Animals Need Us❣️
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit • Dog Rescue
Adoption FAQ'S
All Adoption Applicants are required to read in full the following information regarding the Adoption Procedures and FAQs prior to submitting an Adoption Application.
If you can't find the answer to your question, ask here.
Adopting a dog from Bluetails Pet Rescue is a commitment for life. While we will always take a dog back into our care if an adoption should fail, know that we will expect you to do everything in your power to address the problem first, including seeking professional training. We will provide you with support and resources to be successful, but your commitment is crucial to success. Please allow the dog ample time to adjust to the new environment, it is critical that at a minimum, a 3 day adjustment period is provided.
In order to provide transparency and clarity into the process, Bluetails Pet Rescue has established the following procedures and policies in relation to the Adoption Process.
Step 1: Read this document in full. It answers most questions we receive regarding the rescue and the adoption process. If you still have questions, email us at info@bluetails.org
Step 2: Complete the Adoption Application Online.
Step 3: Your application will NOT be considered if incomplete.
Step 4: Your application will be reviewed by an Adoption Coordinator.
If any information on the application is incomplete or determined to be false, it will NOT be reviewed. (Ex: if you don't give us your landlord or vet's phone number, we won't be able to review it and will mark it incomplete)
If, based on your application, you are considered to be a potential adoption candidate, an Adoption Coordinator will perform a vet reference check, if applicable.
Step 5 (a): If you are considered to be a potential adoption candidate based on the application review and vet reference check, your application will be sent to a Home Visit Coordinator. A Home Visit will be scheduled, and all members of a household (people & animals) must be present for the home visit. If the applicant lives out of the area or state, other arrangements can be made.
COVID 19 UPDATE. We are accepting video calls and/or video home walk-throughs. The adoption coordinator will coordinate these calls and/or videos.
Step 5 (b): If you did not fully qualify under our standard adoption requirements, you may be offered to participate in our MENTORSHIP ADOPTION PROGRAM (MAP). Please refer to our MAP page for information on this program.
Step 6: A member of the Home Visit Team will meet with you at your home. This is a very important step in the adoption process. The volunteer is there to make sure your home environment and lifestyle is a good fit for the pet you are interested in. Our volunteers want the best for the dogs we adopt as well as the people adopting from us. In some instances the visit will be by Facetime or Zoom, or video as determined by the rescue.
COVID 19 UPDATE. We are accepting video calls and/or video home walk-throughs. The adoption coordinator will coordinate these calls and/or videos.
Step 7: Your Home Visit report will be reviewed by our volunteers. If you are determined to be an Approved Adopter based on your Home Visit, an Adoption Coordinator will contact you to discuss the status of any specific dog/puppy you are interested in adopting. They will assist in setting up visits with available dogs that might be a good fit based on what you are looking for.
Step 8: If, after full approval, there is not an available dog or puppy that is an ideal fit or it is not an ideal time for you to adopt, we will add you to our Pre-Approved Adopter List.
Q: How long does the adoption process take?
We are a fully volunteer-run organization. If you do not receive an immediate response, please be patient. Every member of our team has many other work and family obligations. We try to be as efficient and responsive as possible. Each adoption application takes time to fully screen and we typically receive over 100 applications a month. Please understand that our primary obligation is to the dogs entrusted to our care.
Q: Why is the adoption process so detailed?
While we realize that our screening process may seem extensive and may occasionally (and unfortunately) eliminate some good homes, it is a process that has been developed through years of experience and we stand firmly behind it. Our goal is place Bluetails Pet Rescue dogs into their forever homes and we take it very seriously. We want to do everything we can to ensure the dog and adopters are a good fit. Having to return a dog to the rescue is traumatic for a dog and typically the adopters as well. This is why Bluetails Pet Rescue does its due diligence during the application process.
Q: How do the dog(s) I apply for become unavailable so fast? And how can I improve my chances for getting the dog I want?
We have, at any given time dozens of pre-approved applicants waiting to get a dog. And in most cases, just like you, they missed out on their 1st or even 2nd choice because a pre-approved applicant secured the dog for adoption by paying the adoption fee. Remember, the review process can take several days or longer to complete, and in many instances, before we can finish reviewing your application, a pre-approved applicant has secured the dog. We HIGHLY recommend applying as soon as possible and getting Pre-Approved. Once approved, you can watch our website for a dog you want and then contact us to secure the dog, without waiting to finish the application process.
