Additional adoption info
The IDR+ adoption process contains 5 steps:
Step 1. Application Process
We request that you complete and return our Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus application, which asks that your provide us with both a veterinarian and personal reference. Please note that it is mandatory that your existing pets are both up-to-date on their vaccinations and spayed/neutered (unless there is a medical reason or you are showing your dog in conformation–both will require proof).
Please email adopt@ILDobeRescue.com if there are any question about the application or adoption process. Please email info@ILDobeRescue.com about specific dogs in the program or cats@ILDobeRescue.com about specific cats.
We have devised a vaccination protocol:
The following guidelines are the minimum vaccination requirements that Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus will accept. These guidelines are based partially on the recommendations of the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association). It is advised that you should discuss these guidelines with your veterinarian as your vet may have reason to alter this protocol based on your animal’s health and lifestyle. Not following the minimum requirements of this protocol, unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian, could result in your application being denied.
DOGS
All dogs shall be given heartworm preventive during the mosquito season. This is typically 8 months of the year, and our organization recommends year-round prevention as this also helps to prevent some internal parasites.
All dogs shall be vaccinated for canine distemper (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV2) according to the following guidelines:
Puppies (if under 16 weeks) shall receive at least 2 sets of the above shots, with 4 recommended and another at 1 year of age. If over 16 weeks, puppies shall receive 1 set of shots and another at 1 year of age. Then annually there after. There are always exceptions, and many people do not vaccinate their older dogs, which we completely understand.
All dogs shall be vaccinated for rabies as per state law. This is usually done at 4 months of age and yearly thereafter. If your vet recommends it, a 3-year rabies vaccine may be used if allowed by your state.
As these are minimum requirements, it is best to follow the advice of your vet. There are other vaccines, such as those for Lyme disease and kennel cough, that your vet may find necessary based on your dog’s risk factors.
CATS
Pet cats shall be vaccinated for feline panleukopenia (FPV), feline herpes virus 1 (FHV1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) according to the following guidelines:
Kittens (if under 16 weeks) shall receive 1 dose of the above shots at 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks and a booster 1 year later. If over 16 weeks, kittens shall receive 1 dose and a booster 1 year later. After the cats first year, we leave it to the discretion of your vet. We recommend cats get the necessary vaccinations annually at least for the first years of their life.
Pet cats shall be vaccinated for rabies unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian. Most municipalities and counties require cats to be vaccinated for rabies under the law.
There are other diseases, such as Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, that can be controlled with vaccines. It is advisable to discuss your cat’s risk factors with your veterinarian to determine if your cat should receive these vaccines. If possible, we would like to see feral and barn cats vaccinated and spayed/neutered also.
Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus recommends that you have your pets examined by your veterinarian annually, even if the pet does not need shots or a heartworm test. These examinations are important in detecting conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, dental disease, internal parasites and many others, while they are still treatable.
ALL DOGS AND CATS SHALL BE SPAYED/NEUTERED unless they are being shown in conformation or other trials where it is required to have the animal intact or there is an underlying medical condition.
We do not adopt dogs out as gifts for many reasons. You could possibly offer the surprise of adopting, but it is best everyone is together to choose the new family companion.
Step 2. Inital foster parent contact
While we are reviewing your application, you may inquire about any of the animals on our “Available” lists. It is probably easier to wait until you are approved as the dog you inquire about might be adopted by the time you complete the application process. It is important that you inform the foster parent that you have submitted a copy of the application.
** PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THERE IS USUALLY A WAITING LIST OF PRE-APPROVED APPLICANTS. THESE APPLICANTS ARE CONSIDERED FIRST WHEN NEW DOGS ENTER OUR PROGRAM. **
**PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT THE DOG YOU APPLY FOR WILL NOT NECESSARILY BE AVAILABLE WHEN YOU COMPLETE THE APPLICATION. BUT THERE IS NEVER A SHORTAGE OF NEW DOGS ENTERING THE PROGRAM.**
Step 3. Home visit
After processing your application, the foster parent or another volunteer with Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus will visit your home to perform a home visit. The purpose of this visit is to verify any information you have listed on your application (i.e., fenced-in yard, crate, etc.) and to ensure that we are matching you with the correct rescue dog for your home environment. We request all members to be present at the home visit.
PLEASE NOTE: The adoption process CANNOT be completed until a home visit has been performed.
Step 4. Meeting the available dogs
Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to meet the dog(s) of your choice. If possible, we encourage you to look at all of the available dogs in our program that fit your profile. These dogs are in foster homes all over Illinois and immediately surrounding areas, so you will travel to different homes or kennels depending on whom you are interested in. You will need to call or email the foster parent to get more information about the specific dog. You will be expected to travel to these homes to meet and visit with your potential adopted Doberman. All members of the family should attend this initial meeting since we consider this to be a family decision. We advise you not to bring your dog along. It is best to do a slow introduction at home.
Step 5. Adoption contract and fee
Finally, to complete a valid adoption, an adoption contract must be signed with an adoption fee of:
Dobermans:
$400 for Doberman puppies (up to 1 year)
$350 for Dobermans (1 to 4 years)
$250 for Dobermans (5 to 7 years)
$150 for senior Dobermans (8 years and older - may be reduced depending on the dog)
Plus Dogs:
Adoption fees for the “Plus” dogs vary, but generally follow the Dobermans
Cats:
$85 for kittens (1 year and under)
$70 for adult cats (older than 1 year)
$35 for special needs, long term and senior
There is a $35 returned check fee.
This adoption fee serves to reimburse Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus for the medical costs invested in your new pet. All adoption fees should be made payable to Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus. If you return the dog within the 2-week trial period, your adoption fee may be returned or applied toward another adoption.
(Since we are a not-for-profit group, this fee simply is deposited into our pool of funds to help the next animal in need of our assistance.)
Our contract requires that you complete obedience classes within 6 months of your adoption. There are obvious exceptions to this requirement, and the foster will let you know if they do not feel you need to attend. The Dobe is a working breed that needs mental and physical stimulation. They need a strong owner that sets limitations and creates a respectful relationship with their dog. To insure that obedience classes are completed on some of our more challenging dogs, an obedience deposit of $150 will be collected at the time of adoption and returned upon completion of the class of your choice. The foster parent of the dog will let you know if an obedience class is required for their dog.
Please review the “Joys of Training” prior to applying for/adopting a doberman.
WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE AN ADOPTION FOR ANY REASON.
