We do not have a centralized physical location. All of our dogs are in foster homes.
Our mailing address is:
Wags Rescue & Referral
PO Box 1514
Southampton, PA 18966
We host weekly Meet & Greet Events where you can meet many of our available dogs that are able to attend. If you are unable to make it to an event, we may also be able to arrange for you to meet specific dogs by appointment with their respective foster homes. Individual meetings are only available to approved applicants.
Additional questions can be asked by email at:
info@wagsrescue.org
Once received, your application will be assigned to a Processor who helps you through the application and helps with picking a dog matched to your lifestyle. Generally, it takes two to three days to process an application. However, this can vary depending on how long it takes to contact your references. Since it can take longer to reach people during the holidays and summer, there may be a greater delay during these periods. Letting landlords, vets and personal references know we'll be calling can be very helpful to move things along.
If you see a particular dog from our available dogs, please list their name. But know, Wags cannot guarantee their availability once your application has been processed. Previous approved applications may be in the process of adopting the same particular dog. In this case we can issue a general approval.
After approval: We will connect you with the Foster Family of the adoptable you are interested in or if that dog is spoken for, we'll re-direct you to the available dogs and when our next Meet & Greet is.
We'd love for everyone in the home to meet your potential new family member but sometimes our Meet & Greet events can be over stimulating and probably not the right environment for your current dog to meet your new one. We can set up private meet & greets for our four-legged friends to meet in a more private setting.
We make every effort to process applications in a timely manner, but sometimes applications do get lost in the system. If you do not hear from us within three days of submitting your application, please email us at info@wagsrescue.org.
As a foster based rescue, the majority of Wags dogs are living in homes with families who are getting to know them. The families write "bios" that can help you see what personalities they have and will aid you in finding a good match.
Wags is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All the money from fees and donations goes directly to caring for the dogs and aiding in finding them furever homes. Your donations and adoption fees are tax deductable.
These are the current NON-REFUNDABLE donation fees for our dogs.
| Dogs and Puppies that | Dogs and Puppies that | |
| Age | are spayed/neutered | are not spayed/neutered |
| Under 1 yr | $400.00 | $300.00 + $100 Spay/Neuter deposit* |
| 1 yr - under 4 yrs | $350.00 | $250.00 + $100 Spay/Neuter deposit* |
| 4 yrs - under 6 yrs | $250.00 | $250.00 + $100 Spay/Neuter deposit* |
| 6 yrs and over | $150.00 | $150.00 + $100 Spay/Neuter deposit* |
*Your $100 spay/neuter deposit will be returned once we receive proof of the spay/neuter within 6 months of the adoption. Please email the certificate of Spay/Neuter to refund@wagsrescue.org.
Wags prefers PayPal and can be easily processed on-line and does keep the process moving along smoothly.
Other forms of payment currently accepted are cash or check. There would need to be arrangements to get the cash/check to our volunteers to properly process prior to adoption being completed. There is a $30 fee for any checks returned from our bank as NSF.
We believe that a good match between dog and home is essential to successful adoptions. Thus, when placing a dog, we try to find the family that is best suited to that particular dog's personality and needs. Wags does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If there are multiple qualified applicants for a dog, we strive to place that dog in the home that seems like the best fit.
We also have instances where an applicant applies for a dog that was just one step ahead with a previously approved application who is finalizing their adoption, leaving that dog no longer available.
Occasionally we receive applications from responsible, loving homes that are just not good matches for a specific dog. In such cases, we may decline the application not because we believe the home is unfit, but simply because it's not the right environment for that particular animal. We may suggest alternative dogs who would be more suited for that home.
Once approved and you've chosen your dog, we'll have our Adoption Team Processors help finalize the adoption, this part of the process can take 2 days up to 2 weeks to complete. Depending on the availability of the dog. Puppies may not leave the rescue until they are 8 weeks of age and some dogs may be in transition coming to our rescue from a sister rescue. Those scenarios can add time to the standard time frames. Next up will be:
Adoption Fee being Paid
Adoption Agreement signed
Reviewing Medical Records
Oh...and finally...getting your dog!
Once you are given the OK that all paperwork is completed and you've received the medicals, you'll be ready to bring home your new best friend. Pickup of your new best friend will need to happen within 48 hours once the OK is given. This enables us to help another dog in need. Wags cannot hold dogs for an extended period of time after adoption paperwork is complete.
