ADOPTION FAQ
Do you allow adoptions outside of the PNW?
We only adopt to homes in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia
Do you know of any Boxer rescue groups near me?
Please use this link to locate a rescue in your area: http://boxer.rescueshelter.com/USA
What is the process to adopt a NWBR dog?
We emphasize matching the right dog to the right family so that all will have many happy
years together. Completing and submitting the adoption application is the first step and the
fastest way to begin the adoption process. Additional steps may include:
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Phone interview
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Veterinary & personal references check
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Home visit
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Approval by NWBR to adopt
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Meet and Greet, Completion of adoption agreement
Can I turn in an application without picking out a dog?
Yes! We keep open applications on file for 6 months. At any point during that time, feel free to contact us and let us know if you see anyone you would like to add to your application.
What is the time frame for the adoption process?
Please allow up to two weeks for our adoption team to thoroughly review your application. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. After we’ve completed the necessary home checks and reference calls, an adoption coordinator will reach out to let you know your approval status.
Our goal is always to find the perfect match for each individual Boxer, and we rely on daily observations from our foster families to make sure each dog’s personality, energy level, and needs align with your lifestyle. By working together in this way, we can place every Boxer in a loving, supportive home where they’ll thrive.
Why is your adoption process so long?
While it often takes longer to make an appropriate match, sometimes the process moves very quickly. As we have no paid staff, every member of our team has many other obligations (work, family) so we try to be as efficient as possible. We ask for your cooperation. If at any point you are no longer able to adopt a dog, please let us know so we can make the best use of our volunteer hours. Remember each application takes a minimum of 4-5 hours to process fully. We take our responsibility seriously and hope that you appreciate our need to use our resources wisely so we can serve all the dogs and NWBR applicants.
I live in an apartment. Can I adopt?
Because Boxers are generally high-energy dogs who need plenty of exercise, we usually do not place them in apartments or homes without fenced yards. However, every dog is unique, and sometimes an older, lower-energy Boxer can thrive in an apartment setting if given enough physical activity and mental stimulation. If you believe your home may be a good fit, we encourage you to reach out and discuss your situation so we can determine the best match for both you and the dog.
Why do all the pets in my home have to be spayed or neutered?
We understand this requirement can raise questions, and we appreciate you asking. From our perspective as a rescue, we witness firsthand the heartbreaking impact of pet overpopulation: countless dogs end up in shelters or worse, are euthanized, simply because there aren’t enough responsible homes available. As part of our mission to reduce these numbers and promote responsible pet ownership, we ask that any dog already living in your household be spayed or neutered before you adopt.
Spaying or neutering has a number of benefits for both individual pets and the broader community:
-Prevention of Unwanted Litters: Unplanned litters due to lack of oversight and caring by humans contributes significantly to overpopulation. Spaying and neutering is the only foolproof way to ensure no puppies are brought in to the world.
-Health Advantages: Neutering and spaying can help lower the risk of certain cancers and other health issues, potentially extending your dog’s lifespan*
-Behavioral Benefits: Altered dogs are often calmer and less prone to territory-marking or hormone-driven aggression, which can help ease the transition when a new dog joins your family.
We believe that, as responsible pet owners, it’s important to provide not only a loving home but also the best possible care for your animals. Keeping them up to date on vaccinations and ensuring they’re spayed or neutered goes a long way toward that goal. By following this policy, we’re working together to break the cycle of overpopulation and save more lives. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
*https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-you-should-spayneuter-your-pet
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