Most Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the total cost of adopting a rescued dog through the Companionship Initiative?

Eligible veterans, and first responders who adopt a rescued dog through the Companionship Initiative will have Niagara Dog Rescue’s standard adoption fee subsidized, depending on the dog you decide to adopt. We have curated a list of dogs that are in Ontario and are still looking for their forever family. If you decide to adopt a dog from this list, you will receive a $350 subsidy of your adoption fee. If you instead have found your perfect match among the many other dogs that we have available from within Canada, the USA, or internationally, then your adoption fee will be subsidized $100. Regardless of the level of subsidy received, all adopters who are eligible for the Companionship Initiative will receive the same level of resources and training support for their new rescue dog.

This fee helps cover the costs associated with rescuing the dog, vetting, boarding, transportation, spaying/neutering, heartworm testing, rabies and DHPP vaccines and microchipping. The standard fee for adopting a dog through Niagara Dog Rescue is $850 for a dog that is less than 1 year old (puppy), or $695 for a dog that is 1 year or older (adult dog).

In addition to paying a reduced adoption fee, all eligible veterans, medical professionals, and first responders who adopt a rescued dog through the Companionship Initiative will be enrolled in a curated dog training and behavioral support webinar provided by either Educanine or Petcademy, at no additional cost.

What is included in the dog training and behavioral support webinars?

The training and behavioral support program that is included in the Companionship Initiative is designed to help support you and your rescue’s journey through courses and workshops designed to provide practical and real-life application.

Questions about Niagara Dog Rescue:

Where are you located?

We are a foster based rescue. We do not have a shelter, so we do not have a single location. We have over 300 volunteers who work together from all over the Niagara region as well as the GTA.

Can I call you?

We do not have a facility as we are volunteer run, meaning all volunteers use their personal phones. Please fill in an application and someone will be in touch with you.

Why do you rescue from the United States? Don’t we have dogs here to save?

We work to help dogs in need, wherever they are. Our work starts in Canada and reaches around the globe, mainly the U.S.A., Korea, Antigua and Mexico.

Why do you fundraise?

We need to fundraise because the adoption fees do not cover all of our expenses. Along with our regular expenses, many dogs that we take in are in need of very expensive surgeries in order to survive.

Adoption Related Questions:

Where do I apply to adopt with you?

Please visit our adoption page and complete an application form.

What does the approval process consist of?

There is an initial telephone or Zoom interview with as many of the family members as possible (all adults in the household as a minimum). Then a home check is completed (virtually or in person) and references are checked. After all is complete a decision is made and we start working on finding a dog that is suitable for you.

What does the adoption fee go towards?

The adoption fee helps to cover the costs associated with rescue including but not limited to vetting, boarding and transportation, spay/neuter, Heartworm testing, vaccines and in some cases microchipping, fostering expenses (ie: food/supplies), grooming, and training. Click here to see how much each dog costs.

Can I meet a dog?

We will schedule a meet and greet with the dog we recommend for you once your application has been approved and prior to completing the adoption.

Do I have to have a fenced in yard to be able to adopt?

Not necessarily. We treat each dog individually and evaluate the home required based on the size, temperament and exercise the dog requires.

Why haven’t I heard from anyone?

Please remember that we are a 100% volunteer run organization and we are working as efficiently as possible. We receive many applications and try to process them as quickly as we can. Depending on our volumes, it could take up to 2 weeks to hear from someone and we ask for your patience. If you would be interested in helping out we are always looking for more volunteers.

Have the dogs been treated for flea/ticks?

All dogs are treated with a flea/tick preventative but unfortunately some still arrive with some depending on their individual situations. It will be your responsibility to consult with your vet and continue with your chosen method of treatment.

If I am approved, how long will the process take?

That depends on whether you have applied for and are approved for a specific dog. If that is the case, it is just a matter of waiting for the dog to be transported. If you are approved and need to still be matched with a dog it can be a short time or a longer time depending on when you find the dog you are interested in. Once you are approved, your lead will work with your family on finding your perfect match!

How many dogs can I have in my home?

Each city has different bylaws so please check with your particular area to see what they are.

Can I adopt 2 rescue dogs at once?

Yes, if those dogs are already a bonded pair. We will not adopt to a home that already has a rescue dog that they have had for less than six months. All dogs need to have proper decompression time in order to succeed.

I have never owned my own pet, so I do not have a vet. Is that an issue?

No, but we expect you to do your due diligence with regards to their vetting requirements (heartworm testing, vaccines etc.).

If I live in an apartment, can I still apply?

Absolutely, but bear in mind that we will have to match you with a dog that will be suited for that environment.

I am a renter/condo owner. Why do you need my landlord/condo management company information?

We need to know what the specific rules are around owning pets in your building.

What information are you looking for when contacting my references?

We will be asking about your level or responsibility, reliability, home situation, and verifying the information provided on your application.

What does the term “lead” mean?

The lead is a volunteer who will be managing your interview process and then matching you with your dog if you are approved.

What if I cannot pick up my dog on the determined transport day?

It is your responsibility to be available to pick up your dog on transport day. If you are unable to do so, you need to make arrangements for a family member/friend to do so. You need to notify us if you are not the one picking up the dog and we need information for who is picking up the dog in your place. If this is not something that you are able to arrange, you would need to speak to your lead to see what other arrangements could be made. These could include the dog staying at a nearby kennel. The Adopter would be responsible for any costs involved.

If I was interested in fostering, what would I be responsible for?

Some fosters provide a leash, crate, food, bedding, toys etc. however, we can and will provide these things if you do not have them. NDR will cover any medicines and medical vet expenses as long as they have been approved by NDR prior to purchase/appointment being arranged. If you think that you would like to foster, please fill out our application to foster and one of our volunteers will be in touch with you!

Can I adopt if I have young kids, no fenced yard?

You can adopt a dog if your home matches the dogs’ specific requirements.

Does NDR have all dogs spayed/neutered?

ALL of our dogs are spayed/neutered. The only exception is puppies that are too young for this to be done. In that case, the Adopter must arrange for the spay/neuter with their vet at their own expense. NDR offers a $100 reimbursement if proof of the procedure is sent to our vetting coordinator.

Are all dogs vaccinated?

Our dogs come vaccinated with the following: Rabies, DHLPP, Bordetella. They are also dewormed and on flea/tick and heartworm prevention.

Are all dogs house trained?

We try to have fosters house train but this is not guaranteed. It will be posted in the dogs profile on our website if they are house trained.

Are all dogs crate trained?

We try to have fosters crate train but this is not guaranteed. It will be posted in the dogs profile on our website if they are crate trained.