HOW DOES IT WORK?
We only accept applications for dogs listed on the Available Dogs page. When dogs have a "Pending" banner, it means we are no longer accepting applications for them, and they will be placed in their forever homes soon. Dogs on the Foster Dogs Page are not yet available for adoption, therefore we can't accept applications for them. When they are ready for adoption, their names and stories will appear on the Available Dogs page, and we'll accept applications for them then. Apply for as many of the dogs as you like, but be sure to be specific about how your home and family meets the needs and special attributes of each dog that interests you. Applications are NOT kept on file.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE!?
When you submit an application, either hard copy or online, it is forwarded to the application review crew or the appropriate state contact. If you have any questions or concerns about your application, please feel free to contact us. This process can take 4-8 weeks or longer, so please be patient!

WHO DECIDES IF I GET A DOG?
We post each available dog for at least two weeks, or in the case of very popular dogs, until the dog receives 20 applications, whichever comes first. It is best to check the website every week to see if a foster dog you have been following has become available. All applications are sent to the application review crew, so they can select the applicant that is best suited for that individual dog. Those applications are then forwarded to the foster family who lives with and cares for the foster dog. The foster family then selects the best two or three candidates, and FBRN contacts veterinary references, the foster home does a phone interview with the top applicants, and we schedule home visits.

WILL YOU SHIP?
An extremely important part of the FBRN adoption process is the transfer from the foster parent to the adoptive family. There is great value in a face-to-face meeting , an opportunity to discuss FBRN policies, the dog’s unique personality and routines, and any questions the adopters may have, as well as the celebratory aspect of taking forever home photos and saying goodbye. For these reasons, FBRN prefers to have the adoptive parents travel to complete the transfer.

It is not FBRN’s intention, however, to discourage applications because travel to the dog’s location is impossible. FBRN is always looking for the best applicant for each individual dog and in certain cases, especially with special needs dogs, FBRN may be able to assist in arranging transport to an FBRN volunteer near the adoptive family. We need to maintain a face-to-face transfer with all the discussions and formalities necessary with an adoption. We will explore options available and do what we can to work with an adopter in unique circumstances. FBRN will never ship a dog as cargo in any circumstance as this is an extremely dangerous practice. FBRN will make every effort to keep costs minimal, especially in cases of special needs dogs, but they may be substantial and are usually the responsibility of the adopter, just as the cost of travel to the dog would be. So if a special dog in some far-off place catches your fancy and you believe you can provide the best home, please do not let distance deter you from applying.

ARE THEY HEALTHY?
All of our available dogs are spayed or neutered, are current on their vaccinations, and are already chipped or implanted with an AVID microchip registered to FBRN prior to placement. Dogs have been treated for all medical conditions of which we are aware, and any ongoing or chronic conditions will be explained and treatments or medications clearly described to applicants before adoption occurs. You will be given all health information available on your adopted dog.