Welcome to Four Paws Elkhound Rescue

The steps to adopting a dog from Four Paws Elkhound Rescue:

1.  Contact - Four Paws will contact you by text message, phone, or email about a dog that needs a home.  If you see a dog you are interested in, contact us.  Sometimes there are a lot of people looking for dogs and sometimes there are too many dogs.  We try to match the dog with the closest possible family so the dog is not traumatized by too much travel.  If this isn’t possible, transport help is available.  

 

2.  Information - As much information as is available is given to you regarding the rescue dog.  Questions such as health status, behavior issues, rescue history, and time constraints are gone over.

 

3.  Phone Interview - When a good match is found, a phone interview will be set up.  The details about the dog, what is expected and questions will be answered during this time.  

 

4.  Adoption Paperwork - The next step is the adoption paperwork.  This consists of an Adoption Form which specifies all of the rules necessary to keep your rescue dog and you safe.  Four Paws requires an adoption donation on all adoptions   This ensures the adopter is serious and committed to the rescue dog.  Many hours of time and handling of delicate situations go into each rescue.  Some rescue dogs due to circumstances are not able to be fully vetted prior to placement.    Dogs that need spayed or neutered will have a $250 adoption donation.  Dogs that have already been spayed or neutered will have a $400 adoption donation.   

 

5.  Transport - If the rescue dog is close enough in distance, a meeting is set up.  It can be between you and another rescue, shelter, or owner.  If the dog is too far and transport help is required, you will be meeting your rescue dog either at a meeting place or at your home.  A health certificate issued by the vet is required for transport out of state.

 

6.  Home - After all paperwork is completed, the rescue dog goes home with you.  Be prepared with food, water, leash/harness, toys, bones, sleeping area, and blocked area for unsupervised times.  Safety is the number one priority for our rescue dogs along with love, comfort, routine and training.   Remember to start off slowly and correctly when transitioning your new rescue dog to your home.   It's really important to get it right from the beginning.   

 

7.  Updates - Updates are really important.  Send pictures and information on your rescue dog to let Four Paws know how your rescue dog is adjusting to his new life.  We care about our dogs and want to make sure they are doing well.  Your dog has a lot of fans and supporters that appreciate the updates as well.

 

8.  Adoption Counselor - A Four Paws adoption counselor will be in touch with you to make sure everything is going well with your rescue dog.  Ask any questions and voice any concerns.  This way any situations can be handled so they don't get out of control.  Always feel free to call, email or text the rescue.  We will help in any way we can.

 

9.  Training - Spend the time and effort in the beginning with your rescue dog.  This will benefit both you and your dog for the times to come.  Training for simple commands such as sit, nicely taking snacks, and leash walking are very important.  This will show your dog you care and also that you believe they are intelligent.  Everyone wants to feel they are valuable.  

 

10.  Patience - Above all - patience.  Your rescue dog may have been hit, starved, out in the cold, locked in a basement, never been hugged.  The first week may be difficult.  Your rescue dog may try to escape, urinate in the house, chew furniture or objects, or be plain scared.  You are the best person that's ever been in his life and he's nervous and doesn't know how to handle all of these good things.  Teach him to be kind and gentle.  Teach him to love and he will trust you and love you for life.