Q: What is the Mentorship Adoption Program?
Our standard adoption process and requirements have been established to ensure we place our rescue dogs into stable, loving and lifelong homes. In an effort to support and aid our applicants who don’t quite meet our standard adoption requirements, we have created our MENTORSHIP ADOPTION PROGRAM (MAP). The goal is to MAP out the best path to help applicants build experience owning a pet and establish routine and consistent vet history, through guidance, time, resources and training. Please refer to our MAP page for a full description of program.
Q: What are the adoption fees?
Adoption Fee Schedule
Q: What does the adoption fee cover?
Bluetails Pet Rescue covers the costs of the following services on every adopted animal:
-Age appropriate vaccinations including:
Distemper - Adenovirus - Parvovirus - Parainfluenza - Coronavirus - Rabies -Bodetella
-De-worming
-Spay/Neuter
-Microchip
-Heartworm Test
-Monthly Heartworm Prevention (Proheart 6 pets incur a higher fee)
-Monthly Flea Prevention
Is some cases the following procedures will be provided and paid for while in the care of Bluetails if deemed necessary:
-Lepto Vaccination
-Fecal Test
-Dental Work
-Blood Panels
-Xrays
If your newly adopted dog is undergoing heartworm treatment at the time of adoption, Bluetails Pet Rescue will cover the cost of the remaining treatment.
Q: What is a SAVIOR Puppy or Dog and why is their fee higher?
Dogs and puppies deemed as "Saviors" are sometimes purebred dogs or other rescue dogs that are in high demand for one reason or another. They are typically quickly adopted, even with their higher fees. Their increased adoption fees allow them to act as Saviors to other dogs in our care that require special medical care and a better chance at adoption. Some dogs spend over a year in our care and require expensive surgeries, heartworm treatment and professional training. Savior dogs help support the care of the dogs most in need with Bluetails Pet Rescue.
Q: What is Proheart6?
Proheart6 is a medication that prevents heartworm disease in dogs 6 months of age and older. Proheart6 is given by injection by a licensed veterinarian. One injection of Proheart6 protects your dog from heartworm disease for 6 complete months. Proheart6 also treats common hookworm infections that may be present at the time of injection.
Q: Why does Bluetails Pet Rescue charge so much for their adoptions?
100% of the adoption fees goes back towards the care of the dogs saved by Bluetails Pet Rescue. These fees help pay for the cost of veterinary care for the dogs, high-quality dog and puppy food fed to dogs while in the rescue, flea/tick/heartworm preventatives and general dog/puppy supplies needed to provide daily care. The average cost to care for a dog while in rescue far exceeds the adoption fee collected. The difference comes from fundraising and donations.
Q: Where is your rescue located?
Bluetails Pet Rescue is a foster based, 100 % volunteer group located in New Orleans, Louisiana Metro Area. We have fosters throughout the New Orleans and Westbank and surrounding areas. We are not a shelter.
Q: What is your phone number?
The best and easiest way to contact us is through text, email or chat. If those are not an option our number is 504-662-2313. This number is sometimes minitored by an ansering service, but not always. You can however leave a message and one of our team members will get in touch with you.
Q: Where can I meet the dog I’m interested in?
We currently do not have a facility where you can meet our adoptable dogs. Bluetails Pet Rescue is a volunteer, non-profit, foster-based rescue. This means that our dogs live in homes with volunteers until they are adopted.
Bluetails Pet Rescue holds events around the Westbank and New Orleans area to provide opportunities for potential adopters to meet dogs. Please follow us @bluetailpets on Facebook or our Calendar to see a list of upcoming events.
Once an applicant is approved through the Application Process, arrangements will be made between the potential adopter and the foster volunteers to introduce you to the dog you are interested in.
For out of state applicants, once approved, we can send videos and pictures of the pet and you can speak with the current foster parent.
Q: Are all adoptions first come first serve?
We do not adopt dogs on a first-come basis. All applications will be screened to determine the most suitable match for the dog and the adopter. Every Bluetails Pet Rescue dog is fostered by a member of our team, and lives in their home as part of their family. Our foster families get to know the dog, what they need, their level of socialization, and the type of home that will best suit them. The needs of the dogs are our highest priority. Applying for a dog your interested in quickly does increase the likelihood your application will be considered though.
Q: Do you do same day adoptions?
