The Rescue Process

Rescue Pugs can come from a number of sources—private homes that surrender directly to the rescue, pounds and shelters, vet clinics. They can be surrendered for a number of reasons—life changes in the home, medical issues, behavioral problems, finance and time issues.

The dog is placed in a foster home, until he/she gets adopted. In that home, the dog is treated as part of the family. They are given medical care, behavioral assessment (and modification if needed), and lots of time and attention, in the hopes that they will thrive and are ready for adoption.
A reputable rescue will spay/neuter any dogs that are not already altered, and treat any medical conditions that are needed to bring the dog back to optimal health. Most rescues vaccinate, microchip, deworm and Heartworm test all dogs prior to adoption, and usually go above and beyond that basic level of care if needed, such as dental work, surgery (orthopedic, eye, etc).
At the same time, the dog is evaluated every day, to determine what kind of home he/she would be happiest in, and any behavioral issues (separation anxiety, abuse, housebreaking) are dealt with. Prior to adoption, these issues are usually well on their way to being resolved.

A reputable rescue will DISCLOSE ALL INFORMATION regarding medical and behavioral issues with the potential adoptive home, to ensure a clear understanding of the future needs of the dog, prior to placement.

Reputable rescues follow a several-step process that will feel, to many, very much like adopting a human child. Requirements vary, but in general, you should actually feel more comfortable when the adoption is an involved process (just as you should when purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder)……you are assured that the rescue organization cares deeply about the welfare of each rescue dog, and wants to attain a “best fit” permanent placement. In other words, the right home, for the right dog. It is the only way to assure a “forever home” for dogs who have already had their share of transition and stress.

The completion of the adoption application, with as much detail as possible.
A response from the rescue in regards to the receipt of that application, including some information regarding status of your application (wait time for a potential match, etc).
If a good match “on paper” is currently in the program, the potential adoptive home is contacted, and a homevisit is arranged, with all members of the family present, both furry and otherwise—the rescue dog is usually, but not always, in attendance.
Formal acceptance as an adoptive home—either for that specific dog, or in general for a future dog, should that specific dog not be a good fit upon homevisit meeting.
If accepted, formal adoption plans are made, including an adoption contract and a donation to the rescue organization (often referred to as the adoption fee) that helps offset the costs of medical expenses. It should range anywhere from $200 to $550 for a Pug from a reputable rescue, and is usually a “sliding scale” based upon age and health of the Pug.
Lifetime follow-up and support is given to the family and the dog post-adoption, and the adoption contract stipulates return of the dog to the rescue, should there be any problems for the lifetime of that dog, and the adoptive family is unable to keep it.

an understanding of, and experience with, the breed and their needs (both emotional and physical) and potential longterm health issues
a willingness to have the dog live as a member of the family
a lifestyle and schedule that supports and nurtures having a canine companion
air conditioning(in hotter areas of the country)
safe and sanitary indoor conditions
fully fenced and safe yard (for example, suitable height and materials)
no children under six yrs of age ( with special exceptions/consideration given in some cases depending on the dog and the children)
willingness to work with, and take direction from, the rescue in regards to recommended preventative care (holistic foods, not over-vaccinating, etc)
the financial means to cover emergency and preventative care for the dog, or the willingness to purchase pet insurance
patience (finding the right dog for you might take time, and it is an all-volunteer effort)
honesty (on your application as to your “wish list” in describing the attributes of the rescue dog, and in the description of your lifestyle etc)
flexibility (the understanding that no dog, and no home, is “perfect” and that the right match might not have ALL the attributes you wanted)

All this being said, and perhaps seeming stringent and harsh, please understand that these policies are borne of years of rescuing dogs, and are created for the protection of our beloved breed, as well as each individual dog in rescue. We see dog ownership as a privilege, not a right.