Adoption Process
STEP 1: The Application
The adoption process begins when you complete our online adoption application. You must answer all of the questions honestly and accurately, using as much detail as you'd like. You also must include your physical home address, NOT a P.O. Box. Please be sure to review our adoption requirements BEFORE submitting an application.
Due to resource constraints, we cannot answer any questions about our available dogs until you have completely filled out the adoption application. If you have submitted an application and want to find out the status, please e-mail apply_tx@ncbr.org.
STEP 2: The Preliminary Screening
Once you have submitted the application, you will be contacted by a member of our applications team via e-mail to let you know that it has been received and is being processed. We will then contact your vet and landlord references (if applicable) and may ask you to answer additional questions regarding your application. The preliminary screening can take up to a few weeks depending upon how quickly we are able to obtain the information we need and/or how many applications are flowing through the system at that particular time. Once the preliminary screening has been completed and approved, you will be contacted by one of our home visitors to schedule your visit.
STEP 3: The Home Visit
The Home Visit is a very important part of the application process as it helps us to better understand what you want and need in a canine companion. The information we gather during the visit is critical in helping us make the best possible placement for everyone involved. It is not meant to be an overly invasive or stressful situation, but rather an open dialogue between you and NCBR. We will ask lots of questions, request to see the areas of the home that the dog will have access to, and complete an inspection of your fence to make sure there are no areas in need of repair. We welcome and encourage your questions and active participation during the visit as well, and we do require that every member of your household be present.
When the visit is complete, the home visitor will submit a standardized report which will be reviewed by the applications team. You will be notified of your application status within 3 days of that happening. If you haven't heard from NCBR within that time frame, please feel free to email us at apply_tx@ncbr.org to request an update.
STEP 4: The Meet & Greet
Once your application has been approved, we will work with you to determine which of our dogs would be the best potential matches for you and your particular situation. We will coordinate with the foster homes to set up private meet & greets with you and your family (furry members, included) and/or you can attend one of our adoption events to meet multiple dogs at one time.
We focus our efforts on making the best possible placement for both the family and the dog based on the needs and desires of each. As such, we do not operate on a first come first served basis when it comes to placing a particular dog. Our foster families know these dogs better than anyone and are very well equipped to know what type of situation and/or environment in which they would do best. We rely very heavily on their input and give them final approval regarding the permanent placement of their foster dogs. If the foster home does not feel your situation is the best fit for the dog, please don't take it personally. It will be better for you and the dog in the long run if we take care to make the right placement in the beginning.
Once both you and the foster family are in agreement that a particular dog is the best fit for your family and situation, you can make arrangements to complete the adoption and bring your new Boxer home!
* Please note: You must be willing to travel to the home of the foster family to visit the dog.
STEP 5: Adoption Day
Adoption Day is an exciting day for all of us! Please be prepared to bring your new Boxer home by having purchased the supplies needed to make the transition as easy as possible for your family and the dog. Elevated food and water bowls, high quality dog food, treats, a crate (if necessary), a collar and a leash are recommended.
It is at this time that you will sign the adoption contract and pay the adoption fee. (Please note that the adoption fee must be paid in cash as we can no longer accept checks.) Adoption fees are tax deductible and include all current vaccinations, heartworm test & treatment (if necessary), health exam, fecal test and deworming (if necessary), spay/neuter and microchipping. The adopter is responsible for the cost of registering the microchip.
Please remember that the adoption fee is not for the purchase of a dog, but rather to help cover the medical costs of ALL of the dogs in our care.
How long does this process usually take?
The application process can take some time. We don't rush the placements of our Boxers as we need to ensure that the appropriate dog is placed into the most suitable environment so that everyone is happy with the end result.
It is also important to remember that we are ALL volunteers who have families, jobs, etc. We do our very best to make sure things move along quickly, and we request your patience and understanding if things aren't moving as quickly as you'd like. If you have questions or concerns during the application process, please email us so that we can address them appropriately.
What happens after the adoption?
Part of the NCBR adoption contract will dictate that you schedule communication with us, and this must be done at the end of the first month. There are several reasons for this. One, so we can ensure all is going well, the dog and family are adapting and that there are no issues that need to be addressed. Also, our foster families put a lot of time and love into their foster dogs and communicating with the new homes helps foster families ensure that the dog is happy, healthy and being properly cared for.
So, do you think you're ready to adopt?
Search Available Dogs or complete an Adoption Application