To pick up your new dog you must have a:
The two-restraint system or properly fitted harness is simply because some dogs are scared and can back out of traditional collars. This is for their safety.
Other supplies you'll need waiting at home would be:
So it may sound silly but it's usually suggested to get down and crawl around. Look at life from your dogs point of view. How do they know the difference between a toy and a beloved shoe, pillow, piece of furniture, open purse placed on floor. Dogs are clever and they are fantastic athletes and faster than most humans when they want to be. Outdoors, if you have a fence- make sure all gates, doors and fencing are in good working order. No easy escape paths. Repair and secure all before you bring your new dog home.
This is a question best asked of your Vet and what is tailored to your individual dogs' nutritional needs. When you first get your new dog home, we do highly recommend you stay on the food the foster has been feeding him/her. It isn't advised to quickly change their diet. So, continuing with the food being fed, check with your Vet for best recommendations then slowly transition to that food. The choice of food is one of the top markers for a healthy dog.
Wags Rescue will help select the best candidate to fit your life and all in it. If your home includes other dogs, cats or kids of any age it is best to be prepared to follow slow introduction guidelines to ensure the best chance for full integration and a happy life together. It can sometimes take time and effort, but the end results are unconditional love for a lifetime. GO SLOW, TAKE TIME. Knowing what steps to follow and more importantly what NOT to do will help everyone. Click appropriate links for successful integration tips that apply to you. Be prepared by educating yourself on what will work.
Please know that the state of Pennsylvania and most surrounding areas, require a rabies vaccine for dogs by 4 months of age. The rabies vaccine will need to be updated per your Vet at specific intervals at their annual exams.
Local counties also require dogs to be licensed at various ages as well. Check with your local county for the law where you live. We’ve attached our immediate surrounding areas information with links to applications for you to complete.
https://buckscounty.gov/319/Dog-Licenses
https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-license/get-a-license-for-your-dog/
https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/1790/Annual-Dog-Licenses
Dogs LOVE their human family. Your new dog, until potty trained and house trained should sleep in a crate inside the house. Preferably in the same room as a family member, especially at first. Do not expect your dog to sleep in a remote room such as kitchen or laundry room which makes your new dog feel isolated rather than included. A crate in your bedroom is a great integration tool helping your dog feel safe, avoid accidents, and prevent anxiety.
The simple answer to this question is to integrate your dog by following some of the suggestions Wags Rescue has already offered here. Taking things in baby steps. Your new dog has a lot to learn and get used to. Every home is different; every dog is different. The foster home they came from is probably different then your home. The schedules, the people, the things that surround them and the smells...all new. The most important thing to remember is that Wags Rescue is here to help you after adoption with advice and to answer questions to help your new fully integrate.
Occasionally there are times that we feel it's best to leave things up to the professionals. We may require and recommend that from the approval process and recommend as well after adoption. We have a list of trainers and behaviorists available for you to choose who might work best for you, please request list from your processor.
Most dogs come into rescue without knowing any previous history. Wags Rescue vets all the dogs/puppies to have them up to date on basic core vaccines and treats health issues that are apparent when dogs arrive or conditions that develop during their time in our care. We make every effort to ensure the dogs/puppies are in good physical condition at the time of
adoption. However, due to the nature of rescue, confining many dogs in a small space, and the poor general health many of
these dogs start with. Your dog may get sick. Wags Rescue will not be responsible for any medical bills you may incur after the date of adoption.
Please be aware that there can be a very common temporary condition that affects many dogs/puppies coming from rescue living environments: Kennel Cough and Diarrhea/Giardia/Coccidia and a variety of worms are easily spread but also easily treated. While completely gross for most...it's common. Wags and our sister rescues follow deworming protocols to try and clear the dogs and puppies of those issues. Depending on the type of parasite, continued treatment may be needed. Your new dog/puppy may or may not have been exposed so please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these common and very treatable temporary conditions. Wags adoption agreements stipulates that you need to have your vet see your new family member within 2 weeks and it is strongly advised to take a stool sample to confirm everything is in order...or maybe some continued treatment may be needed. Please know, not all worms/parasites can be seen...they can hide really well.
