+ Where are you located?

SOS doesn’t have a facility. We prefer to see dogs in foster homes to adjust to their new surroundings as we learn what a suitable furever home looks like.

+ Do you adopt dogs out all over Canada?

SOS adopts dogs out mostly in Southern Ontario. If you’re looking for dogs in other provinces, please connect with your local animal shelters/rescues. If you’re in Ontario, you must be willing to drive to pick-up the dog where they are currently fostered.

+ How long does the adoption process take?

The adoption process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It depends on availability of the applicants and our volunteers. Please only apply if you are prepared to welcome the dog immediately. We do not hold dogs for any reason.

+ I saw a dog on social media but they're not on the website - can I apply?

This dog is likely no longer available for adoption. Popular dogs can be removed within 24hrs. Tip: Keep an eye on our website for the latest adoptables & apply when you first see them posted!

+ Can you let me know when a particular dog is open for applications?

No. Please check our website regularly if you are interested in a particular dog.

+ Will you adopt a dog to a home with cats if its bio says "not cat tested"?

“Not cat tested” means the dog hasn’t met a cat in foster care, so we have little to no knowledge on how the dog will do in the home with a cat. If the dog does not show signs of prey drive, we are open to a home with cats. However, there are things for cat owners to consider before submitting an application for a dog that isn’t cat tested. We do not offer dog/cat meet and greets before a dog is adopted. Therefore, you MUST do your research on proper dog/cat introductions in the home. Also, you must be willing to work with the dog if the dog does start to chase or show unwanted behaviours towards the cat. For example, prey drive is instinctual, but you can work with your dog to listen to you and your commands. Likely this will require the support of a professional trainer, so you also need to be prepared for potential costs associated with this.

+ Will you adopt a dog to a home with children if the bio says "not kid tested"?

“Not kid tested” means the dog hasn’t had significant interactions with children while in foster care. We are open to homes with children, however, it is important the children understand how to properly approach and respect a dog. Doing research and speaking with your children before adopting a dog is vital. Be aware of bios that may specify things such as “dog savvy children” or “only children 12 and older.” Sometimes, we specify this in bios for dogs that generally get along with kids, but may be grumpy if they are pet or played with in a way they don’t appreciate. Some dogs may also get excited/jumpy easily, in which case we may say not suitable for families with young children.

If you are approved for a meet and greet, we do require all family members, including children, attend. This is an opportunity to see if the dog is the right fit for your family, and for us to see if your family is the right fit for the dog.

+ I like a few dogs but can't decide which one to apply for. Can I apply for multiple dogs at the same time?

We can only process an application for one scruff at a time. We recommend you go to our website and carefully read the bio of each dog you are interested in. Our volunteers put a lot of effort into these bios, so it's important to read them thoroughly and think about how each dog will fit with your lifestyle and personality.

+ Is there any way I can meet a dog prior to applying?

We regularly schedule events around the city where you can meet some of our adoptable dogs! We often promote our events, and the scruffs who will be attending, on our social media channels. For information on upcoming events, please visit our Upcoming Events page.

Some dogs are also available for informal meetups. If this option is available for a dog, it will say so in their bio. There will also be an email in the bio to reach out to if you are interested in an informal meetup for a specific dog.

For all other dogs, if your application is processed and you’ve completed the interview, you may be approved for a meet and greet with the dog and their foster. All people in the home (including partners, children, roommates, etc.) and dog (if applicable) must attend this mandatory meet and greet in order to determine if the adoption will be approved.

+ There are currently no dogs on your website that match what I am looking for. Do you have a waitlist option available and if so, how does it work?

SOS offers a general adoption application that is only open from time to time when our volunteer has the capacity to screen them. Once you’ve completed this application, you’ll be added to our waitlist. We’ll take the information from your application and use it to match you with incoming dogs that may be a good fit for your home and lifestyle. Please keep in mind that ALL dogs will require training when they come into your care. Regardless of age, if a dog has been in foster care, or is coming directly from another country, all dogs will have an adjustment period and will require work on basic training.

+ I've submitted an application but I haven't heard back yet - what should I do?

Please give our Adoption Coordinators up to 72 hours to respond to your submitted application, we do respond to everyone. Please also check your junk folder as sometimes our emails end up there. If you don’t receive an email from us after 72 hours and have checked your junk folder, you can send a follow up email to adoption@saveourscruff.org. We appreciate your patience.

+ The dog I was interested in has been adopted. Do you keep my application on file if I see another dog I’d like to adopt?

We keep all applications on file for one year. If you have already completed steps in the application process (eg, interview), we will also keep this information on file.

If it has been less than one year since you submitted an application, please reply to your last application email with responses to the below two questions about the dog you’re interested in:

1. What about this dog makes you feel that they are the perfect fit for your family?

2. How will you help this dog with their needs? How will you help them to be successful? Do you have any experience with these things? (Please be as specific as possible)

If any details from your application have changed, please also update us on those details.

+ My animals are not spayed/neutered, can I still adopt?

We require all adoptive homes to have their current dogs and cats spayed/neutered unless there is a particular reason as to why it can’t be done. This will be discussed with applicants to ensure we are comfortable moving forward. Please mention it in your application.

SOS’ mission is to help control overpopulation and an unfixed animal, no matterhow careful you are, can end up procreating.

+ I’ve read over all of the FAQs and still have a question that hasn’t been answered. Who can I contact with my question?

Please reach out to our Adoption Coordinators at adoption@saveourscruff.org. It will take up to 72 hours for one of our volunteers to get back to you. Remember to check your junk folder, too, in case an email from SOS ends up there.