How do I adopt a dog?
The first step is to thoroughly complete an application. Once we receive and review it, we will contact your veterinarian, landlord, and other references as applicable and conduct a home visit. Our dogs live in foster homes, and the foster family will select a family that best meets their dog's needs! Please review our adoption process.
Do you adopt outside of Texas?
No. TSBR only considers applications for adoption within the State of Texas.
- Our primary adoption area is the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex (local adoptions).
- We reserve the right to give priority to local adoptions.
- Applications outside the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex may take longer to process.
- All applicants must meet the exact requirements as local applicants, including a home visit. Although we do have volunteer contacts in many areas throughout Texas, it may be difficult for us to locate a volunteer to conduct the home visit in some areas. If we cannot locate a volunteer in your area to conduct a home visit, we may consider alternative ways, but we reserve the right not to move forward with the application.
- Our foster homes choose the most appropriate family for their particular dog and are not required to consider applications outside our local adoption area.
- We will not adopt certain breeds to applicants without breed-specific experience.
- If you live outside our local adoption area, you must be prepared to travel to meet the dog at least two times (at your expense); this may necessitate an overnight stay.
- We do not arrange transportation or conduct adoptions without meeting the dog.
- Due to health, welfare, and logistics, TSBR does not adopt puppies under six months outside our local adoption area (Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex).
Do you adopt to renters?
Yes! However, first, we must check with your landlord to ensure dogs are allowed in your rental unit. We’ll also check on any weight, size, or breed restrictions. This is particularly important if you are adopting a puppy because we cannot guarantee what size or weight a puppy will grow. If you rent an apartment, we’ll also need to discuss a plan for exercising your dog, including visits to doggie daycare or a fenced-in dog park. We realize that different dogs have different exercise needs and that some dogs are a better match for apartment living. We will work with you to find a suitable dog for your living situation.
What if I live in an apartment or townhome?
While TSBR permits adoptions to apartment and townhome dwellers, not every dog in our program will be appropriate for such an environment.
Additionally, puppies under four months or who have not received complete vaccinations before adoption (due to age) are not candidates for apartments and townhomes. The only exception to this rule is if the unit includes private access to a patio or similar area where the puppy may relieve itself. TSBR established these guidelines due to the increased risk (to a puppy without complete immunity) of diseases such as Parvo or Distemper.
Our utmost concern is the welfare of the dogs in the program. Under the above circumstances, our adoption team and foster homes reserve the right to decline to adopt a specific dog or puppy to approved applicants. We appreciate your understanding.
Do I need to have a fenced-in yard?
No, however, we strongly urge you not to let your dog off leash in an un-fenced area. We also require all adopters and fosters to sign a restraint agreement.
Can I leave my dog outside?
No. Any dog adopted from TSBR shall reside indoors in your home and live as a family member and companion only. The dog will not be kept outdoors during the adopter's working hours or left alone outdoors unsupervised or while the adopter is not at home. The dog may be confined to a room such as a bedroom or any other room of adequate size and protected from weather elements.
How much does it cost to adopt?
Texas Sporting Breed Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We do not receive government funding and, therefore, rely heavily on our adoption fees, fundraising efforts, and generous supporters. Our fees are directly linked to the costs of caring for dogs in our program. Adoption fees are non-refundable.
Our average costs to rescue and care for a dog:
- Spay/Neuter = $180
- Vaccines = $80+ (dogs under 18 months may receive multiple sets)
- Heartworm Test = $45
- Dewormer = $68
- Exam = $68 - $80
- Ear treatment = $200+
- Heartworm Prevention = $15 - $25/month
- Flea Prevention = $15 - $25/month
- Heartworm treatment = $1,000
This cost does not include additional vetting services that may be necessary (heartworm treatment, illness, surgery, emergency, etc.)
TSBR Minimum Adoption Fees:
- Adult dogs (1 year - 8 years) = $300+*
- Puppies 7 weeks - 1 year = $350+*
- Senior dogs over 8 years old = $300+*
*Adoption fees are subject to change as TSBR deems necessary. Each adoption and the care an individual dog receives are subject to change and are at the discretion of our Chair of Animal Welfare. Our website does not legally bind TSBR but is merely a guide. The signed adoption contract with each adoption is legally binding. Adoption fees must be paid by cash, check, money order, bank check, or credit card (additional fees apply for using a credit card). Adoption fees are non-refundable.
Adoption fees are listed for each dog in its page's “ABOUT” section. Our minimum adoption fees are directly linked to our program's cost of dog care.
Adult dogs
- have tested Heartworm negative or completed Heartworm treatment,
- are vaccinated for Rabies, Bordatella, and DHPP,
- started on flea/tick and Heartworm preventative,
- have been dewormed at least once,
- are spayed/neutered,
- are microchipped.
Puppies (11 months of age and younger)
- have received age-appropriate vaccinations,
- have been started on heartworm preventative,
- have been dewormed,
- and are spayed/neutered if age-appropriate (as recommended by a TSBR Veterinarian). **
**If, at the time of adoption, your dog or puppy has not been spayed/neutered (based on the recommendation by TSBR Veterinarian), you must sign a spay/neuter agreement and will be responsible for the spay/neuter. Our adoption contract requires that all dogs (or puppies) be spayed/neutered within one month of adoption or when age-appropriate. You are asked to notify us when and by who this surgery will be performed. Our volunteers will verify that the dog has been spayed/neutered. If you fail to spay/neuter, as outlined in the adoption contract you signed, our organization will take appropriate measures to reclaim the dog.
If the dog I like is adopted, will you help me find a different dog?
Absolutely! We will help approved adopters find the right dog for them. There is no need to reapply or to start the process over again.
Can you guarantee a dog’s breed?
Unfortunately, the inherent nature of dog rescue means we cannot guarantee a dog’s breed. Many dogs end up in shelters because they are strays, and many more are turned in by owners who don’t know or don’t share their pet’s history. Even when we know the puppy’s mom, we only know half of the mix. The best we can do is make an educated guess based on the dog’s appearance and temperament.
What if my adopted dog is having trouble?
Let us know—the sooner, the better! Small problems that start early on become big problems as time passes. We have a trainer available and lots of resources to share with you. Moreover, because we have a large pool of volunteers who have been doing this for a long time, we probably have experience dealing with whatever issue you may be facing. Let us help!
What if I cannot keep my adopted dog?
If you cannot keep your adopted dog for any reason, let us know as soon as possible. We will begin the process of taking it back. But remember, we are here for you before that decision is made. If you have problems—no matter how small—let us know before they become big! We can then provide you with the advice and support you need to fix the problems before they get out of control.
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