Adopting Our Pups
Adoption Fees:
1 year and under: - $450
13 months-9 Years: - $400
10+ Years: - $375
At our rescue, we ensure that all dogs that are adopted have undergone a thorough physical examination, are up to date on their vaccinations, have tested negative for heartworm, and are microchipped for identification. Additionally, they are given heartworm preventative and flea & tick preventative to ensure their good health. However, there might be some rare exceptions to this rule. If that is the case, we will inform you of the details. Please note that our adoption process is non-negotiable. Our team invests more in the well-being of our pups than we ever recoup through adoption fees. Therefore, our adoption fees are non-negotiable. invests more in the well-being of our pups than we ever recoup through adoption fees. Therefore, our adoption fees are non-negotiable.
Are You Interested In Adopting?
We do everything we can to match you up with the pup of your choice. However, there are times when we have multiple applications on pups. We always make the best decision possible for the pups. Rescue is about the pups – not about the humans.
We always start with an application. We will not set up a meet n’ greet with a potential adopter until a completed application is submitted and approved. We don’t bend the rules on this.
When submitting an application we need all of the information filled out. At times we’re told that filling out the application is a hassle or too time-consuming. If it’s a hassle or you don’t have the time to fill it out – you are not ready to transition a pup into your home. Pups take time. If your application is not complete – we will not process it. It can take up to 2 weeks to process an application. You should alert your references and vet that a Hill Hounds representative will be calling.
Appointments and approved applications are required to visit any pup. Meet n’ greets are held at the clinic. All pups are in private foster homes. Please do not stop in to see pups at the clinic or sanctuary without an appointment.
Home visits are a requirement. If you are not in our immediate area, we will have an associate of ours in your area contact you to complete your home visit. We work with rescues across the country and in Canada. At times we are able to perform a virtual home visit.
Spay/Neuter Policy: Your current pups and cats must be spayed and/or neutered. If there are extenuating circumstances you should let us know at the time of application – and your vet must verify the reason. Verification does not guarantee we will make an exception. We feel very strongly about pet overpopulation.
Fencing: We do not require that every adopter has a fence. Some of our dogs require them, while others will do well in an apartment setting. We make this decision on a case-by-case basis. In most instances, this in non-negotiable.
Vaccinations: All pets must be current on all vaccinations and yearly examinations. We will ask and verify this fact.
Renters: We will require a copy of your lease and/or a letter from your landlord that says you are allowed to have a pup on your rented premises. Verification shall include a telephone number. We will make the telephone call.
Adoption fees can be paid by: cash, check, or credit card. Checks should be made payable to Hill Hounds. If you have not noted who your check is payable to - we will make it payable to Hill Hounds upon receipt.
Meet N’ Greets:
All family members, including the furry ones, should plan to attend the meet n’ greet. We generally set our meet n’ greets in Maryland and Delaware at the clinic. All other areas use pet-friendly parks (not dog parks) or the adopter’s home. We will discuss this when we call you to set up the appointment. Following a successful meet n’ greet, we will set up a go-home date. If you are traveling to pick up your pup we can coordinate your meet n’ greet with a go-home date.
Visiting The Rescue:
Please note that the rescue is open "By Appointment Only." We do have pups on the property that are here for training purposes. We want everyone to have a safe and happy visit at the rescue. With this in mind, we ask that those folks visiting the rescue do the following:
Please call when you are 20 minutes away from the rescue. This gives us enough time to secure any pups that need to be kenneled. Upon arrival, we ask that you call for an escort into the playyard. We will come out and meet you, and your pup (if you are traveling with one). This gives us an idea of the best way to introduce the pups, which will most likely include a little walk around the property before going into the play yard. Your dog must be on a traditional leash, not retractable.
If you are traveling with children please understand that they must be under your continuous supervision while on the property. We love kiddos and want them to have a safe and fun time here at the rescue.
If you are ill please reschedule your appointment - and we will do the same for you.
Going Home:
You must plan to pick your pup up. We do not put our pups on transports to forever homes. If you are not prepared to pick up your pup you should find a rescue closer to home. This is a non-negotiable policy. We have had people travel 15+ hours one way to pick up our pups. They are worth every minute of that trip! (If you are unable to travel please ask us to refer you to one of our rescue associates closer to your home).
When you arrive to pick up your pup you should have a collar (or harness), leash (not retractable – for everyone’s safety), a crate for safe travel, your vet’s fax number, and your adoption payment.
You will also need to bring your patience and loving arms for extra hugs. This is another new experience for your pup. There will be a transition period. They may tinkle or have an upset belly (including diarrhea), be suddenly shy, maybe even growl … a multitude of different things. Remember, they’ve been through a lot and they are just beginning their journey with you and learning a new routine with new people, and possibly some fursiblings. They could be scared or excited...or even incredibly stressed. Things take time. These pups are so worth it.
We will send you home with a small quantity of the food your pup was eating so that they have an easy tummy transition.
Just a final note:
Please be patient when contacting our rescue. We are all volunteers who also have families, personal obligations and jobs outside of our volunteer work at the rescue. This is not our job. This is our passion. We desire to place each and every pup in our care into a loving forever home. Know that we are few but we are working every extra minute we have to get these babies into homes…. we are also feeding them, vetting them, nursing them, walking them, socializing them, and loving all of their pieces back together.
Our pups are busy as well. Few arrive completely well-adjusted. They are “broken” – physically and emotionally. Their worlds have been turned upside down and they are confused and scared. They are busy learning to trust and be loved like they are supposed to so they can go into your home to become your new family member. And …they are so worth it!