ADOPTION PROCESS
FILL OUT APPLICATION
HAPPY VISIT
There are a number of ways a Happy Visit is handled, and it depends on a few things like if there are other pets in the home, or your location. Generally, you can come to us, we come to you, or we can meet in a neutral location nearby!
HOUSE VISIT
Home Checks are generally handled during your Foster to Adopt Trial or upon adoption. However, there are virtual options as well. This is a non-invasive process where were get a feel for the general environment and help prepare you for your new animal.
ADOPTION AGREEMENT
Sign our adoption contract, and enjoy your new life with a new companion!
ADOPTER BENEFITS
When you adopt through Coming Back Home Rescue, you are welcome to the many FREE benefits we offer for the rest of your new companion's lifetime. This is to help ensure our adoptable animals can spend the rest of their lives in a loving home. You can learn more at the button below!
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DOG TRAINING
PET SITTING
LIFELONG SUPPORT
MEDICAL FUNDRAISING
How We Operate
We are a foster-based organization that consists of 5 or fewer volunteers at any given time. Our team is small, but our hearts are big working every day to ensure these animals are given their best. These volunteers are our neighbors, friends, and family - literally! Being small eliminated the need to bounce through multiple different departments to get a straight answer but that also means we take even less crap from the outside. No drama here!
Our organization thrives on routine, kennel rotation, and a system that works for everyone. That being said, while we get to know our animals very well, it's important to understand that our system isn't for everyone. Learn below on how we operate.
Feeding and Kennel Rotation
All of our animals are on a kennel rotation system and are fed in their crates. Not only does it keep them safe from competing for food (as many of our animals came from "stray" situations) but it creates an amazing opportunity for crate training and creating a positive experience.
We do NOT recommend free-feeding any of our dogs unless we know for sure they are safe to do so. Free-Feeding is generally not recommended as it's a quick way to develop health and behavioral issues. Failure to adjust to your new dogs' needs will likely result in a denied application. **Free-Feeding is when the handler leaves a bowl of food out all throughout the day.
Crate Training is an essential step for every dog coming into CBHR but it's NOT required for adopters to crate their new dog if they are able to be safely left out. What we do recommend, is crating their new dog for the first week until they adjust to their new environment to reduce the chance of accidents in the home. Saftey is important and we want everyone (try) to have a good experience.
Playgroups, Solo, and Sleeping Out
Most dogs are placed in designated playgroups to help maximize their time out and have fun throughout the day. Groups can range from 3 - 6 dogs at any given time depending on how well everyone gets along. This gives us a lot of information on how a dog would react to being in a home with another dog. Playgroups are rotated 3-5 times throughout the day giving each dog plenty of time to enjoy a normal "home life". However, some dogs prefer to be solo and not necessarily because they are dog reactive. Some just tend to not know how to handle a crowd and become a handful. Dogs who need their own time out definitely get their share, and sometimes even spoiled with a few extra hours or special road trips.
When space and time allows, some dogs get the opportunity to sleep out with a human. Usually, it's Jr. stealing a dog of his choosing and hiding away in his room playing airplanes together, or coloring. But, as far as we are concerned, it still counts. Otherwise, dogs sleep in their crate on plenty of blankets or a bed. Some crates are covered up for comfort while others are not.
Every dog has a "Good Morning" Routine and a "Good Night" Routine which consists of extra snuggles, storytelling, and extra physical care - like cleaning teeth or ears.
Extra Anxious Pups in a New Home
One very important thing to understand is that many of our animals may be extra anxious when moving into a new home. One thing we tell everyone is; "There is no way for us to explain to these animals that our home is not their permanent home, and that we are not their real parents." So, it can be difficult when it comes time for them to move out. Always expect the first 3 days to be the hardest before it gets easier. Though, sometimes a dog would be thrilled to move out - we don't blame them. We usually can provide good insight if you'll be expected more anxiety than usual with a dog but don't forget that every dog needs to go through a decompression period! We can provide Trazadone for your first 3 days should you need it, but we don't recommend it as Trazadone can have some nasty side effects unless you plan on crating them.
Dogs for Adoption
Like most, traditional, rescue organization - we have a very straight forward process. You fill out an application and we schedule for a Greet and Meet. Please check out our Petfinder to see who is available. While we do our best to keep our list updated, please don't hesitate to reach out with questions.
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Pets for Adoption at Coming Back Home Rescue, in Willoughby, OH | Petfinder
Adoption Services
We adopt locally and out-of-state! In addition, not only do we adopt out the dogs in our care but also have a shelter to home system for dogs on death row. It's not a process for everyone, so we recommend finding a system that works best for you.
Local
Make an appointment to come see our dogs for adoption - in person! We can go through to see which one may be best fit no matter how long it takes. We don't mind sitting for an hour or two to make sure the shoe fits and to answer your questions.
**This is a personal home, not a shelter. Please be mindful.
Foster to Adopt
When adopting locally, we offer a Foster to Adopt trial to ensure it's a good fit without the commitment. 7-Day Trial with all supplies provided. If it doesn't work out - bring them back! No fuss. We 100% understand.
**But we will 100% judge you if you tell us you just don't have time, or the dog is too big, etc.
Shelter to Home
So many great dogs are pending euthanization at shelters all over the US. We help find potential great candidates and bring them to you! However, this is a timely process and should be for adopters ready to put some work into your new companion.
**We do not pull "risky" dogs from shelters in this service. This could be dog-reactive, or some who just seem a little "odd".