Ontario, Canada
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Answers to common questions
SMART FAQ and Answers
Q: Where are you located?
A: The location of every dog is on their bio - please read all the way to the bottom. We are foster-based and not shelter-based, therefore we do not have a “location” so to speak. We cover all of Canada, but are based in Ontario.
Q: What is your adoption process?
A: Our adoption process is similar to other rescues. The first step is to fill out our adoption application. After we have reviewed it and discussed with all relevant parties, a home visit will need to be scheduled. After the home visit (sometimes at the same time if local to the dog of interest), a meet and greet will be scheduled with your whole family and your pets. After the meet and greet (sometimes at the same time) you may pick up your dog from their foster home, sign the contract, and pay the adoption fee!
Q: Why does your adoption fee vary by dog?
A: Our standard adoption fee is $500. Older dogs that are between 7 and 10 years of age are $250, and Geriatric dogs 10 and over are $125. This is to give the seniors more adoption interest due to lower fees.
Q: What does it mean when a dog has an adoption pending status next to it?
A: An applicant has been successful and has met the dog, or the dog is awaiting out of area transport to an adopter. The dog is on hold for them to pick up at a later time for varying reasons. Dogs are not marked as adoption pending until they have been met and mutually chosen by their applicant. This also applies to dogs who are on a foster-to-adopt trial adoption.
Q: Can I still apply for a dog if it has a pending status?
A: Yes. If for any reason the adoption falls through, you can be considered. If the adoption is finalized, we will do our best to pair you with another suitable dog, if approved. If the dog is on a foster-to-adopt trial adoption, they may be available within 14 days if they aren’t a perfect match.
Q: What does on trial mean?
A: It means the dog is currently on a trial adoption for 2 weeks. If at the end of the 2 weeks the dog is not a match for that home, applications will be accepted again.
Q: What do I need to be a successful applicant?
A: This varies on a case-by-case, dog-by-dog basis, however our basic guideline is as follows:
-Be an adult (18 or older)
-Answer ALL questions on the adoption application, thoroughly.
-If your yard is fenced it must be 5 ft minimally, 6ft or higher ideally. Electric/invisble fence is not considered to be a fenced yard and will be denied adoption.
-If your yard is not fenced, you MUST be willing to properly tether your dog.
-Not have a cat!! Unless we get a puppy under 6 months or a dog that has previously lived with cats, we cannot place our dogs in homes with cats.
-Be open-minded and receptive to suggestions and advice.
-Call/Email our home visit volunteer back! If no contact has been made after 3 correspondence attempts, or a week’s time from the time we found the volunteer, your application will be disregarded.
Q: What is involved in a home visit?
A: During a home visit, a volunteer will come to your home. They will get a feel for you, your relationship with your pets, and also check your yard and home for potential hazards for our dog. We ask that all family members be present if at all possible. The volunteer has been given a profile of the dog you are interested in and will help us make an informed decision based on general feelings and also that particular dog.
Q: How long does the adoption process take?
A: This varies. It depends on how quickly we can find a home visit volunteer and how compatible your and their schedule’s are to coordinate a time. We review applications within a week typically. We strive to have adoptions finalized within a week after the home visit, but this is not always possible due to communication and scheduling delays.
Q: “I would adopt if I weren’t so far away”.
A: We have a transport truck driver on the team, as well as various other ways to transport a dog to you for adoption! The only difference in the adoption process this way is there is no meet and greet for obvious reasons. A home visit will still be conducted.
Q: How much does transport cost?
A: Nothing usually. In extenuating circumstances, we may ask for some assistance with the cost of the flight in addition to the adoption fee.
Q: I have a cat/rabbit/small animal, can I adopt or foster with you?
A: It is VERY rare when we get a dog that has been raised with cats or has passed a cat test at the shelter. These are the ONLY dogs we will place in homes with a cat. Given the prey drive instinct with the breed, we will not place dogs over 6 months of age that are not proven to be cat-friendly into a home with a cat.
Q: How do I apply to adopt or foster?
A: Fill out the application on our website www.smartrescue.ca. Please remember to be thorough and honest.
Q: What is involved in fostering?
A: Provide a safe haven for a dog while it is looking for a forever home! All expenses are paid for. Write a bio for your foster dog and take photos! We do ask that you be able to arrange meet/greets and adoptions of your dogs after we have approved an application. We ask you to the phone interview with the applicants for your dog. We ask you to review applications for your dog and help us decide. If you are out of area, you need to do the adoption contract and collect the adoption fee for us. We ask to receive both within 3 days of the adoption.
Q: Can I foster with intent to adopt?
A: Yes. You can foster-to-adopt. However the decision on whether you’d like to adopt or not must be completed within 14 days of your foster placement. Once we have begun processing other applications for that dog, you will no longer be able to keep the dog with intent to adopt.
Q: If you don’t have a dog for me right now, can I still apply to adopt?
A: YES! If you wish to have an application on file and be contacted when a suitable dog comes into rescue, you are encouraged to submit an application and have a home visit completed to be pre-approved.
Q: Where do your dogs come from?
A: Most of our adoptable dogs come from shelters where they are in danger of being euthanized; and some are owner surrenders. Some are also from other rescues/shelters who transfer the dogs to us. We also list dogs for their owner where the dog remains with their owner until a home is found. These owned dogs are the sole decision of the owner, so your patience is appreciated.
Q: How can I help?
A: Foster! Adopt! Share! Donate! Foster homes allow us to rescue more dogs and fostering doesn’t cost you anything. Adopting opens up room for more dogs to be rescued. Sharing helps to find potential adopters and fosters. Donations of leashes, food, and money are greatly appreciated. We also always need home visit and transport volunteers in your area!