Anonymous wrote:I thought Lost Dog and Cat Rescue was very professional but at the same time not unreasonable with their homing policies (didn't require 14 references and 3 home visits liks some groups - ok I'm exaggerating but if you've tried to adopt you know what I mean) and they provided good information about the dogs.

I'm impressed with the organization and all the donations they get and that gorgeous dog ranch. Not sure I understand the process with them. You go an event and if it's a match BAM you adopt right then and there?

I thought Lost Dog and Cat Rescue was very professional but at the same time not unreasonable with their homing policies (didn't require 14 references and 3 home visits liks some groups - ok I'm exaggerating but if you've tried to adopt you know what I mean) and they provided good information about the dogs.

We adopted our dogs from HART in Fairfax Station. They are great about visiting the home, meeting your kids and family and getting a feel for what the best dog is for you.

Pet Rescue Alliance in Alexandria. They post photos of available dogs at their website. Got a great puppy from them who was rescued from a kill shelter in Texas...

We adopted from Lucky Dog. We adopted a puppy so his personality wasn't completely formed. That said, I do believe that they are a very good organization and very concerned about the dogs they rescue. I work from home and that is why they allowed us to adopt a puppy. Had both of us worked out of the house the wouldn't have allowed us to get adopt a puppy. We had a home visit and they checked with our vet (we had cats) to make sure they were up to date on their vaccinations and that we were responsible pet owners.

We've adopted from both WARL and Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation.

Kid-approved dogs are adopted out really quickly, so be prepared to move fast.

A dog doesn't even need a yard if you are willing to give them enough on-leash exercise every day. A yard is just convenient for when it is raining (or bed time) and the dog needs to get some business done. Most rescue organizations don't want you leaving a dog outside unattended.

Anonymous wrote:Forget about it if you have kids, they will never let you adopt a dog.

Go to craigslist and find someone who is giving up their dog due to not having enough time to take care of it. Lots of great young dogs that need homes and you don't have to fill out 3 page adoption forms and continually be let down.

I have a friend with one 10 year old son that finally gave up on "rescue" organizations after being repeatedly turned down.

We are financially secure, have a fenced yard and prior dog owners, got turned down 3 or 4 times.

False. We have adopted dogs twice with kids -- once when they were 3 and 6, and once when they were 7 and 10. I have several friends who have done the same. If you are holding out for an adorable puppy of a super-desirable breed, it's not surprising you are getting turned down, but if you're open to a great dog who isn't a puppy and may be a random mix of breeds, you should not have a problem.

If you are Ok with very large dogs, then I can recommend Chesapeake Area Alaskan Malamute Protection. They are very good about matching the dog to the family, will do a home visit and maintain ongoing relationships with their adoptive families. Many adopters including myself, become volunteers.
They are honest about each dog's personality, and do adopt to families with kids. And they always take their dogs back if the situation arises.

Forget about it if you have kids, they will never let you adopt a dog.

Go to craigslist and find someone who is giving up their dog due to not having enough time to take care of it. Lots of great young dogs that need homes and you don't have to fill out 3 page adoption forms and continually be let down.

I have a friend with one 10 year old son that finally gave up on "rescue" organizations after being repeatedly turned down.

We are financially secure, have a fenced yard and prior dog owners, got turned down 3 or 4 times.

K-9 rescue and city dogs rescue

We used petfinder.com to look for our dog and adopted one through lucky dog rescue group. They are a good rescue, we got a yellow lab/retriever mix and he is perfect for our family.

SPCA of Northern VA. They were pretty accurate about the dog.

FOHA (Friends of Homeless Animals). They were very honest and had clearly taken the time to get to know each dog's personality to figure out what type of home would work best. They don't want a failed adoption any more than you do.

Large, medium or small dog?

What organization did you use? Would you recommend them? Were they truly honest about the dogs personality and needs or did they sugarcoat? Would you adopt again?

We are looking to adopt either a young adult or an adult mutt, but not a puppy since we have kids. We want a dog we already know is great (and safe) with young kids. Plus, as adorable as puppies are we are looking for a dog that is loving, but mellow and housebroken. We are also willing to consider a senior that is in good health. I go to a lot of the meet-ups and I fall in love at every one of them, but I know it's unfair to even consider adopting a dog who has needs we cannot meet. Once I find a dog that is a good match in terms of what we can offer (don't have much of a back yard, but would be free to roam house, I can work from home some, but cannot take on a dog who has severe separation anxiety and must be with owner all the time, etc) I will introduce the rest of the family and go from there.