Bluetails Pet Rescue does not do same day adoptions. The purpose of the applicant screening procedures used by animal rescue groups is to ensure the safety of both the animal and their new families, as well as to reduce the chance that the animals will be returned because of an inappropriate match. All applicants are required to go through the Adoption Process outlined above.
Q: What if I have not heard back from Bluetails Pet Rescue after I have submitted an application?
It does take time to process applications, so please be patient. If you indicated on your application that you were interested in a specific dog, the particular dog that you applied for may have been adopted by the time your application was processed. Please check our website to see if the dog is still listed. We update the site daily as adoptions are finalized and new dogs become available for adoption.
If at any point during the application process your application is determined to be incomplete, misleading or not factual, it will be denied without notice.
Not everyone who submits an application will be contacted to continue the adoption approval process. We receive thousands of applications annually and we review each and every complete application that we receive.
Q: Do you adopt to homes with small children (under age 5)?
Most rescue groups have a rule about adopting or not adopting to families with small children. Children under 5 are learning how to live and get along in our world. These young children cannot yet discriminate between their stuffed animal dog (which takes whatever a toddler can dish out) and a real dog, with real teeth, and with the ability to be hurt and to then hurt in return. Any dog can and will bite given the right circumstances. We routinely re-home dogs because the mix between young child and dog was not a good one. Rescue dogs often have unknown backgrounds/temperaments. Puppies have not yet had time to be socialized and trained in how to behave around children. Therefore, in the best interest of children and dogs not getting hurt, we reserve the right to deny adoption based on having young children in the home.
Q: Why do I have to be 21 years old to apply?
Most rescue groups have a rule about adopting or not adopting to people under the age of 21. Please do not take it personally. We understand there are many responsible young adults that love dogs, but it is our policy to not adopt out to persons under the age of 21 due to the surrender rate amongst younger dog owners. We find that persons under the age of 21 are typically better suited to volunteer with animal care or to serve as a foster parent, opposed to making a life-long commitment to a dog. To apply to foster go to Apply to Foster
Q: Do you adopt out of state?
Yes! We receive MOST of our applications from out of state. This is why processing times are higher for out of state applications. Please note, that the approved applicant must either pick up the dog in person in New Orleans, or make arrangements for transport.
Q: Do you transport?
Yes! Please check out our transport page. We currently offer transport to the midwest.
Q: Can you hold a dog for me until I am ready to adopt it?
We understand that you may be interested in adopting but you also have travel plans, or other obligations that make it difficult to adopt at a certain time. We are unable to hold dogs for adoption, as this takes up vital space in a foster home that could be used in saving the life of another dog in need. Please check back with us when you are ready to bring a new family member dog into your home, or apply to get pre-approved for a future dog. In some instances, boarding may be available at an additional cost.
Q: What if I want to adopt 2 puppies?
We typically do not adopt out 2 puppies to the same home due to the risk of littermate syndrome. If you are contemplating adding 2 puppies of similar age to your home, we suggest speaking to professional dog trainers/behaviorists and do research on this condition. https://thebark.com/content/dont-take-two-littermates
You Can Help Provide Shelter, Food and Love to Animals in Need. Donate Today! Stop Animal Abuse. Help Animals in Need. Fight Animal Cruelty. Be Their Voice. Impact an Animal's Life. Save Lives Every Day. Click Here>>
Bluetails will adopt animals to adults (must be 21 or older) who demonstrate they are responsible individuals and can provide adequate assurances that they intend to provide proper care for an animal's entire life. Click Here>>
By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home, you're freeing up a spot so Bluetails rescue can take in another dog. Giving your foster dog the time he needs to be ready for adoption. Click Here>>
Volunteer work is the cornerstone that joins charitable service and hard work. While you do not receive monetary compensation for volunteer hours, the impact you have on our animals and rewards of service go far beyond that of payment in $$. Click Here>>
Bluetails Pet Rescue
Bluetails Pet Rescue is a non profit foster based animal rescue located in the greater New Orleans area and takes in neglected dogs, provides them with medical care and a loving environment while finding them a permanent home.
Our mission is to rescue animals in need, rehabilitate as necessary, prepare for adoption and ultimately place in loving homes.
All donations are used 100% in funding the rescue and adoption effort.
Serving New Orleans Area
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(504) 000-0000
We are dedicated to rescuing dogs left homeless for whatever reason – animals in public shelters where they are at high risk of euthanasia due to pet overpopulation, pets given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances, and those in danger of abuse or neglect. ~ Courtney
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