Questions about adoption

What kind of dogs do you have for adoption?

We are an all breed rescue, and our dogs range from the tiniest puppies to very large dogs of all ages.

Do you have any cats for adoption?

Our Northern rescue currently focuses on dogs only. Our Southern site frequently has cats available for adoption in the South only.

What are the costs involved in adopting a dog from Pet Matchmaker?

Our adoption fees, which include transportation, all necessary vetting, quarantine (if applicable) and spay/neuter range from $350 to $450 depending on the dog.

Is there a deposit?

If you wish to adopt one of our dogs still in the South, there is a $100 non-refundable deposit required. The reason for this is the following: we are pulling these dogs from the shelters they are in with the expectation that they will be adopted. Should you change your mind after we’re in possession of the dog, we now have an extra dog to place in foster care, which is a strain on our resources. The deposit is not an additional fee; it will go towards your adoption fee.

If you are adopting a dog already in the North, you just pay the adoption fee in full once you are approved and meet the dog. No deposit is required, but you can put a deposit on the dog if you wish, which means we no longer show the dog to other prospective families. That deposit is non-refundable because should you change your mind or the adoption is not approved, the dog has missed out on other opportunities to find a home while it was being “held” for you and the adoption process must begin again.

Can I visit the dog before I adopt?

Sometimes. You see, Pet Matchmaker is not a shelter. We are a network of shelters and foster homes in both the South and the Northeast. If you’ve been approved as an adopter, and the dog is in the Northeast, we will contact you to set up a time and location to meet the dog at its foster home in the Northeast. If you’ve been approved as an adopter, and the dog is in the South, the dog will need to be taken from its foster situation in the South and brought to the Northeast. We make the arrangements and will contact you to set up a time and location to meet the dog at either the airport, quarantine, or transport drop-off.

What happens if the pet doesn’t fit well with our family?

There is a two week trial period, whether you adopt from the Northeast or the South. If you find within the two weeks that the dog doesn’t fit well into your home, he or she will be moved into foster care, and a refund of the adoption fee will be given.

How do I start the adoption process?

Complete and submit the adoption application. And please tell us about yourself so that we can do our best to ensure it is the “right match.” We will check your references and process your application.

How soon do I get the pet?

If you’ve been approved as an adopter, the length of time it takes to receive your new pet varies. If the dog is still a puppy and located in the South, the pup can travel north only after it has received two sets of puppy shots and reached approximately 12 weeks of age. If the dog is an older dog, usually the dog can be brought up to the North within a week or two of the adoption approval. If the dog is already in foster care in the North, the dog can go home with you once you’ve paid the adoption fee.

How will I know the pet is in good health?

Every pet comes with a health certificate stating their vaccinations, proof of spay/neuter, dewormings and overall health status.

I’m not ready to adopt — are there other ways to help?

Yes! You can become a foster dog parent, sponsor a specific dog, or submit a general donation to our rescue. Buying Pet Matchmaker gear also supports our rescue, and if you’d like to discuss fundraising opportunities, contact us at petmatchmaker@gmail.com.

Questions about Pet Matchmaker

Who is Pet Matchmaker?

We are a non-profit (501c3) rescue group headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island and Memphis, Tennessee. Behind the scenes are three friends that share the same desire — to save as many dogs as possible from unfortunate situations in the southern United States:

• high-risk (often three day kill) shelters
• abandonment
• starvation
• lack of care

Why do you only work with dogs from the South?

We recognize that there are animals in need all over the country. We’d help them all if we could. Yet we wanted to focus our limited resources in the areas where we thought we could make the greatest impact. Many shelters in the South are overcrowded and sweet dogs are being euthanized every day due to:

• inadequate spay/neuter programs (although this is beginning to change);
• some owners who “dump” off their family pet by a roadside or at a shelter due to a change in job or lifestyle, a move, or an inability to afford veterinary care; and
• difficulty in placing some dogs — not due to temperment, but rather because of their looks or misconceptions people have about them.

Can you help me if I have an animal that needs a new home?

We want to help all animals, but we will not attempt to place unaltered and unvetted animals from owner surrender. All animals must be fixed and up to date on their vaccinations in order to be posted on our site.

I still have questions; how can I contact you?

We can be reached at petmatchmaker@gmail.com or you can submit a question on our site.