Dogs make great pets! They provide excellent company, and can be playful and affectionate.
They need a lot of space, exercise and stimulation!
We have so many beautiful dogs and puppies in care at any given time.
All our dogs are desexed, microchipped and up to date with vaccinations before adoption.
When it comes to selecting a dog or puppy, take your time to carefully think about what type of dog you are after, and what type of pet is right for you and your family. Please be sure to discuss this decision with your whole family, or whoever is sharing your home with you. Matching the right people to the right dog is important to us at Strong Hearts Dog Rescue, and this is why we have an adoption process.
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Adopting and owning a dog is a wonderful experience. Dogs are such beautiful companions. Owning a dog is a long term responsibility - many dogs live until 12yo or longer! It is important to remember that they require a lot of care, so before applying to adopt, be sure that you have thoroughly thought about the responsibility of owning a dog.
We rescue all our dogs from kill-lists, so we see a whole range of temperaments and personalities. We rescue dog of all ages, from teeny tiny puppies to seniors. We describe each dog's personality in their Pet Rescue profiles, but feel free to ask us any further questions!
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Application form
We require an adoption application form to be filled out. This includes filling out information about yourself, your household, your lifestyle, present and past pets, etc. One of our adoption co-ordinators will review each application as promptly as possible. If we feel your home is suitable for the particular dog you are enquiring about, we will call you for a phone interview to ensure that the best possible match has been made.
Click here for a link to the application form.
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Meet and greet
We will then arrange a time with the dog's foster carer for a meet and greet. If the particular dog you are wanting to adopt may not be quite suitable, we will suggest some other dogs who we feel would suit your household.
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All our dogs are desexed, microchipped and vaccinated. If you would like to adopt on the day of the meet and greet, and take the dog home with you, this can be discussed with your adoption co-ordinator.
Preparation and patience are key during the adjustment period! Bringing a new dog into your life is an exciting event, but it’s also one that can be stressful for both you and your pup until you’ve settled into a routine. It can take days, months or longer for you and your pet to adjust to each other, especially if your new pet has lived in multiple homes or shelters in the past.
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Be patient, and use the following tips to help your pet adjust to the “new normal” and build a trusting bond with you.
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Preparing your home
Prepare the items your dog will need in advance. You’ll need a collar or harness, a lead, food and water bowls, a bed—and toys! We recommend toys that are unlikely to be swallowed.
You might also consider an appropriately sized dog crate or enclosed pet playpen that’s large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in for use as a safe, quiet “den.”
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Food
Ask the foster carer what food your dog has been eating, and buy a small bag to keep their diet consistent. You can always change food down the road, but you’ll want to gradually mix the current food with the new food to avoid upsetting their stomach.
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Establish a routine
Determine your dog care regimen in advance with the human members of your household. Who will walk your dog and when? How often will you feed your dog? Will your dog be allowed on the furniture or will they initially need to adjust to a crate? Where will they rest at night? Are there any rooms in the house that are off-limits?
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Prepare to house-train your dog
Assume your new dog is not house-trained and work from there. Be consistent and maintain a routine. Bear in mind that many house-trained dogs might initially eliminate in your home while they get used to a new environment and routine; you can prevent this by taking them out every few hours.
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Patience is KEY!
Finally, remember to temper your expectations. Life with you is a different experience for your new companion, so give them time to adjust. You'll soon find out that you've made a friend for life. Don’t forget to reach out for help if you’re struggling with a behavior. The shelter or rescue where you adopted or the responsible breeder you purchased from can offer tips on basic behavioral challenges or refer you to a certified trainer if necessary.
No one will ever greet you with as much enthusiasm or provide you with as much unqualified love and loyalty as your dog will. Be patient, and you will be amply rewarded.
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Responsible dog ownership
Check out our guide to responsible dog ownership here.
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