We will check during the application process but make sure your resident animals are current with vaccines and preventatives.
Occasionally, on a case-by-case scenario, we may adopt to a family outside the immediate area. We cannot guarantee this, and it will always come down to who we think is the best match for our dogs. We may require a long-distance deposit on top of the adoption fee that the deposit amount would be refunded after you continued to keep the dog after a pre-determined amount of time.
Forgive us if there is sometimes a delay in getting back to your inquiries. We are all volunteers doing our best to meet the demands of our own, lives, families and jobs, in addition to helping these dogs. If you truly feel that your email, application or general question has been overlooked, it is quite possible that the servers dropped or deleted the message accidentally. Please feel free to try again.
When to spay/neuter?
Your vet will determine the proper age for your puppy/dog to be spayed/neutered.
Typically, puppies should be spayed/neutered no later than 6 months after adoption. While adult dogs should be spayed/neutered within 90 days of adoption.
If there is an extenuating circumstance (i.e.: illness, etc.) where your vet feels that the puppy/dog is not able to be spayed/neutered within that timeframe, you must provide documentation from your Vet to Wags. If we have not heard from you after 6 months from a puppy adoption or 3 months after an adult dog adoption, your deposit will be forfeited, and you will no longer be entitled to a refund, but you still need to supply us with proof of altering your dog.
Who should do the spay/neuter?
This is your choice. You can take the puppy to your vet or you can also shop around as there are many low cost spay/neuter programs available.
How do I get my spay/neuter deposit refunded?
If we collected a Spay/Neuter deposit at the time of adoption, please follow all of the instructions below to get your refund.
Please email the certificate of Spay/Neuter to: refund@wagsrescue.org
Please note that your new dog may need time to settle into your home and routine. This may take anywhere from a minimum of 2 weeks, up to 6 months depending on the dog. We ask that you please give it a chance before you decide to surrender. Please
consider hiring a good dog trainer to help you transition with your new dog. If your new dog and other pets in the home are not getting along, please allow the animal’s ample time to get used to each other. If you are not able to keep the dog, you are required, under your contract with Wags Rescue & Referral to surrender the dog back to Wags Rescue & Referral. It is not acceptable (nor fair to the dog) for you to take it to a shelter or rehome the dog on your own. Rescue dogs have already been through a lot and we ask that you work with us as we look to secure a new foster home. Wags Rescue & Referral is a 100% volunteer, foster based organization. We will do our best to take the dog back as soon as possible, but sometimes that can not happen immediately. We ask that you keep the dog while we work to secure a foster, which could happen immediately or may take up to 30 days in rare cases, depending on the time of the year and how many fosters we have available. During the time that you have the dog, until we secure a
foster, we ask that you bring him/her to adoption events to provide the dog with the best opportunity to find a new family that will be a better fit. If you find you must surrender your dog, please contact our Surrender Dept at info@wagsrescue.org
We do not have a centralized physical location. All of our dogs are in foster homes.
Our mailing address is:
Wags Rescue & Referral
PO Box 1514
Southampton, PA 18966
We host weekly Meet & Greet Events where you can meet many of our available dogs that are able to attend. If you are unable to make it to an event, we may also be able to arrange for you to meet specific dogs by appointment with their respective foster homes. Individual meetings are only available to approved applicants.
Additional questions can be asked by email at:
info@wagsrescue.org
Once received, your application will be assigned to a Processor who helps you through the application and helps with picking a dog matched to your lifestyle. Generally, it takes five to seven days to process an application. However, this can vary depending on how long it takes to contact your references. Since it can take longer to reach people during the holidays and summer, there may be a greater delay during these periods. Letting landlords, vets and personal references know we'll be calling can be very helpful to move things along.
If you see a particular dog from our available dogs, please list their name. But know, Wags cannot guarantee their availability once your application has been processed. Previous approved applications may be in the process of adopting the same particular dog. In this case we can issue a general approval.
After approval: We will connect you with the Foster Family of the adoptable you are interested in or if that dog is spoken for, we'll re-direct you to the available dogs and when our next Meet & Greet is.
We'd love for everyone in the home to meet your potential new family member but sometimes our Meet & Greet events can be over stimulating and probably not the right environment for your current dog to meet your new one. We can set up private meet & greets for our four-legged friends to meet in a more private setting.
