FAQ’S
WHERE IS RESCUE ALL DOGS LOCATED?
Rescue All Dogs (RAD) was founded in Vancouver and Montreal, but doesn’t have a physical shelter or intake center, but instead we are a rescue that runs solely through foster homes. Our dogs stay in private homes across the Vancouver and Montreal area.
To meet a dog, please fill out an adoption application and we will set up a meet and greet if your application is approved and the dog is currently available. If you don’t see an adoptable dog on our website that fits your lifestyle, you can put in a general application and we will contact you as one comes available!
WHAT NUMBER SHOULD I CALL?
We run mostly on emails! Please email hello@rescuealldogs.org to get help with anything you didn't get answered from our website.
WHY HAVEN’T I HEARD BACK FROM YOU?
Our rescue is run solely by volunteers! Please allow 72 hours for someone to get back to you, and if you still don't hear back, please feel free to send a reminder in case we didn't receive your first message! We try to reply as quickly as we can but can get distracted. Also make sure to check your junk mail folder as we may have already replied and our message was placed in that folder.
I CAN’T ADOPT, BUT I WANT TO GET INVOLVED. HOW WOULD I GO ABOUT IT?
We are always looking for help! One very important aspect of our rescue is Fostering! We cannot bring in dogs without available temporary homes. If Fostering is not for you, there are many other ways you can get involved including but not limited to transporter, flight parent, casual volunteer for events and fund raising. If you go to our website you can fill out a Foster and/or Volunteer Application. If you are interested in fund raising please reach out through email and we will contact you to have a discussion.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE DOG
Our bios are based off of what we learned about the dog prior to taking it in, the experiences these dogs have had in our care, and how they are adjusting with our fosters. Please take into consideration that this is during an adjustment period and possibly a stressful time for the dogs. They may not be able to settle completely before going to their forever home. On the other hand, a dog may act completely different depending on their experiences in your home as well as how they adjust into it.
WHEN CAN I MEET THE DOG
To minimize the disruption to the lives of our dogs and our foster families, and to ensure their safety, only applicants who have completed the phone screen portion of the adoption process will be granted a private meet and greet with the dog. Occasionally, we will host adoption events in which anybody is welcome to come by and meet the dogs. Please note though that you may not take a dog home from one of these events. All adopters must submit an application online and go through our screening process.
IF I HAVE COMPLETED AN APPLICATION BEFORE, DO I NEED TO COMPLETE A NEW ONE FOR ANOTHER DOG
Absolutely not! We keep all applications on file and it may be a case of double checking that everything on your application is still applicable (in case you've moved, have a new roommate, job hours change, etc). Send us an email to update your application and let us know which dog you were interested in.
WHY DO I NEED TO PROVIDE SO MUCH PERSONAL INFORMATION
Our number one priority is to ensure the best possible fit for both you and the dog. Our adoption success rate is due in large part to the rigor we take in screening each family. Some of the most common reasons dogs end up in shelters are poor fits with their family, lack of training, lifestyle changes (i.e. new baby, marriage), relocation, cost of dog ownership, not enough time for the pet etc. Our goal is to ensure our adoptive families are well versed in the realities of dog ownership and ready to make a lifetime commitment. Your patience during our screening process is greatly appreciated.
WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY AN ADOPTION FEE
RAD is a volunteer based, not-for-profit organization. Our adoption fees are used to pay for things like vaccinations, spay and neuter surgeries, unexpected/emergency medical bills and supplies such as food, collars and leashes for dogs living with foster families. At adoption time, often, we only receive back a small portion of what we have invested in the dog’s care (if anything at all). These funds are then reinvested back into the organization and allow us to save more dogs. There is no profit to be made in rescue!
HOW DO I GET MEDICAL INFORMATION AND RECORDS FOR MY ADOPTED DOG
Prior to adopting the dog we will share everything we know about the dog, both behavioural and medically with potential adopters. Once the dog has been adopted, after you've signed the adoption contract and paid the adoption fee, our manager will send you all the medical records (past & present) for your dog so you can share them with your vet. We pride ourselves in being transparent and honest.
CAN YOU GUARANTEE THE DOG’S HEALTH AND TEMPERAMENT
Although RAD cannot guarantee a dog’s temperament or wellness, our policy is to disclose everything we know about the dog during the adoption process. Our priority is to set both the dog and family up for lifelong success, and we will never intentionally withhold any pertinent information regarding a dog’s health or temperament.
HOW DO I FIND OUT THE DOG’S AGE AND/OR BREED
We aren't there from the beginning but have a great team of knowledgeable people, including vets, to help make an educated guess on age and breed. For breed, the only way to know for certain is to get a DNA test which, because of costs, we do not do.
HOW DO I SPAY/NEUTER A DOG AFTER ADOPTION
To prevent further homeless dogs we spay and neuter the dogs that come into our care. Dogs who are 6 months or younger are not old enough to be altered, therefore if they are adopted before they are of age it will be the financial responsibility of the adopter. We require you to sign a contract that you will sterilize your new dog and that you will provide proof.
DOES RAD WORK WITH BREEDERS
No! Millions upon millions of healthy, adoptable animals die in high-kill shelters every year due to overcrowding and so many dogs across the world are homeless. The majority of breeders are “backyard breeders” and are only in the business to profit. Many operate “puppy mills” to maximize how much they can from their breeding dogs.
If you do decide to go with a breeder, we strongly encourage you to do your homework beforehand. Not only do over-bred bloodlines contribute to health issues and shorter life spans, but the breeding pair often live very sad and miserable lives. They spend their entire lives in a filthy cage, devoid of comfortable bedding, exercise, proper nutrition, vet care, socialization or affection. When they are no longer good for breeding, often they are disposed of.
WHY BRING DOGS INTO CANADA, DON’T WE HAVE ENOUGH?
We believe that compassion has no borders. Every dog deserves a loving forever home and our mission extends Canada-wide and beyond!
CAN I ADOPT A DOG IF I LIVE OUTSIDE THE AREA?
As a policy, we do not adopt outside of where the dog is now located, either in Vancouver or Montreal. We also do not adopt outside of Canada. In addition to the phone interview, our adoption process requires a meet and greet with the dog and a home visit. Our volunteer base is limited to the Vancouver or Montreal area and as such home visits outside this range cannot be accommodated. It’s also very important to us that it’s a good fit for both the dog and the family and as such, after the meet and greet we allow both the prospective family and the foster to reflect on how it went.
WHAT SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE AFTER ADOPTION
Our team is available to support you through basic transitional challenges. It is important to note though that although we have experience, WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS. While we are happy to support you, but our business is pairing dogs in need with appropriate families, and not providing free behavioural advice. We will advise you if and when we feel it is appropriate to contact a professional which we have resources for.