Adoption Information

 

Thank you for your interest in adoption from Marley's World! Our goal is for every dog that comes here to have the best life possible. We are, first and foremost, a haven for lost, abandoned and unwanted dogs. Most dogs arrive here with physical and emotional needs. We take as long as it takes to address those needs. Every dog becomes a member of our family. Our goal is to give them the time and training they need to become the best dogs they can be. Only when a dog has the skills needed to have a high chance of success is it offered for adoption. Permanent Adoption is a desirable outcome , but it is not the only outcome ,or our primary goal. We hope you will take the time to visit our “Sanctuary Dog Pages”

Our dogs are taught to walk on lead, sit, have appropriate door skills, visit with Gato, our cat, not jump on people, take their turn getting treats, come when called by name, get along with other dogs and so much more. We call these basic behavioral and social skills “Adoption Skills.” Many of our dogs have the aptitude to become service dogs and go on to work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and private homes. Temperament is an important aspect of their suitability for further service training.

Because of the time and work we put into each dog we know a lot about them. We use this knowledge to help determine if they will be a good fit for an adoption applicant. When you submit an application it is the beginning of the process of us getting to know you. The more complete and accurate the information you provide, the better job we can do. There are no right or wrong answers.

Many of our dogs are not yet listed on adoption advertising sites. Often the only reason they are not listed is our lack of time. Your approved application is usually transferable to a different dog than the one you put down on your application. We are often told that we are very good matchmakers.

We do not have a set adoption fee. The average cost to spay/neuter, vaccinate, de-worm and test a dog for heartworm is $175. The veterinarian team we work with told us in April (2021) that they were increasing our cost for spay/neuter. testing and vaccination 25 to 50 %. The volunteers here at the sanctuary give freely of their time but the dog food makers, the veterinarians and the equipment suppliers and utility people all demand cash. Dog food alone has increased in price by 35 % this year. Many dogs have additional health needs that we address and all need food, water, shelter, heat/air conditioning and of course toys and cookies. We ask that you look in your heart when deciding on the amount of your adoption donation, understanding that your compassion makes it possible to take in and help the next lost, abandoned or unwanted dog that come our way. We are a 501c3 nonprofit corporation and your donation is tax deductible.

There is no geographic limitations on dog placement. We have had dogs adopted to folks that live all over the United States and abroad. We will be happy to discuss this with you if your application is approved. It is your responsibility to determine the laws and regulations in your state concerning importing dogs. Applications from people in Maine and Massachusetts can not be considered.

It is not unusual for several people to be interested in the same dog. Dogs are not placed on a first come first served basis but on what appears best for the dog and applicant, however we do process the applications in the order they are received. Once an application is approved the applicant has a limited time, exclusive privileged of adopting. Please don't let this discourage you from applying. It is common for a dog to be awarded to later applicants.

We welcome any questions you may have. The best way to contact us is by email at marleysworld@tutanota.com.