We make every effort to process applications in a timely manner, but sometimes applications do get lost in the system. If you do not hear from us within a week of submitting your application, please email us at info@wagsrescue.org.
As a foster based rescue, the majority of Wags dogs are living in homes with families who are getting to know them. The families write "bios" that can help you see what personalities they have and will aid you in finding a good match.
Wags is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All the money from fees and donations goes directly to caring for the dogs and aiding in finding them furever homes. Your donations and adoption fees are tax deductable.
These are the current NON-REFUNDABLE donation fees for our dogs.
| Dogs and Puppies that | Dogs and Puppies that | |
| Age | are spayed/neutered | are not spayed/neutered |
| Under 1 yr | $400.00 | $300.00 + $100 Spay/Neuter deposit* |
| 1 yr - under 4 yrs | $350.00 | $250.00 + $100 Spay/Neuter deposit* |
| 4 yrs - under 6 yrs | $250.00 | $250.00 + $100 Spay/Neuter deposit* |
| 6 yrs and over | $150.00 | $150.00 + $100 Spay/Neuter deposit* |
*Your $100 spay/neuter deposit will be returned once we receive proof of the spay/neuter within 6 months of the adoption. Please email the certificate of Spay/Neuter to refund@wagsrescue.org.
Wags prefers PayPal and can be easily processed on-line and does keep the process moving along smoothly.
Other forms of payment currently accepted are cash or check. There would need to be arrangements to get the cash/check to our volunteers to properly process prior to adoption being completed. There is a $30 fee for any checks returned from our bank as NSF.
We believe that a good match between dog and home is essential to successful adoptions. Thus, when placing a dog, we try to find the family that is best suited to that particular dog's personality and needs. Wags does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If there are multiple qualified applicants for a dog, we strive to place that dog in the home that seems like the best fit.
We also have instances where an applicant applies for a dog that was just one step ahead with a previously approved application who is finalizing their adoption, leaving that dog no longer available.
Occasionally we receive applications from responsible, loving homes that are just not good matches for a specific dog. In such cases, we may decline the application not because we believe the home is unfit, but simply because it's not the right environment for that particular animal. We may suggest alternative dogs who would be more suited for that home.
Once approved and you've chosen your dog, we'll have our Adoption Team Processors help finalize the adoption, this part of the process can take 2 days up to 2 weeks to complete. Depending on the availability of the dog. Puppies may not leave the rescue until they are 8 weeks of age and some dogs may be in transition coming to our rescue from a sister rescue. Those scenarios can add time to the standard time frames. Next up will be:
Adoption Fee being Paid
Adoption Agreement signed
Reviewing Medical Records
Oh...and finally...getting your dog!
Once you are given the OK that all paperwork is completed and you've received the medicals, you'll be ready to bring home your new best friend. Pickup of your new best friend will need to happen within 48 hours once the OK is given. This enables us to help another dog in need. Wags cannot hold dogs for an extended period of time after adoption paperwork is complete.
To pick up your new dog you must have a:
The two-restraint system or properly fitted harness is simply because some dogs are scared and can back out of traditional collars. This is for their safety.
Other supplies you'll need waiting at home would be:
So it may sound silly but it's usually suggested to get down and crawl around. Look at life from your dogs point of view. How do they know the difference between a toy and a beloved shoe, pillow, piece of furniture, open purse placed on floor. Dogs are clever and they are fantastic athletes and faster than most humans when they want to be. Outdoors, if you have a fence- make sure all gates, doors and fencing are in good working order. No easy escape paths. Repair and secure all before you bring your new dog home.
This is a question best asked of your Vet and what is tailored to your individual dogs' nutritional needs. When you first get your new dog home, we do highly recommend you stay on the food the foster has been feeding him/her. It isn't advised to quickly change their diet. So, continuing with the food being fed, check with your Vet for best recommendations then slowly transition to that food. The choice of food is one of the top markers for a healthy dog.
Wags Rescue will help select the best candidate to fit your life and all in it. If your home includes other dogs, cats or kids of any age it is best to be prepared to follow slow introduction guidelines to ensure the best chance for full integration and a happy life together. It can sometimes take time and effort, but the end results are unconditional love for a lifetime. GO SLOW, TAKE TIME. Knowing what steps to follow and more importantly what NOT to do will help everyone. Click appropriate links for successful integration tips that apply to you. Be prepared by educating yourself on what will work.
