ADOPTION

Where are you located?
We are located in Austin, Texas. We do not have a facility, rather our dogs stay at individual foster homes.

it possible to adopt a dog from you if I live outside of Austin or San Antonio?
We prefer to adopt locally. We may, under certain circumstances adopt to families outside of Austin or San Antonio, but the family must be willing to drive to Austin. If you are closer to Dallas or Houston, please check out our partners in those areas. We do not adopt outside the state of Texas.

I want to meet a dog before I fill out an application, can I do that?
In short, no, unless you go to one of our adoption days. The adoption days are held the first Saturday at the Petco on Brodie Lane, the second Saturday of each month at the PetsMart on IH35 at Barbara Jordan Blvd., the second Sunday of each month at the PetsMart on Hwy 71 in Bee Cave, and the third Saturday of each month at the PetCo on Hwy 183 and Great Hills Trail.

But what if I'm not sure if I want to adopt the dog? The application is a contract, right?
The application is a tool we use to get to know more about you and your suitability as a potential adopter. We have policies regarding who is approved to adopt and who is not. The application is reviewed by several members of our group and vet references are checked. Until the application is approved and signed by both our representative and the potential adopter, it is not a contract. By filling one out, you are not obligated to adopt the dog. While we're happy to answer any questions about the dog you may have via email or by phone (512-527-9923), we do not set up meetings outside of adoption days for people who have not filled out an application.

Where do the dogs come from?
Most of our dogs come from area animal shelters in the Austin, San Antonio, Cedar Park, Williamson County, Leander and surrounding areas. Occasionally we get dogs from owners who are unable or unwilling to care for them anymore.

What is wrong with them that they need rescuing?
The number one problem that is "wrong" with our dogs is that they had the misfortune of being neglected, abandoned or uncared for. Occasionally, we get some dogs who may have a medical condition or behavioral quirk. Since our dogs stay in foster homes, we usually know about these problems and will tell the potential adopter about them.

I don't want to pay or can't afford the $200 - can I have the dog for less?
Cocker Spaniel Rescue spends an average of over $340 per dog. The $200 adoption fee goes to help cocker rescue continue to help other dogs. Even so, we often operate at a loss. Therefore, the fee is non negotiable.

Why does the dog description say "approximately 2 (or insert age)"?
We get most of our dogs from area shelters so we don't have an exact background on any of our dogs. Unless the dog is an "owner surrender" the age estimate is just that: an estimate. This is based on the dog's general health, activity level and physical well-being and is estimated by a Veterinarian.

Why do you need foster homes?
Foster homes allow us to pull more dogs from area shelters while others are still waiting for adoption. It is always preferable to have a dog in a loving, home environment where he can be socialized rather than keeping the dog in a shelter atmosphere. Many dogs develop "shelter shock" which means in a nutshell that they are frightened and do not display their "normal" temperaments. Having a dog in a foster home allows us to better see the dog's true personality. Additionally, boarding costs can overwhelm a rescue group that is already struggling to stay afloat.

What does it take to foster?
We basically have many of the same requirements for fosters as we do potential adopters. These requirements include that you:
• Be an adult with responsibility for maintaining a household (no students).
• Have a fenced yard (some exceptions made for cocker loving apartment dwellers)
• Have current identification showing address and/or phone number.
• Have the knowledge and consent of all adults living in household.
• Be able and willing to spend the time and money necessary to provide for the training, medical treatment and proper care for the pet (Cocker Spaniel Rescue will reimburse any expenses).
• Be willing to take the dog to scheduled adoption days (or be available to arrange transport with one of our other volunteers)
• Provide an environment for the animal that will keep it safe and secure.

I work an 8 hour day, could I still foster?
Hey, so do most of us. So do most of our adoptive families. W e would not expect you to be at home with the dog all of the time. (it would be nice, but we're realistic)

How long will the dog be in my care?
The amount of time one of our dogs stays in your care is very hard to determine. Some dogs are adopted right away while others may spend months waiting for a forever home.

What happens if I become too attached to the dog?
It happens. Many of our former fosters are now "adoptive parents." It is often hard not to become too attached to the dogs in our care, but with any luck we will find a home for the dog before that happens.

Please email us or call our hotline at 512-527-9923 if you are interested in becoming a cocker foster parent.