, if we have contributed to or paid any medical bills to support your pet, (regardless of the reason) your refund will be adjusted accordingly. For example, if you took your pet to the vet and we covered all or part of that bill, the total refund will be your adoption fee minus those medical expenses. Therefore, in cases where medical support has been provided, a full refund will not be applicable. The amount of any deduction(s) may be a tax deduction under IRS Codes 509(a)(2), 501(c)(3). Please consult with your tax advisor.

How to Request a Refund:

1. Return your adopted dog to a rescue representative, or delegated veterinarians office for boarding. Please note, we cannot issue any refunds unless rescue has physical custody of the animal. If we are required to pick up the animal, a minimum administrative fee of $150 will be deducted from any applicable refund(s) to cover time, travel expenses and fuel costs.
2. Complete, Sign and return the hardcopy wet signed owner surrender form back to the Rescue.
3. Submit a written request via email for any applicable refunds within 24 hours of returning your pet. Please note: It is your responsibility to confirm rescue receives your written request.
4. Once steps 1, 2 and 3 are complete, any applicable refund(s) will be processed and sent to you within (14) business days.

Breach of Contract and Financial Responsibility

IMPORTANT REMINDER: WE WILL ALWAYS TAKE BACK OUR RESCUE DOGS

By adopting a dog from Save A Bow Wow Rescue and signing the adoption contract, you agree to the terms and conditions set forth therein. Save A Bow Wow Rescue will always take back any adopted dogs, and under no circumstances are these dogs to be rehomed to others without our prior written consent.

In the rare event that we are unable to accept back the adopted dog for any reason, this will be clearly documented in writing, accompanied by the Rescue’s official seal. Without this written and sealed document, there is absolutely no authorization to rehome the dog.

In the event of a breach of contract, including but not limited to failure to comply with the agreed-upon responsibilities (e.g., ensuring proper identification remains on the dog at all times) or returning the dog under conditions contrary to the contract, you acknowledge and agree that such a breach will result in a minimum cost of $6,250.00. This amount represents the reasonable costs and damages incurred by Save A Bow Wow Rescue as a result of the breach, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Vet Costs Incurred: Any and all veterinary expenses paid by Save A Bow Wow Rescue to prepare the dog for adoption, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, medical treatments, and other procedures required to get the dog ready for a new home.
2. Future Vet and Care Costs: You agree to be financially responsible for any future veterinary or care-related costs incurred by Save A Bow Wow Rescue until such time as the dog is successfully re-homed. This includes, but is not limited to, any medical treatments, behavioral training, or other care needed to ensure the dog’s health and well-being while under the rescue’s care or until a suitable new home is found.
3. Re-homing Costs: Any additional costs related to the re-homing of the dog, including administrative, legal, and other expenses necessary to place the dog into a new home.

You further acknowledge that the minimum cost of $6,250.00 is a baseline and that the actual financial responsibility may exceed this amount, depending on the circumstances surrounding the breach. In addition to this minimum fee, you understand that failure to adhere to the terms of the adoption contract may result in further legal actions, including the recovery of actual damages, attorney’s fees, and other costs related to enforcing the contract.

Save A Bow Wow Rescue Adoption Evaluation & Disclaimer

Save A Bow Wow Rescue reserves the right to approve or decline any adoption application at our sole discretion, with the primary goal of ensuring the best possible outcome for each animal in our care.

Each applicant is evaluated individually based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

• Home environment, safety and suitability
• Time availability to care for the dog
• Financial readiness to provide for veterinary and general care
• Experience with pets
• Compatibility with the dog’s specific physical, emotional, or behavioral needs
• Please Note: Just because you want a specific dog, it doesn’t mean the dog will be the best fit in your home, our organization does our absolute best to solidify a perfect placement for each of our animals based on their specific needs.

Applicants are required to provide complete and truthful information. Any false, misleading, or intentionally omitted information submitted on the application may result in immediate disqualification from the adoption process or, if discovered after placement, revocation of the adoption. Save A Bow Wow Rescue does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or family status. Our decisions are guided solely by the best interests of the animal and the overall suitability of the adoptive home.