Please know that the state of Pennsylvania and most surrounding areas, require a rabies vaccine for dogs by 4 months of age. The rabies vaccine will need to be updated per your Vet at specific intervals at their annual exams.
Local counties also require dogs to be licensed at various ages as well. Check with your local county for the law where you live. We’ve attached our immediate surrounding areas information with links to applications for you to complete.
https://buckscounty.gov/319/Dog-Licenses
https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-license/get-a-license-for-your-dog/
https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/1790/Annual-Dog-Licenses
Dogs LOVE their human family. Your new dog, until potty trained and house trained should sleep in a crate inside the house. Preferably in the same room as a family member, especially at first. Do not expect your dog to sleep in a remote room such as kitchen or laundry room which makes your new dog feel isolated rather than included. A crate in your bedroom is a great integration tool helping your dog feel safe, avoid accidents, and prevent anxiety.
The simple answer to this question is to integrate your dog by following some of the suggestions Wags Rescue has already offered here. Taking things in baby steps. Your new dog has a lot to learn and get used to. Every home is different; every dog is different. The foster home they came from is probably different then your home. The schedules, the people, the things that surround them and the smells...all new. The most important thing to remember is that Wags Rescue is here to help you after adoption with advice and to answer questions to help your new fully integrate.
Occasionally there are times that we feel it's best to leave things up to the professionals. We may require and recommend that from the approval process and recommend as well after adoption. We have a list of trainers and behaviorists available for you to choose who might work best for you, please request list from your processor.
Most dogs come into rescue without knowing any previous history. Wags Rescue vets all the dogs/puppies to have them up to date on basic core vaccines and treats health issues that are apparent when dogs arrive or conditions that develop during their time in our care. We make every effort to ensure the dogs/puppies are in good physical condition at the time of
adoption. However, due to the nature of rescue, confining many dogs in a small space, and the poor general health many of
these dogs start with. Your dog may get sick. Wags Rescue will not be responsible for any medical bills you may incur after the date of adoption.
Please be aware that there can be a very common temporary condition that affects many dogs/puppies coming from rescue living environments: Kennel Cough and Diarrhea/Giardia/Coccidia and a variety of worms are easily spread but also easily treated. While completely gross for most...it's common. Wags and our sister rescues follow deworming protocols to try and clear the dogs and puppies of those issues. Depending on the type of parasite, continued treatment may be needed. Your new dog/puppy may or may not have been exposed so please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these common and very treatable temporary conditions. Wags adoption agreements stipulates that you need to have your vet see your new family member within 2 weeks and it is strongly advised to take a stool sample to confirm everything is in order...or maybe some continued treatment may be needed. Please know, not all worms/parasites can be seen...they can hide really well.
We will check during the application process but make sure your resident animals are current with vaccines and preventatives.
Occasionally, on a case-by-case scenario, we may adopt to a family outside the immediate area. We cannot guarantee this, and it will always come down to who we think is the best match for our dogs. We may require a long-distance deposit on top of the adoption fee that the deposit amount would be refunded after you continued to keep the dog after a pre-determined amount of time.
Forgive us if there is sometimes a delay in getting back to your inquiries. We are all volunteers doing our best to meet the demands of our own, lives, families and jobs, in addition to helping these dogs. If you truly feel that your email, application or general question has been overlooked, it is quite possible that the servers dropped or deleted the message accidentally. Please feel free to try again.
When to spay/neuter?
Your vet will determine the proper age for your puppy/dog to be spayed/neutered.
Typically, puppies should be spayed/neutered no later than 6 months after adoption. While adult dogs should be spayed/neutered within 90 days of adoption.
If there is an extenuating circumstance (i.e.: illness, etc.) where your vet feels that the puppy/dog is not able to be spayed/neutered within that timeframe, you must provide documentation from your Vet to Wags. If we have not heard from you after 6 months from a puppy adoption or 3 months after an adult dog adoption, your deposit will be forfeited, and you will no longer be entitled to a refund, but you still need to supply us with proof of altering your dog.
Who should do the spay/neuter?
This is your choice. You can take the puppy to your vet or you can also shop around as there are many low cost spay/neuter programs available.
