Adoption FAQs & Application FAQs

Can transportation be provided if I am approved for adoption?

Yes! If we think you are a perfect match for one of our adoptable dogs, we are able to provide or arrange transport to most locations. We have a wonderful group of transport volunteers nationwide that have helped our rescues safely get to their forever homes. We also use reputable pet transportation services like Rescue Roadtrips for the Midwest and East Coast areas and have recently connected with a transport to help our dogs being fostered in Texas get to forever homes in the Pacific North West.

We do not utilize air travel as a means of transportation

How old do I have to be to be considered for adoption?

You must be 23 years or older to adopt from Saving Carolina Dogs

Do I have to own my home in order to adopt?

You do not have to own your home in order to adopt. However, due to breed and size restrictions, we must have landlord approval before we can proceed with your application. If you do not provide the landlord's name, address, phone number, and allowance to contact them on the application, we will have to deny your application to adopt.

Are there concerns with adopting a HW+ dog?

Although heartworm disease sounds scary, it is very common among homeless and stray dogs. They are initially infected by the bite of a mosquito but it is treatable! If we rescue a dog that is Heartworm positive, they immediately begin heartworm treatment while in foster care. In most cases a HW+ dog is adopted while undergoing treatments and the rescue will continue to cover the cost of treatment after adoption.

We will walk you through the care needed before and after adoption so there are no surprises along the way! This includes how to help keep the dog relaxed. During treatment, they shouldn't get a lot of exercise and need to keep their heartrate down.

Do I need to have a fenced-in yard?

We do require our adopters to have securely enclosed fenced-in yards. However, some of our dogs may be considered for apartment-style homes or homes without fenced yards. These applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis and selection of dogs appropriate for these homes is often limited.

In regards to fence height, please keep in mind that Carolina Dogs are known for their incredible leaping abilities and most can easily clear a 4ft fence

Does an invisible fence count as a fenced-in yard?

We do not count invisible fences as securely enclosed fenced-in yards and do not adopt to homes that currently use or plan to use an invisible fence. This includes but is not limited to:

Invisible fences, Electric fences, E-fences, Boundary fences, Smart fences, Z-fences

We also do not permit the usage or planned usage of any type of behavioral collar including but limited to:

Shock collars, remote training collars, vibrating collars, Citronella spray collars, "anti-bark" collars

Our current or past dogs lived outside. Is that ok?

While we are not under the belief that families with outdoor pets are not wonderful, attentive pet owners, we do require that our rescues are adopted to homes where they will live indoors. This includes remaining indoors, in a climate controlled environment (ie: not a garage or unfinished basement) while left unattended.

Can I schedule a meet and greet with a dog I'm interested in?

Due to our foster homes typically being quite far from potential adopters, meet and greets are rarely an opportunity we are able to take advantage of. If you live near or are willing to travel to a foster's location, we are more than happy to organize a meet and greet prior to finalizing an adoption. Please note the distance you are willing to travel for a meet and greet or to adopt on your application in the "Your Family Unit" Additional Comments section.

Application FAQs

I submitted an application but didn't receive a confirmation. Did it go through?

Applications are sent directly to the rescue and we do not currently have an auto-response confirmation upon application submission.

I submitted my application but haven't heard back from anyone. Is there a way to check the status?

We do not send out application approval or denial notifications at this time. If you have not received communication from the rescue in regards to your application, please review our Adoption Requirements to ensure you meet all of the required parameters for adoption. Additionally, your application may have been reviewed and approved but we don't currently have a dog that fits your personal requirements. (ie cat-friendly, location, good with small/XL dogs, specific temperaments or energy levels)

Please keep in mind that we are a 100% volunteer run rescue with a small team working behind the scenes to keep things organized, updated, and running as smoothly as possible. While we try to respond to everyone as quickly as possible, we are also working full time jobs and caring for our families. We have seen a rapid increase of interest in our rescue lately and more adoption applications than ever. This is a wonderful thing but we are still playing a lot of catch up and implementing new practices to make the adoption process easier for both the applicant and our team. We never want any of our volunteers to succumb to rescue fatigue, so your patience is greatly appreciated.

I don't currently have a vet. How should I address the vet/clinic portion of the application?

We understand that this may be your first dog or you may have recently relocated and haven't had the need to seek primary veterinary care yet.

If this is your first dog, please take the time to research and seek recommendations for vet/clinics near you that you would use for primary care after adoption is finalized. You may leave the "vet references" portion of the application blank and make note of the vet or animal hospital you intend to use in an "additional comments" section. We also recommend researching the closest 24hr clinic in case of emergency
If you have recently relocated, please list your most recently used vet or animal hospital in the "vet references" portion of the application. You may make note of the animal hospital you intend to use for primary care after the adoption is finalized in an "additional comments" section.

I recently moved or had a change in occupants/pets in my home. Should I reapply?

Yes. If you have had any significant changes in your life that would change any of the answers you provided in your original application, please submit a new application.

Do I need to submit a new application if I'm interested in a recent rescue dog?

When you apply, you are applying as a person/family. We match our adoptable dogs with the forever family that best suits their specific needs and personalities. If we don't believe the dog you're interested in would be a good match, that does not mean we will not consider and discuss the opportunity of adopting a dog that we believe is a better fit.Please note: If you list a specific adoptable, there's a possibility they might not be available by the time your application is approved due to the very high number of applications we are receiving!