Answer all the questions, and list all the dogs you want to see - have a few backups, just in case one becomes unavailable.

We cannot complete your application unless you provide complete information. Contact numbers for your vet, references, as well as photos of your home, must be included. See examples of photos at the bottom of this page.

Your application is considered incomplete unless we receive these items and will not be processed.

We check your references you have listed. Vets are called during business hours - you will need to call them to allow us to receive vet information. Personal references are typically contacted in the evenings.

It takes time to reach the individuals you have listed as references. References must tell us you have been a good pet owner.

Our volunteers spend a good amount of time checking application details and following up with your references. Please make sure you list correct and up to date contact information.

Once your references have been approved, A Kentucky Dachshund Rescue (KDR) volunteer will call and make an appointment to visit with you.  The home visit is a safety check of where the pet will live.

For home visits, it is strongly recommended your home be ready-to-adopt, with all gates and fences in place so our volunteer can evaluate for the dogs day to day activity and safety. Please review our photo gallery of examples below of homes suitable for a dachshund.

Volunteers conduct home visits that are in and around their zone, some homes may be quite a distance for them to travel. Please be prepared for their visit, as reschedules or secondary visits may be difficult to schedule in a short time period.

After a home visit is conducted, the home visit may be approved, approved with conditions or denied.

If approved, the adoption moves forward. If the home visit is approved with conditions, the adopter has a specific time to address and correct the areas of note from the home visit. Once this is done the office will confirm acceptance or require a follow up home visit to visually inspect addressed areas.

If the home visit is denied, the adoption stops there, adoption is no longer available to this adopter with the current conditions. Should circumstances change, you are welcome to apply again in the future for re-assessment.

When your home visit has been approved, you are ready to meet your dog of interest.

Please remember, when you visit to adopt, you are visiting a private home. Keep your expectations realistic by not expecting a dog to immediately bond with you. They have been through so much transition already, so may be wary of an outsider. Rescue dogs require time to build trust.

Also, please realize that some rescue dogs are "in training" to be housebroken. Very small children should be left at home during meet and greets. Adoptions have been denied with rowdy children present.

If your home already has dogs, you should bring them with you for the meet and greet to assess compatibility with your dog of interest. If there are behavioral concerns, please note that ahead of time.

Remember, you are expected to visit the pet in the foster home, so please plan your day accordingly so you can devote the time to make the trip to and from and have a productive visit.

Once the adoption is approved, you will meet with the foster to sign the contracts. The foster will go over it with you in detail, and you will receive a copy of the agreement along with copies of all medical records, microchip number, and current food.

The individual who fills out the adoption application form as the prospective owner/adopter must be present in person at the time of adoption and the individual that signs the contract. This is to ensure appropriate dog/owner compatibility. There are no exceptions.​

Please read your contracts carefully, as they require specific performance from you at certain times to not be in breach (vet assessments, follow ups, etc).

Plan to pay your adoption fee by credit card during business hours if the office is open (M-F 8-4 and Sat 8-12) or by PayPal after those hours.

No adoption is complete without payment.

Follow up with an email to kydoxierescue@aol.com to make sure we received your application.

Once your dog is formally adopted and in your possession, you must have your vet evaluate your dogs health within 10 days of your signed date on your contract to confirm their health status.

Part of KDR’s mission is to ensure safe homes and the wellbeing of the animals that pass through their doors. Follow ups, are an integral part of this process.

10 days after adoption - a volunteer will contact you to assess the dog’s initial adjustment to your home.

After 30 days, we send out a followup form to be filled out at your convenience that week, to assess how the dog is adjusting in the home, and to evaluate their temperament. This will also provide you an opportunity to voice any concerns or requests for assistance re: correcting behavior, food and dietary concerns, etc.

You may also submit any photos of your pup and how they’re adjusting, this is a wonderful item to share with other prospective adopters to provide transparency in the process, and also share with fosters and the KDR volunteer community, as they are always invested in the wellbeing of all our dogs, and love to see how they are thriving in their new home.

After 90 days, we send out another follow up form, to be completed at your convenience that week. Again provides another opportunity to discuss any areas of concern, or improvement based on prior followups.

Annual Followup

After one year, a volunteer will check in via phone to inquire about your dog and their adjustment. This is to confirm they are receiving vet care (shots, vaccines, etc) as needed, and that they are adjusting well to your home.

Followups ensure that all dogs at KDR have a safe and gradual transition into their new environment. We want their new home, to be their forever home - we need your help to make sure that happens.

Since it’s not uncommon for rescue dogs to suffer severe trauma, be afflicted with anxiety, require regular medical attention, dietary needs, and just general day to day assistance, we make it our priority to offer support and advocacy for them and you at their new home.