Adoption Process

So You Want To Adopt Your New Best Friend

Adoption Process

We’re so glad you’re interested in adopting from Tennessee Dachshund Rescue! Our adoption process is designed to ensure every dog is placed in a safe, loving, and permanent home. Before applying, please carefully review the requirements below to ensure TDR is the right fit for you. Adoption Requirements

Veterinary references will be contacted** to verify routine vet care for current and/or previous pets. All dogs currently in the home must be:
- Spayed or neutered
- Up to date on annual exams and required vaccinations (distemper/parvo and rabies)
- On consistent heartworm prevention (Vet-verified medical exceptions may be considered)
Adopters must be 21 years of age or older
Must reside in Tennessee or a bordering state
- Adopters are responsible for traveling to pick up their dog (we do not offer transportation)
- This also includes returning the dog to the rescue if, for any reason, they can no longer be cared for

A Few Other Things to Consider

A virtual home visit is a required part of the adoption process to ensure the home is a safe and comfortable environment for a new dog and can help us determine the best fit.
All members of the household must be aware of and supportive of adopting a new dog
The individual who will be primarily responsible for the dog’s care and veterinary needs must be the one to complete the adoption application with their information and preferences.
We never adopt out a dog as potty trained/crate trained. All dogs will require time and effort on the part of the adopter.

**Important Note: The majority of applications are denied due to a lack of consistent routine veterinary care. If your current dogs do not have verifiable consistent routine vet care, please do not apply. We kindly want to avoid wasting your time and ours.

I confirm that I have read and understand the above requirements.

Our Process

Apply

Fill out the application. Please be sure to fill it out as completely and honestly as possible. Information on other people and animals in the home help us know what dog will be the best fit. You will receive a confirmation email letting you know your application has been successfully submitted.

Review

An adoption coordinator will review your application and contact your references. If more info is needed, we will contact you via email. (Please check your spam folder).

Home Visit

Once references have been contacted and/or vet care verified, we will reach out to you (typically via text message) to schedule a phone call or virtual home visit. Home visits are for us to see the home where the dog will be living and chat with you about which dog would be the best fit for your home and family.

Final Approval

All information on your application will be considered and, in most cases, we will let you know by the following day if you’ve been approved.

Finding Your Pet

You've been approved (YAY!!) Let your adoption coordinator know which of our available dogs you’re most interested in. We will have their foster get in touch and share all the details! Get pictures and videos of the dog, and see if they’re the right fit. From there you can schedule a meet & greet. (Most adopters end up adopting the same day as their meet & greet).

Additional Information

We will not discuss adoption details regarding any particular dog if you have not yet applied to adopt.

All dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on all shots prior to adoption

Adoption fees range from $275 to $475, based on the age and health of each individual animal.

We are a 100% volunteer-run dog rescue, and every application is carefully reviewed by a small team dedicating their time outside of work, family, and other responsibilities. We kindly ask for your patience as we work through applications as quickly and thoughtfully as possible. Please understand that we often receive more applications than we have dogs available, and our goal is always to make the best possible match for both the dog and the adopter. While we truly appreciate every application, we reserve the right to deny any application we feel is not a suitable fit for any reason, always with the dog’s best interest in mind.

Untitled(Required)

I confirm that I have read and understand the information above and want to proceed to the adoption application.

So You Want To Adopt Your New Best Friend