Your path to a new best friend

Finding the right dog is an exciting first step toward adoption, and once you’ve chosen your new companion, the process begins with completing our adoption application form. This form allows us to gather key information about your home environment, daily routine, and experience with pets, ensuring that your chosen dog will thrive in their new setting. By understanding your lifestyle and preferences, we can better match you with a dog that suits your family and needs, creating the foundation for a successful and lasting adoption.

Once you’ve filled out the form, simply email it to adoption@for-them-we-fight.org. From that moment, we’ll reserve the dog for you, giving you peace of mind that your future companion is waiting for you while we move forward with the next steps. The application process is designed to prioritize the well-being of the dogs and ensure they are placed in homes where they’ll be loved and cared for. Taking this first step is not just about choosing a dog – it’s about starting a journey toward a rewarding and lifelong bond with your new best friend.

Once we’ve received your completed adoption application and reserved the dog for you, the next step is a friendly phone interview with a member of our team. This call is an opportunity for us to connect and have a detailed discussion about your application. We’ll ask questions to clarify information, talk about your home environment and lifestyle, and discuss how they align with the needs of your chosen dog. The interview also gives you the chance to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of what to expect during the adoption process.

This conversation is a vital part of ensuring a good match, both for you and for the dog. We want to make sure the adoption is a positive experience for everyone involved, and the phone interview is a great way to build trust and communication. It’s also an opportunity for us to share more insights about your dog’s personality, history, and care needs, helping you feel fully prepared for the journey ahead. If the call goes well and both you and our team are confident in the match, we’ll move forward to the next step.

The home visit is an important part of the adoption process, designed to ensure that your home is a good fit for your future dog’s needs. During this visit, a member of our team will come to your home to assess the space where your new companion will live. This step is not about judging your living situation but about helping create the best environment for your dog’s transition. The representative will look at your home’s layout, check for potential safety concerns, and offer helpful tips to make your dog feel comfortable and secure.

Factors like yard size, fencing, daily routines, and the presence of other pets are reviewed to ensure a harmonious match between your family and your chosen dog. The home visit is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions about preparing for your dog, setting up a safe area, or addressing any concerns you might have. By the end of this visit, we aim to feel confident that the adoption is set up for long-term success. If everything aligns, we’ll move forward to the next step: completing the adoption agreement and preparing to welcome your new best friend.

Once your home visit is successfully completed, the adoption process moves forward with the official adoption agreement. This agreement serves as a vital step in ensuring the well-being of the dog, outlining your responsibilities as an adopter and our continued commitment to supporting you and your new companion. By signing the agreement, you formalize your role as a caregiver and advocate for your dog’s happiness and health. It’s a mutual pledge between you and the shelter to give your adopted dog the life they deserve.

Along with the agreement, an adoption fee of 390 € is required. It helps cover a portion of the shelter’s expenses, including medical care, food, vaccinations, and transportation. While the fee only covers part of the overall costs, it plays an essential role in sustaining our work and making future rescues possible. We kindly ask that the signed agreement and fee be submitted at least three days before your dog’s transport. This ensures sufficient time to complete the paperwork, finalize travel arrangements, and prepare your dog for their journey.

After the adoption is finalized, your new companion will begin their journey. Each week, we coordinate a carefully planned transport using a professional animal transport company that prioritizes the safety and comfort of adopted dogs during long trips. The process is managed with great care, including temperature-controlled vehicles, regular rest stops for the dogs’ well-being, and experienced handlers who understand the needs of animals in transit. This journey is an important moment for your dog, as it marks the beginning of their new life with you.

To make the process as smooth as possible, we’ll arrange for you to meet your dog at one of several designated pick-up points along the transport route. These locations are selected to be convenient for families across different regions. We’ll provide you with all the details, including the estimated time of the pick-up. If you’re unable to pick up your dog personally, we can help organize alternative transport options, such as a “dog taxi” (Fellnasentaxi), to bring your dog to your home. This flexibility ensures that every adopted dog can reach their new family comfortably.

Adopting a dog is just the start of a new journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. A few months after adoption, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit to check on how you and your dog are adjusting. This visit gives us a chance to ensure that your dog is happy and healthy, and help with any questions or challenges. It’s also a time to celebrate! Whether it’s seeing a once-shy dog now wagging their tail with confidence or hearing about your shared adventures, these visits are often full of joy.

Our support doesn’t end with the follow-up visit. We’re always available to provide advice or assistance, whether you have questions about training, health, or behavior, or simply want to share updates on your dog’s progress. We want every adoption to succeed, with both the dog and their new family thriving together. These follow-ups are not just about ensuring the adoption works, they’re about building a community of people who share our passion for giving stray dogs a better future.