Question 1

Do you allow out of state adoptions?

Accepted Answer

We typically adopt within a 250 mile radius of Northern Virginia, but there are no limitations.

Question 2

I have gone through the application process, am now approved and ready to start looking at potential dog matches. Can you ship, deliver or arrange transport to get the dog to me?

Accepted Answer

SSR requires in person pickup by the adoptive family, and we do not permit any type of delivery or transport services.

The adopter, anyone living in the home and any current dogs living in the home are expected to travel to the fosters location to meet the dog prior to adoption.

Question 3

I live far away. Is there any way I can meet more than one dog at a time?

Accepted Answer

After completing the application process and getting official approval by SSR, you will be assigned a caseworker who will help you organize your meet and greets.

SSR typically hosts multiple adoption events monthly at various locations. These events are a great way to meet multiple dogs at the same location and you do not need to be an approved adopter to attend an adoption event.

Be advised, if your entire family and personal dogs are not all able to attend the event, you will be required to arrange another visit to the fosters home in addition to the event meeting before you can bring a dog home.

Question 4

It is very difficult for me to arrange a trip for the entire family. Why do you require everyone to be present at the meet and greet?

Accepted Answer

Our rescue dogs often come from unknown backgrounds. They may have fears, or behavioral issues with certain people or pets that we can not anticipate. In order to match our dogs with their forever homes, we need to know that the dog gets along with everyone in the family as well as any pets prior to adoption.

If we were to adopt out a dog without having met everyone in the family and after adoption, it becomes evident that the dog does not get along with everyone in the family and needs to be returned, it becomes increasingly difficult to arrange return to the rescue. The original foster may no longer be available to take the dog back, we may not have another available foster and the dog may have to go into boarding which can be very stressful for these dogs.

If you adopt a dog from us and it turns out that dog is not the right fit for your entire family, you will be required to arrange transport for that dog back to the rescue when we find somewhere for the dog to go and this may take an extended period of time to arrange.

Question 5

I am arranging a meet and greet for one of your dogs and am traveling a long distance to do so. Will I be able to take the dog home that day?

Accepted Answer

SSR gives the final decision on what is best for each dog to the foster. Many fosters will require multiple meet and greets before allowing the dog to go home with you. Please be sure to discuss this with the foster or your caseworker prior to arranging travel to meet a specific dog.

The same goes for when you plan to meet a dog at an event. Not all fosters are comfortable with sending a dog to a new home directly from an event where the dog may be overwhelmed and not acting like themselves. While this is not always the case and we do have dogs that get adopted from events, it is best to check with the foster prior to arranging travel to an event as same day adoptions cannot be guaranteed.

Out of Town FAQ

Out of Town
FAQ