QUESTIONS?

ABOUT THE DOG

Is This Dog Currently Available?
Yes! This dog has NOT yet been approved for adoption. As soon as a Ratbone dog is approved for adoption, it is marked "pending," which deletes it from Petfinder's Adoptable list... so if you read a profile, the dog IS available! However, we could be currently working on applications, which are considered in order of receipt. Since situations change constantly, the only way to get a reliable answer on a dog's status is to SUBMIT AN APPLICATION to "get in line." A member of the Applications Team will contact you.

Where is This Dog?
Our dogs are located in private fosterhomes around the state, and we do not provide those addresses on the Internet or to casual inquiries. You cannot just "drop by" to see a dog. However, once your application is accepted, we'll put you in touch with the dog's fosterparent, and you may arrange a visit if distances permit. Upon adoption, Ratbone Rescues will coordinate transportation between the foster home and the adoptive home.

What is the Dog's Personality Like?
The dog's fosterparent is the only one who can provide those details. When your application is accepted and you are put in touch with the fosterparent, you may ask questions, request more photos, and seek whatever details you like. You and the fosterparent may correspond extensively to ensure that the dog is a good match for your household and that your household is a good match for the dog.

What If I Apply Then Decide This Isn't Right For Me?
If you decide that this is not the right dog after all, or if your selected dog already has an application in the works that does lead to adoption approval, you may simply withdraw your application. Or your assigned Applications Coordinator will work with you to identify another Ratbone dog needing a loving home who would be a good match (no need to submit another application).

How Long Does the Application Processing Take?
The timing depends on many things, including availability of volunteers (Ratbone Rescues is an all-volunteer organization) and how easy it is to reach your references. Generally you can expect it to take between a couple days and a couple weeks. We do go through a very thorough PROCESS to ensure that the match is a good one. If you are making a spur-of-the-moment adoption decision and cannot wait this long for a new Forever Dog, then please do not apply through Ratbone Rescues.

Who Do I Contact With More Questions? The answers to 99% of the questions people ask can be found on our WEBSITE . Please "do your homework!" If you have questions that aren't answered, you will need to reach the Applications Team by SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION. Please note that the contact information on Petfinder is for our Web Editor, who will not be able to answer specific questions about the dogs.