How do I get my spay/neuter deposit refunded?
If we collected a Spay/Neuter deposit at the time of adoption, please follow all of the instructions below to get your refund.
Please email the certificate of Spay/Neuter to: refund@wagsrescue.org
Please note that your new dog may need time to settle into your home and routine. This may take anywhere from a minimum of 2 weeks, up to 6 months depending on the dog. We ask that you please give it a chance before you decide to surrender. Please
consider hiring a good dog trainer to help you transition with your new dog. If your new dog and other pets in the home are not getting along, please allow the animal’s ample time to get used to each other. If you are not able to keep the dog, you are required, under your contract with Wags Rescue & Referral to surrender the dog back to Wags Rescue & Referral. It is not acceptable (nor fair to the dog) for you to take it to a shelter or rehome the dog on your own. Rescue dogs have already been through a lot and we ask that you work with us as we look to secure a new foster home. Wags Rescue & Referral is a 100% volunteer, foster based organization. We will do our best to take the dog back as soon as possible, but sometimes that can not happen immediately. We ask that you keep the dog while we work to secure a foster, which could happen immediately or may take up to 30 days in rare cases, depending on the time of the year and how many fosters we have available. During the time that you have the dog, until we secure a
foster, we ask that you bring him/her to adoption events to provide the dog with the best opportunity to find a new family that will be a better fit. If you find you must surrender your dog, please contact our Surrender Dept at info@wagsrescue.org
We do not have a centralized physical location. All of our dogs are in foster homes.
Our mailing address is:
Wags Rescue & Referral
PO Box 1514
Southampton, PA 18966
We host weekly Meet & Greet Events where you can meet many of our available dogs that are able to attend. If you are unable to make it to an event, we may also be able to arrange for you to meet specific dogs by appointment with their respective foster homes. Individual meetings are only available to approved applicants.
Additional questions can be asked by email at:
info@wagsrescue.org
Once received, your application will be assigned to a Processor who helps you through the application and helps with picking a dog matched to your lifestyle. Generally, it takes five to seven days to process an application. However, this can vary depending on how long it takes to contact your references. Since it can take longer to reach people during the holidays and summer, there may be a greater delay during these periods. Letting landlords, vets and personal references know we'll be calling can be very helpful to move things along.
If you see a particular dog from our available dogs, please list their name. But know, Wags cannot guarantee their availability once your application has been processed. Previous approved applications may be in the process of adopting the same particular dog. In this case we can issue a general approval.
After approval: We will connect you with the Foster Family of the adoptable you are interested in or if that dog is spoken for, we'll re-direct you to the available dogs and when our next Meet & Greet is.
We'd love for everyone in the home to meet your potential new family member but sometimes our Meet & Greet events can be over stimulating and probably not the right environment for your current dog to meet your new one. We can set up private meet & greets for our four-legged friends to meet in a more private setting.
We make every effort to process applications in a timely manner, but sometimes applications do get lost in the system. If you do not hear from us within a week of submitting your application, please email us at info@wagsrescue.org.
As a foster based rescue, the majority of Wags dogs are living in homes with families who are getting to know them. The families write "bios" that can help you see what personalities they have and will aid you in finding a good match.
Wags is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All the money from fees and donations goes directly to caring for the dogs and aiding in finding them furever homes. Your donations and adoption fees are tax deductable.
These are the current NON-REFUNDABLE donation fees for our dogs.
| Dogs and Puppies that | Dogs and Puppies that | |
| Age | are spayed/neutered | are not spayed/neutered |
| Under 1 yr | $400.00 | $300.00 + $100 Spay/Neuter deposit* |
| 1 yr - under 4 yrs | $350.00 | $250.00 + $100 Spay/Neuter deposit* |
| 4 yrs - under 6 yrs | $250.00 | $250.00 + $100 Spay/Neuter deposit* |
| 6 yrs and over | $150.00 | $150.00 + $100 Spay/Neuter deposit* |
*Your $100 spay/neuter deposit will be returned once we receive proof of the spay/neuter within 6 months of the adoption. Please email the certificate of Spay/Neuter to refund@wagsrescue.org.
Wags prefers PayPal and can be easily processed on-line and does keep the process moving along smoothly.
