NEBR ADOPTION APPLICATION

Dogs come into rescue organizations or shelter situations for a variety of reasons. For a Brittany this could include:

• Being too active for the current owner's lifestyle
• Change in family dynamics such as divorce, illness/death, new additions to the family (human and animal)
• Loss of living situation that allows pet ownership
• Refusal to hunt
• Being found as a stray

We are not claiming that all of our dogs will come perfectly housebroken, well trained, or fully socialized. Dogs who have been neglected, abandoned, or relinquished need training and gentle discipline to become a great addition to a family - just like a brand new puppy.NEBR has a network of carefully chosen & experienced foster families where our Brittanys live before being placed in an adoptive home. During that time we will evaluate their personalities (how well they deal with other dogs, children, etc) and their training (housebroken, socialized, behavior) if necessary.

Myth #1: I don't know what I'm getting

There may in fact be more information available about an adoptable pet than one from a breeder or pet store. All of our dogs at NEBR are in foster care. Foster parents live with their charges 24-7 and can often tell you, in detail, about the pet's personality and habits.At the very least, you can ask the staff if the pet was an owner surrender (rather than a stray) and, if so, what the former owner said about him or her. Quite often pets are given up because the owner faced financial or housing issues. You can also ask about the health and behavioral evaluations the pet has undergone since arriving at the shelter. In contrast, pet store owners rarely have an idea of what a pet will be like in a home.

Myth #2: I can't find what I want at a rescue

While it's true that adopting a purebred or a young puppy can require more patience than going to a pet store or breeder, it can also lead to a better match for you and your family. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, don't give up. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 6-8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year. Some shelters even maintain waiting lists for specific breeds, so don't be afraid to ask! There are also breed-specific rescues for just about every breed.

Myth #3: I can get a free pet, so why pay an adoption fee?

According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (via the ASPCA), approximately 65% of pet parents in the U.S. get their pets for free or at low cost, and most pets are obtained from acquaintances or family members. The NCPPSP also reports that pets acquired from friends make up more than 30% of pets surrendered to shelters. While getting a "free" pet may seem like a bargain at first, you're then responsible for veterinary costs that shelters and rescue groups usually cover, including:

• Spaying/neutering $150-300
• Distemper vaccination $20-30 x2
• Rabies vaccination $15-25
• Heartworm test $15-35 Flea/tick treatment
• $50-200 Microchip $50

Myth #4: I'll be "rescuing" a sick puppy from a pet store

Pet stores play on our sympathies by keeping pets in small enclosures and in storefronts. But paying the pet store to let you "save" the puppy or kitten gives those stores exactly what they want -- income -- and perpetuates a cruel industry.

Myth #5: Pets are in shelters because they didn't make good pets

In fact, the main reasons pets are given up include:

• Owners are moving to housing that don't allow pets
• Allergies
• Owner having personal problems
• Too many or no room for litter mates
• Owner can no longer afford the pet
• Owner no longer has time for the pet

Myth #6: Shelter pets have too much baggage

Rescued pets have full histories ... something that can actually be great for adopters. Remember, all pets-- even eight-week old puppies and kittens -- have distinct personalities. Those personalities will either jive with your home and lifestyle or not. Work with us to find the right fit for you.