We are teaming up with other rescues to save more lives in the southern and southwestern areas of Virginia and areas in the South. Cats and dogs in these areas are in immediate danger every day of being killed. We are helping these shelters become "no-kill" because currently they euthanize more than 1000 cats and dogs yearly.
Dog Adoption Process Overview
Fancy Cats and Dogs Rescue Team is a nonprofit foster home-based rescue organization for cats and dogs in danger of euthanasia in the Washington Metropolitan area. We are a volunteer organization who relies on donations to continue our important work. To date, Fancy Cats has saved over 20,000 animals.
IMPORTANT
FCDRTdo not guarantee the health of any animals offered for adoption. Any time you adopt an animal, you should take it to a licensed veterinarian to have it checked within 7-10 days of adoption. Your animal is, to the best of our knowledge, healthy, but will need to be started immediately on a program of preventative veterinary care.
Please be aware that the animals available for adoption are rescue animals and, as such, have often been exposed to a variety of diseases. Like human illnesses, these disorders can have an incubation period of up to several weeks. If the animal you adopt shows signs of illness at any point, please take it promptly to the vet for treatment.
The following statement is required by Virginia law: STERILIZATION OF ANY ADOPTED ANIMAL IS REQUIRED BY TITLE 3.2, CHAPTER 65 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA. THE ADOPTER AGREES TO ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF 3.2-6574 through 3.2-6578, WHICH PERTAIN TO THE TIMELY STERILIZATION OF THE ADOPTED PET. A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THIS ARTICLE IS SUBJECT TO CIVIL PENALTY. THE NEW OWNER MAY BE COMPELLED TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.
FCDRT Adoption Process
- Review our Adoption Process Overview (this document) for important information regarding adopting from us.
- Select your dog or puppy. Our available dogs can be viewed online on our website at https://www.fancycats.org/adoption-information-2/fancy-dogs/available-dogs.
To meet a dog or pup, you can either email info@fancycats.org to be put in touch with their foster parents or you can come to one of our Sunday adoption events from 12:00pm – 4:00pm at the PetSmart in Fair Lakes, 12971 Fairlakes Center, Fairfax, VA 22033.
Please check our adoption schedule for events or cancellations at WWW.FANCYCATS.ORG
- To apply. Our Adoption Application can be found on our website at https://www.fancycats.org/adoption-information-2/fancy-dogs/dog-application or at one of our adoption events. Applications can be submitted at an event, Applications are not processed until you have met, chosen and committed to adopting a specific dog or puppy and are processed on a first come basis.
NOTE: Processing normally takes no more than one week from the time your application has been received and you have selected an animal, to the point at which you will sign the contract and receive your puppy or dog. When submitting your application, please make sure you can be available to sign the adoption contracts and to accept your new pet on the following Sunday. If you are a previous adopter, we still require you to fill out another application.
- To Interview. As a first step in processing your application, you will be interviewed by one of our adoption coordinators. This is the time for you to ask any questions that you may have about the organization, our processes or our dogs. The interview will either take place at an adoption event or if you meet the dog or puppy in a foster home, we can conduct your interview over the phone. All applications are considered according to the dogs needs and what the home can provide.
- Home checks. Home checks are assigned to a volunteer as needed. We determine the need on a case-by-case basis. If you are assigned one a volunteer will contact you, normally no later than Tuesday or Wednesday evening, to arrange for a mutually agreeable time to do your home check. Home checks must be done no later than Saturday the same week for the application to be approved in time for the Sunday contract signing. If you are a previous adopter, you will not need another home check to adopt.
- Vet Check. If you own or have owned a companion animal, we will contact your vet for a reference check for any animals that you have been responsible for as an adult. Please make sure to contact your vet to give them authorization for us to speak to them.
- Contract Signing. Once your interview, home check, and vet check have been completed and your application approved. you will be contacted either by phone or email to give you final instructions for your contract signing. For your planning purposes, the signing will typically happen at noon on the first Sunday after your application has been submitted for processing. NOTE: Due to limited resources, it is vital for you to be able to attend this contract signing as we cannot arrange for an earlier or later date or time. Unless other arrangements have been made, your adopted pet will be made available for your pick up at approximately 1:00 directly following the contract signing. Dog adoption fees are required to be paid in cash or certified check for $400.00. While not necessary and totally optional, we welcome tax-deductible donations that can be made in addition to the adoption fee. We thank you in advance for your support.
- Medical paperwork will be provided to you at the contract signing. We will let you know what is done in advance and you may review the dogs medical file if you are on site at an adoption event.
- Time to Take your new puppy or dog home. Congratulations, you have successfully completed the adoption process and have your new pet. For your pet’s safety, please take a moment to attach the FCRDT tag that was included in your adoption packet, as well as your own I.D. tag, to a collar and put it on your dog. You should be certain that the collar is fitted correctly so it doesn’t slip off the dog’s neck. A harness in addition to a collar are best for puppies. You will also need a leash.
Thank you for your interest in adopting a rescue dog.