Other forms of payment currently accepted are cash or check. There would need to be arrangements to get the cash/check to our volunteers to properly process prior to adoption being completed. There is a $30 fee for any checks returned from our bank as NSF.
We believe that a good match between dog and home is essential to successful adoptions. Thus, when placing a dog, we try to find the family that is best suited to that particular dog's personality and needs. Wags does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If there are multiple qualified applicants for a dog, we strive to place that dog in the home that seems like the best fit.
We also have instances where an applicant applies for a dog that was just one step ahead with a previously approved application who is finalizing their adoption, leaving that dog no longer available.
Occasionally we receive applications from responsible, loving homes that are just not good matches for a specific dog. In such cases, we may decline the application not because we believe the home is unfit, but simply because it's not the right environment for that particular animal. We may suggest alternative dogs who would be more suited for that home.
Once approved and you've chosen your dog, we'll have our Adoption Team Processors help finalize the adoption, this part of the process can take 2 days up to 2 weeks to complete. Depending on the availability of the dog. Puppies may not leave the rescue until they are 8 weeks of age and some dogs may be in transition coming to our rescue from a sister rescue. Those scenarios can add time to the standard time frames. Next up will be:
Adoption Fee being Paid
Adoption Agreement signed
Reviewing Medical Records
Oh...and finally...getting your dog!
Once you are given the OK that all paperwork is completed and you've received the medicals, you'll be ready to bring home your new best friend. Pickup of your new best friend will need to happen within 48 hours once the OK is given. This enables us to help another dog in need. Wags cannot hold dogs for an extended period of time after adoption paperwork is complete.
To pick up your new dog you must have a:
The two-restraint system or properly fitted harness is simply because some dogs are scared and can back out of traditional collars. This is for their safety.
Other supplies you'll need waiting at home would be:
So it may sound silly but it's usually suggested to get down and crawl around. Look at life from your dogs point of view. How do they know the difference between a toy and a beloved shoe, pillow, piece of furniture, open purse placed on floor. Dogs are clever and they are fantastic athletes and faster than most humans when they want to be. Outdoors, if you have a fence- make sure all gates, doors and fencing are in good working order. No easy escape paths. Repair and secure all before you bring your new dog home.
This is a question best asked of your Vet and what is tailored to your individual dogs' nutritional needs. When you first get your new dog home, we do highly recommend you stay on the food the foster has been feeding him/her. It isn't advised to quickly change their diet. So, continuing with the food being fed, check with your Vet for best recommendations then slowly transition to that food. The choice of food is one of the top markers for a healthy dog.
Wags Rescue will help select the best candidate to fit your life and all in it. If your home includes other dogs, cats or kids of any age it is best to be prepared to follow slow introduction guidelines to ensure the best chance for full integration and a happy life together. It can sometimes take time and effort, but the end results are unconditional love for a lifetime. GO SLOW, TAKE TIME. Knowing what steps to follow and more importantly what NOT to do will help everyone. Click appropriate links for successful integration tips that apply to you. Be prepared by educating yourself on what will work.
Please know that the state of Pennsylvania and most surrounding areas, require a rabies vaccine for dogs by 4 months of age. The rabies vaccine will need to be updated per your Vet at specific intervals at their annual exams.
Local counties also require dogs to be licensed at various ages as well. Check with your local county for the law where you live. We’ve attached our immediate surrounding areas information with links to applications for you to complete.
https://buckscounty.gov/319/Dog-Licenses
https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-license/get-a-license-for-your-dog/
https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/1790/Annual-Dog-Licenses
Dogs LOVE their human family. Your new dog, until potty trained and house trained should sleep in a crate inside the house. Preferably in the same room as a family member, especially at first. Do not expect your dog to sleep in a remote room such as kitchen or laundry room which makes your new dog feel isolated rather than included. A crate in your bedroom is a great integration tool helping your dog feel safe, avoid accidents, and prevent anxiety.
The simple answer to this question is to integrate your dog by following some of the suggestions Wags Rescue has already offered here. Taking things in baby steps. Your new dog has a lot to learn and get used to. Every home is different; every dog is different. The foster home they came from is probably different then your home. The schedules, the people, the things that surround them and the smells...all new. The most important thing to remember is that Wags Rescue is here to help you after adoption with advice and to answer questions to help your new fully integrate.
