Adopting

At North Queensland Animal Rescue we really get to know the dogs in our care, so we are able to match you with the perfect companion.

To find out more about a particular dog or have our adoption coordinator suggest a dog that may suit your needs, we require an enquiry form to be completed. It may seem like a lot of information, but it helps us match the most suited family to each dog and vice versa.

We want the experience of adopting a new family member to be a good one and we want the best outcome for both the dogs and their new humans. We will occasionally suggest a different dog, as your situation may not meet the needs of the individual dog you have enquired about. Your home and lifestyle might be a more suitable match with another dog/s, that you may not have considered.

To ensure our animals are adoption ready, they have a general veterinary examination which includes a healthcheck, heart worm test, vaccination/s, spey or castration procedure, microchip implanted and are treated monthly for fleas, worms and ticks. If an animal has further medical or behavioural needs, these are completed prior to being placed up for adoption.

The Adoption Process

Step 1 - Adoption Enquiry

Complete the adoption enquiry form for the dog you are interested in or ask the adoption coordinator to suggest a suitable dog.
Step 2 - Enquiry Review

The adoption coordinator will review your information and discuss suitability with the foster carer for the dog you are enquiring about or select a dog that could be a good match. You will receive a reply via email. If you have not received a reply, please check your junk folder, as sometimes emails may end up there.
Step 3 - Meet and Greet

If we believe there is a good match of a dog with your home and lifestyle, you will be provided with the foster carers contact details. We ask that you contact the foster carer within 24 hours so you can discuss your and the dog’s requirements in more detail. If it seems like it would be a good match, a meet and greet will be arranged. Unless otherwise advised, please bring all household members, including your other dog/s (if applicable).
Step 4 - Reflection

We ask that you take some time to reflect on whether the dog is right for you, and you are right for them. Once you have reached a decision, please email the adoption coordinator.
Step 5 - Home Check

Should you wish to proceed with adoption, and the foster carer believes you are a suitable match, the adoption coordinator will forward you an adoption application form to complete and return.
Once we have received this application, a volunteer will be in touch to arrange a time to visit and ensure your yard provides a safe and suitable environment.
Step 6 - Adoption Fee and Trial

Once your yard has been verified to be safe and suitable, you will be asked to pay the dog’s adoption fee via bank deposit. Once this has been cleared you can collect your new family member. We offer a two-week adoption trial during which you can return the dog for a full refund of adoption fee (minus an admin fee of $10.00)
Step 7 - Finalise Adoption

At the end of the two weeks if the dog is happy with you and you are happy with them, we will email you documentation to finalise the adoption.