FAQ

The application process is identical for all three. Please review our policy and processes for additional information. Apply here.

Our application system is online and automated for initial screening. We do not accept paper copies or faxes of any form and documents.

If you are looking for a fast turnaround, our rescue may not be the right fit for you since our adoption process is involved.

All adopters, foster parents and volunteers must meet a set of specific criteria. By standardizing our approach, we ensure that all applicants are screened objectively. Our thorough process also allows us to develop a detailed profile of prospective adoptive families for a successful match with our dogs.

When newly approved, an applicant may ask to be matched to the most compatible dog for a period of one year from approval date. Past adopters in good standing are not required to reapply.

We aim to place our furbabies in permanent, loving homes. We do not perform on-site adoptions, nor allow “foster to adopt”. Our process is carefully designed to select adopters who demonstrate a strong commitment to providing a stable and nurturing environment for our dogs, and working through potential challenges and hiccups. While we realize that we may screen out good applicants at times, we are fully committed to our furbabies first and foremost, and will not compromise on their long-term welfare.

Dog matching is the process of finding the best fit between a dog and approved applicants. In selecting an adoptive home, we consider factors such as lifestyle, children, other dogs etc and match them with our dogs’ needs. For instance, a dog who is a couch potato would not be indicated for a family with an active lifestyle! In short, we are not looking for any home, but the right home for each dog.

Adoption restrictions are determined on a case-by-case basis at our sole discretion.

We approve applicants who meet or exceed our criteria, whether they have a fenced-in yard or not.

However, at the time of matching an approved applicant with a dog, we would assess whether any dog they are interested in requires a securely fenced area as a precaution for the safety of the dog. Fencing requirements are set on a dog-by-dog basis, based on our knowledge of our dogs.

The time between application submission and approval varies from applicant to applicant. The onus is on the applicant to gather all required documents in a timely manner. If you are looking for a fast turnaround, our rescue may not be the right fit for you since our adoption process is involved.

Please bear in mind that we volunteer around our personal and professional lives and in addition, perform multiple roles in the organization. While we strive to process all applications promptly, there may be a delay during certain peak periods or holiday season. We appreciate your patience and request that you contact us through our website for a status update if you have not heard back from us after four weeks.

The time between approval and adoption again varies from applicant to applicant. Factors that influence the time frame include, but are not limited to, availability of an adoptable dog that is a good match for the approved applicant; popularity of the dog with the larger pool of applicants; the applicant’s responsiveness to communication from LAHPSTR; any additional vetting that the dog may require; and transport.

Note that we do not adopt out dogs during a Home Visit nor do we allow “adopt to foster”. We also do not hold dogs.

Our dogs are owner turn-ins; strays who have not been claimed after a legal holding period; referrals; and transfers from other organizations. We currently pull from select animal shelters or animal control centers. In rare instances, a dog may be transferred to us straight from a shelter or animal control center, or via a temporary foster parent, by another organization upon their request.

Depending on intake circumstances, we conduct an isolation period for the incoming dog as a safety precaution. We keep our intake level low to maintain the highest standard of care for our furballs.

Our organization prides itself on its white-glove policies that prioritize the welfare of our dogs from intake to vetting to adoption to post-adoption.

If you are a dog lover with a soft spot for repeatedly rejected rescue dogs who have been beaten the odds, and appreciate the value-add of comprehensive veterinary care, you have come to the right organization. In addition, we are always available post-adoption as a resource for any questions and concerns adoptive families might have.

Furthermore, we adopt within the continental US, and comply with any applicable law that regulate the import of dogs. We also offer free transport by air (in cabin) and road to most out-of-state approved adopters.

We adopt to most states with a few exceptions, subject to any laws that regulate the import of dogs. Contact us to confirm whether your state is excluded.

We offer free transport by air (in cabin) or road to most out-of-state applicants. Adopters are however responsible for incidental expenses, such as an interstate Health Certificate, pet carrier and similar requirements. In certain cases, US adopters will be required to pick up a dog from us.

We do not charge for transport whether by air and road in most circumstances. In rare instances, an airline may request a pet fee, which will be communicated to the adopter. The adopter is responsible for expenses incidental to travel, such as a Health Certificate, pet carrier bag and similar items.

You do not need a PayPal account to donate to our organization. Our online payment processor, PayPal, provides an option to donate with a debit or credit card without logging into a PayPal account.

Please note that we do not have access to your financial information at our end as we do not directly handle debit or credit card data.

You may use the contact form on our website.

We request that you review our website, Facebook page and Petfinder page thoroughly for any questions you may have before contacting us.

We strive our best to respond to those questions that have not already been answered on our online platforms. Also, be sure to check your spam folder.