Adoption FAQ's

How do I adopt?      If you are interested in adopting from Island Dog Rescue Adoption Network,  the first step is to fill out our electronic adoption application  (link is at the end of this document.)   Please do not message us and ask us if we have puppies available before you have submitted an application!  The sad reality is that we always have puppies and dogs available.  

Once you have filled out the application, our volunteers will review it as quickly as possible.  This could take several days (sometimes it only takes an hour!)   Please request to join the Available Dogs - Island Dog Rescue Adoption Network FaceBook group.  You do not need to wait to hear from us on the status of your application.    This group is where we post information about available dogs.  

After you have submitted your application, please connect with us via private message on our main Island Dog Rescue Adoption Network Facebook page.   Let us know that you have submitted an application, and what you are looking for.  If you are not quite ready to adopt, that is ok too - your application will remain on file and you will have access to the group page where we post information about available dogs.  You can reach out when you are ready!  We encourage you to get involved as a volunteer or perhaps a foster.

Be advised that sometimes it can be a quick process and sometimes people wait a month or even longer to find the right addition to their family.  The more information you can give us, the better we can help you.  

We constantly have new dogs coming into care that are going through medical protocols.   We cannot possibly list all of them so we use this informal matching process to decide which dogs will be availalbe and when.

Summary of the adoption application process:

1. Submit an application (link at end of this document)

2. Request to join the    Available Dogs - Island Dog Rescue Adoption Network facebook page 

3. Connect with us via FB messenger to let us know you have applied and what you are looking for - or let us know you are interested in a particular dog that you see on our Available Dogs page. 

4. Private messaging on our main Island Dog Rescue Adoption Network page is our preferred method of communication.  We have multiple volunteers that work together and it is easiest for us all to communicate here. 

We are a foster-based rescue and our dogs and puppies are often on hold for adoption before they even arrive.  We are fortunate to have so many people that believe in our mission and want to adopt through Island Dog Rescue Adoption Network to support our cause.  

I am approved to adopt, now what?     IDRAN is a foster-based organization.  We do NOT have a facility.  You cannot come to look at the available dogs to choose one.  Many of our dogs/puppies are adopted before they even arrive.   Once the dog arrives, they will be placed with an approved foster that will give them time to decompress and allow us time to review and update their vet care and complete a behaviorial assessment , usually 3-5 days.  After the decompression period , the aninall will be available for meet and greets.  Once you have met the dog, if you are a good fit for them and want to pursue adoption we will complete the adoption contract and you can take your new family member home.  If you feel the dog is not a good match, you can schedule to meet other available dogs.    If you choose to adopt and within the first 7 days feel the dog is not a good a match, IDRAN will accept the dog back into rescue.  The adoption fee will be due no later than the 7th day following adoption.    Our adoption fee is $395 for most dogs.  The fees may vary due to medical needs.  

Why didn’t I get the dog I said I wanted?    We try very hard to match dogs with families and lifestyles. We often have history from dog's previous owners, fosters on the islands, or our own personal observations. If you express interest in a dog but we feel that it won’t be a good fit then please trust us. There is likely a more in-depth reason and nothing personal against you or your family.

Also, we work on a first-come, first-served basis (as long as we believe it is a good match!). If a person completes our application process and we deem it a good fit then we will honor that match. We constantly have new dogs traveling so if you get your heart set on a dog already promised to someone else then let us know. We might have a similar dog waiting in the wings!

What does the adoption fee cover?     The cost is to HELP cover vaccines, de-worming, transport, spaying/neutering, and protocols necessary to ensure the welfare of the animals prior to adoption.  Our adoption fee is not tax-deductible.  The adoption fee does not fully cover all of our expenses and we welcome all donations  (financial or your time.) 

Why doesn’t someone answer my message immediately?  We are fully run by volunteers who love dogs. We are trying to manage all of our hats and day jobs along with rescuing the sweetest dogs in the world.  Sometimes, we are great at it. Other times, we are a bit slower. We have several people who volunteer with us so you may not always speak to the same person. Please have patience with us. We typically try to answer messages within 24-48 hours. Days when dogs are arriving are always hectic so please give us some extra grace on those days. If you haven’t gotten an answer within 48 hours then please message us again. We are not ignoring you and it never hurts to get a gentle reminder.