Tara’s House is a private, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to rescue and provide care and compassion for our pets while working to place them in permanent, loving homes. We are a no-kill organization and we rescue our pets primarily from high-kill shelters in West Virginia. We believe in humane training of our pets using positive reinforcement techniques. We receive no government funding; we operate solely on private donations and volunteer efforts.
Create an alert and get notified with newly adoptable pets that meet your criteria.
Create an alert and get notified with newly adoptable pets that meet your criteria.
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Additional adoption info
The following is a brief overview of our adoption process and what you can expect from Tara’s House once you submit an application. The whole process, if your application is approved, rarely takes more than 1 week.
We can assist you in selecting the right pet. Please ask us about pet selection. We are also available to assist you with any questions or problems you may have concerning your pet following a successful adoption, and we encourage you to contact us.
SUBMIT APPLICATION.
-Fill out all relevant information, including two references. Please provide at least one who is familiar with your home, yard, and neighborhood.
-Fill in vet information. If you do not currently have a vet, please indicate the vet you intend to use for your new dog.
IF APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED IN PERSON, Tara’s House Representative will conduct initial interview and review your application. IF APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED ONLINE, through www.tara.petfinder.org, Tara’s House Representative will conduct initial interview by telephone within 1-2 days of submission if you are considered for potential adoption.
TARA’S HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE WILL CALL ALL REFERENCES. If Tara’s House Representative wishes to proceed with application after initial interview, he or she will then call your personal references, vet reference, and landlord, if applicable.
TARA’S HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE WILL ARRANGE A HOME VISIT. One of our representatives will arrange a brief visit to your home to evaluate the environment and conditions for the dog.
TARA’S HOUSE ADOPTION COMMITTEE WILL MAKE FINAL DECISION ON THE APPLICATION. If initial interview is conducted, references are checked, and home visit is conducted, Adoption Committee will make final decision on your application and let you know shortly thereafter. If you are approved to adopt a Tara’s House dog, you must sign and submit to Tara’s House our legally binding adoption contract along with our adoption fee within three business days following our notification to you that you have been approved to adopt a Tara’s House dog.
IF THERE ARE MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR THE SAME DOG, Adoption Committee will make a decision based on the best home for the particular dog. If you are not chosen for a particular dog, please do not be offended or insulted. Our first priority is to find the absolute best home for our dogs, each of whom has unique characteristics and attributes. In addition, if you are not selected for a particular dog, but the Adoption Committee has approved your application, Tara’s House will assist you in selecting another dog that may be better suited for your particular circumstances, if we have such a dog available.
PLEASE NOTE: As a general rule, we describe our pets as not being housebroken for the simple fact that even if they are, when placed into new environments with new families accidents do and will happen! It generally takes very little time to housebreak an adult dog as they are so willing to please. With ANY rescue, a 6 week time commitment is necessary for adjustment; both yours and the dogs. Some adjust more quickly, while others take longer but if you don't have the time to devote to working through adjustment issues with your new pet, please don't submit an application to adopt a pet! The beauty of a rescue is watching their personality emerge as they feel comfortable and a part of their new family!
Our adoption fees are as follows: $200 for puppies under 6 months old; $175 for dogs; and $50 for cats. Our pets will be up to date on vaccines, tested for heartworm disease, spayed or neutered (unless the puppies or kitties are too young to spay/neuter) and current on flea/tick preventive and heartworm preventive prior to adoption.
Ellicott City, MD 21042
P.O. Box 515,
Pasadena,
MD
21123
Arlington, VA 22201
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