Adoption Policies

***If the animal is listed on our website or Petfinder he/she is still available. We cannot, however, anticipate when or how many applications we will receive for a specific animal so if you are interested please fill out an application.

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All Animals

• All adopters must be 21 years of age or older.

• All adopters must live within an approximately 2 hour drive from the Rochester, NY area. This ensures we can do a home visit and provide follow up advice and visits as needed. We are also able to make solid recommendations for, and have knowledge of local veterinarian and training facilities.

  • We occasionally make exceptions to this requirement for our harder to place adult animals. It will be included in the animals bio if they are one we will make an exception for. 

• Renters must provide written proof from their landlords on their pet policies. 

• All current resident animals must be spayed or neutered and current on their vaccinations. If there is a medical reason that the above are not done, written proof from your veterinarian is required.

  • We make exceptions on spaying and neutering, with proof, if the dog is an active working or show dog.

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Dogs and Puppies

• We prefer fenced in yards but they are not required. Invisible fencing will NOT be accepted. Why we do not accept Invisible Fencing.

• Enrollment in an obedience class with one of our recommended trainers prior to adoption is required. All adopters must train using only positive reinforcement methods. Use of prong, choke or shock collars are not tolerated

• We DO NOT adopt out littermates or 2 puppies together. While not all dogs will exhibit the phenomenon coined "littermate syndrome" enough do that it is not worth the risk. More information on Littermate Syndrome here. 

• ***If you are interested in a puppy from a litter*** We will not hold a specific puppy based solely on an application. We require all members of the approved family meet all of the available puppies in the litter prior to choosing one. We believe a personality match is much more important than color or looks. While you may visit them prior, we do not allow families to pick puppies prior to 7 weeks of age.This allows us to get to know them and their personality. It is also not fair to judge them based on a picture because some puppies (and people!) are just not photogenic! 
   

Cats and Kittens

• All cats and kittens must reside inside only. We will not adopt to indoor/outdoor homes.

• All cats and kittens must not be declawed. Declawing is an inhumane surgical procedure outlawed in many countries.