In order to be considered as an adopter,
the following rules are considered:

CSR does not adopt to families that want an "outside only" dog. Our dogs must be adopted as members of the family and cannot be left alone outside without human supervision.

We do not adopt to homes where a pet has been abandoned in the past or where there are currently unsterilized or unvaccinated pets in the home.

The dogs will not adopted as gifts. If the animal is a gift to someone, the recipient must be present at the adoption interview and sign the adoption papers. The home visit will be made to the recipient’s home.

We do not adopt puppies/dogs to people who have children under (7) years old living in, or regularly visiting, their home; however, we do consider each application on an individual basis, considering the family’s experience and supervision with previous pets.

Homes with fenced yards are strongly preferred. An installed physical (not underground or "invisible") fence is mandatory if there are children in the home. We will only adopt a puppy under 9 months old to a home with a completely fenced yard. Animals will not be adopted in situations that would require being chained, roped, or leashed.

When considering applications, CSR generally gives preference to home owners rather than renters. Adoption applicants residing in a townhouse, condominium, apartment or rental property must have permission from the landlord/homeowner association to add a dog to their household. For approved adopters residing in an apartment building or condominium, dogs that are one year or older may be candidates for adoption. Active adult dogs and puppies are not good candidates for apartment homes.

Adopters must be over the age of 21. We do not adopt to students.

All family members, including any other household pets, SHOULD be present during the home visit and when meeting a prospective "adoptee" Cocker Spaniel to be sure of a good match. No animal shall be adopted to an individual without approval of all adults at the residence.

Adopters must place personal ID on the animal as soon as possible.

The Adopter must agree to properly maintain the health of the dog by placing him/her on an annual vaccination schedule under the direction of a veterinarian. The adopter must agree to have the dog tested annually for heartworm, and he/she will receive heartworm preventative by prescription from a veterinarian. Texas has one of the highest incidence rates for heartworm in the country. As such, CSR strongly recommends that adopters consult with their veterinarian and place the dog on year-round heartworm preventative.

If at any time, an adopter cannot continue to care for a dog adopted from Cocker Rescue, you must agree to return the dog to us.

CSR reserves the right to contact any references or veterinarians named by the adopter on the application form.

Incomplete adoption applications will not be processed.

Because of the need to conduct home visits prior to adoption, adoption preference is given to families living in the Austin area, and to families who can provide a current positive vet reference. We do have volunteers who can conduct home visits on our behalf in some other areas of the state, but it may take a little longer to process your application while we coordinate the house visit. Prospective adopters must meet the dog(s) in which they are interested in person, in order to determine compatability. We do not ship animals.

We do want to consider applications on an individual basis, are willing to discuss specific circumstances with potential adopters. CSR reserves the right to refuse or reject application for adoption. Our first concern is the welfare of the dogs available for adoption. We reserve the right to make that final determination based on the information we receive or discover and what we believe is in the best interest of the dog.


PUPPY POLICIES:

Puppies are active and need plenty of room in which to play; therefore, we adopt our puppies to families who own a home with a fenced yard. Pupies have small bladders and need a bathroom break at least every 4 hours. To help reinforce housetraining and socialization, the new family must be able to arrange for someone to be available to give the pup a break at least every 4 hours or so. When considering applications for puppies, we will give special consideration to people who have had PRIOR experience raising a pup. We adopt to stable, self-sufficient adult households and to families with kids ages 7 and over; however, each family is regarded on an individual basis.

Because young pupies have fragile immune systems, the puppies will NOT be at the regular Meet and Greets. Our adoption fee for puppies is $200 + $50 deposit refunded upon proof of Spay/Neuter/Rabies vaccination) for puppies 4 months or younger. The fee is due at the time of the adoption and is non-refundable.

Our puppies will have their first two sets of shots (DHPP and one bordatella) as well as worming at CSR expense by ten weeks of age. After 10 weeks, the pup is able to go to its new home. A third round of puppy boosters will need to be done at 13 weeks. CSR will cover thisexpense if done at our vet. If done at your own vet, we will reimburse you $20. Rabies vaccination will need to be done at 16 weeks at CSR expense if done at our vet. If done at your vet, we will reimburse you $15.

Spay/Neuter surgery should be done after your puppy reaches 16 weeks of age. CSR will cover this expense if the surgery is done at ATA or Emancipet. If done at your vet, we will reimburse you $50. We MUST have proof that your puppy has been spayed or neutered before the age of 6 months, either by fax, mail, or email or you will forfeit your guradianship and we will reclaim the dog. Adoptive families are responsible for providing monthly heartworm medication and flea prevention, and for any other medical costs concerning your puppy.

We greatly appreciate those adoptive families who opt to cover the veterinary expenses for their new puppy. Your generosity will help us rescue and care for more cocker spaniels in need.

ADOPTION FEE POLICY:

Cocker Spaniel Rescue of Austin/San Antonio spends on average over $330 on each dog in our care. This includes medical treatment, boarding, grooming and food. The adoption fee is not to pay for the medical care on the dog you are adopting; that has been paid for. Your fee allows us to continue our rescue and adoption efforts.

The adoption fee for adult dogs is $150, due at the time of the adoption and is non-refundable.

Our adoption fee for puppies is $200 + $50 deposit refunded upon proof of Spay/Neuter/Rabies vaccination) for puppies 4 months or younger. The fee is due at the time of the adoption and is non-refundable.

Your adoption fee includes the following:

For adult dogs: heartworm and erlichia testing (and treatment, if necessary), all routine vaccinations, microchip/registration and spay/neuter.

For puppies: two sets of puppy vaccinations, worming, microchip/registration and spay/neuter.

Because we believe in preventing an overabundance of unwanted pets, the pet you adopt from us will be spayed or neutered. In the case of young puppies where it is not medically advisable to spay/neuter the dog at the time of adoption, our contract will mandate spaying/neutering prior to or at six months of age. There are no exceptions to this rule.

The Board of Directors reserves the right to change these policies and fees at any time.