Occasionally there are times that we feel it's best to leave things up to the professionals. We may require and recommend that from the approval process and recommend as well after adoption. We have a list of trainers and behaviorists available for you to choose who might work best for you, please request list from your processor.
Most dogs come into rescue without knowing any previous history. Wags Rescue vets all the dogs/puppies to have them up to date on basic core vaccines and treats health issues that are apparent when dogs arrive or conditions that develop during their time in our care. We make every effort to ensure the dogs/puppies are in good physical condition at the time of
adoption. However, due to the nature of rescue, confining many dogs in a small space, and the poor general health many of
these dogs start with. Your dog may get sick. Wags Rescue will not be responsible for any medical bills you may incur after the date of adoption.
Please be aware that there can be a very common temporary condition that affects many dogs/puppies coming from rescue living environments: Kennel Cough and Diarrhea/Giardia/Coccidia and a variety of worms are easily spread but also easily treated. While completely gross for most...it's common. Wags and our sister rescues follow deworming protocols to try and clear the dogs and puppies of those issues. Depending on the type of parasite, continued treatment may be needed. Your new dog/puppy may or may not have been exposed so please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these common and very treatable temporary conditions. Wags adoption agreements stipulates that you need to have your vet see your new family member within 2 weeks and it is strongly advised to take a stool sample to confirm everything is in order...or maybe some continued treatment may be needed. Please know, not all worms/parasites can be seen...they can hide really well.
We will check during the application process but make sure your resident animals are current with vaccines and preventatives.
Occasionally, on a case-by-case scenario, we may adopt to a family outside the immediate area. We cannot guarantee this, and it will always come down to who we think is the best match for our dogs. We may require a long-distance deposit on top of the adoption fee that the deposit amount would be refunded after you continued to keep the dog after a pre-determined amount of time.
Forgive us if there is sometimes a delay in getting back to your inquiries. We are all volunteers doing our best to meet the demands of our own, lives, families and jobs, in addition to helping these dogs. If you truly feel that your email, application or general question has been overlooked, it is quite possible that the servers dropped or deleted the message accidentally. Please feel free to try again.
When to spay/neuter?
Your vet will determine the proper age for your puppy/dog to be spayed/neutered.
Typically, puppies should be spayed/neutered no later than 6 months after adoption. While adult dogs should be spayed/neutered within 90 days of adoption.
If there is an extenuating circumstance (i.e.: illness, etc.) where your vet feels that the puppy/dog is not able to be spayed/neutered within that timeframe, you must provide documentation from your Vet to Wags. If we have not heard from you after 6 months from a puppy adoption or 3 months after an adult dog adoption, your deposit will be forfeited, and you will no longer be entitled to a refund, but you still need to supply us with proof of altering your dog.
Who should do the spay/neuter?
This is your choice. You can take the puppy to your vet or you can also shop around as there are many low cost spay/neuter programs available.
How do I get my spay/neuter deposit refunded?
If we collected a Spay/Neuter deposit at the time of adoption, please follow all of the instructions below to get your refund.
Please email the certificate of Spay/Neuter to: refund@wagsrescue.org
Please note that your new dog may need time to settle into your home and routine. This may take anywhere from a minimum of 2 weeks, up to 6 months depending on the dog. We ask that you please give it a chance before you decide to surrender. Please
consider hiring a good dog trainer to help you transition with your new dog. If your new dog and other pets in the home are not getting along, please allow the animal’s ample time to get used to each other. If you are not able to keep the dog, you are required, under your contract with Wags Rescue & Referral to surrender the dog back to Wags Rescue & Referral. It is not acceptable (nor fair to the dog) for you to take it to a shelter or rehome the dog on your own. Rescue dogs have already been through a lot and we ask that you work with us as we look to secure a new foster home. Wags Rescue & Referral is a 100% volunteer, foster based organization. We will do our best to take the dog back as soon as possible, but sometimes that can not happen immediately. We ask that you keep the dog while we work to secure a foster, which could happen immediately or may take up to 30 days in rare cases, depending on the time of the year and how many fosters we have available. During the time that you have the dog, until we secure a
foster, we ask that you bring him/her to adoption events to provide the dog with the best opportunity to find a new family that will be a better fit. If you find you must surrender your dog, please contact our Surrender Dept at info@wagsrescue.org
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