Not All Poodle Rescue Centres Are Alike
Dealing with Poodle rescue groups (or any dog rescue groups, for that matter), is not like dealing with a business, or a government agency. There will not always be someone to answer the phone when it is convenient for you. And money never talks with good Poodle rescue groups, even though they are all cash-strapped and most run with volunteers. The goal of an ethical Poodle rescue group is to make each dog in their care find a forever home ? not one that’s just going to go kick them out again.
This is why it takes a long time to go through the Poodle adoption process. You will feel like you are going through a human child adoption process. This is the sign of a really good Poodle rescue group! You should never be able to pay a fee and have a dog on your doorstep the next morning. That is a puppy mill, not a legitimate rescue group.
A good Poodle rescue centre’s website will only let you apply for a dog, not put one on reserve. The application should be lengthy, almost to the point of making you cry, and should quiz you on your current knowledge of Poodle information on their care and handling.
A good Poodle rescue centre will also ask you for personal references, usually from your veterinarian and a professional groomer. Poodle rescues usually do background checks on you and give your home a check.
Although you may have to pay a non-refundable adoption application fee, you should not have to pay the adoption fee for the dog until you actually meet the dog. Never trust photos sent to you about the dogs for adoption. If the Poodle rescue centre discourages you from meeting the dog first, then it is most likely a puppy mill. Run far away and try another Poodle rescue group.
Most Poodle rescue centres are not in one central location. In other words, they are usually not like your local pound, only filled with Poodles and nothing else. A Poodle rescue centre is usually made up of a network of foster homes around the immediate area. You would have to go meet the dog you are thinking of adopting at the foster home. There sometimes will be a few meetings before you are allowed to take the dog home.
Also expect a good Poodle rescue to do surprise check ups on how you and your new best friend are getting along. And Poodle rescue volunteer workers are great for turning for help and advice on all things dog. They might not be able to get back to you right away, but they usually do within 48 hours.
The Poodle rescue workers will often give your home a thorough check before you are allowed to bring a dog home. The process takes a while, but a Poodle for a friend is worth the wait.