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Adopting

Thank you for considering adopting a rescue boxer. Adding one of these characters to your family is sure to bring you many smiles, much laughter and much more.

Please note: effective February 2005, Boxer Rescue Ontario will no longer accept applications from homes with children under the age of 2.

Before You Apply

Rescue boxers can make a wonderful addition to a home but they require work and commitment. Before you apply we ask you to consider the following questions.

Do you want a ready made, perfect dog?

If so, a rescue dog will not be a good choice for you. Boxers end up in rescue for a variety of reasons, none of them their fault. Many people acquire a cute puppy not realizing that seemingly perfect boxer their neighbor has is the result of a lot of hard work. When the boxer puppy reaches the adolescent stage and has no manners or training the family decides that this isn't the dog for them. It is at that stage that many boxers end up in the hands of rescue. Most rescue dogs have issues of some sort or another. Some are minor and easily corrected others will take more time to work through (See Ernie's Story). There is always an adjustment period when bringing a new dog into your household. This period can range from a few days to several months depending on the background of the dog. If you are not prepared or committed to work through this period you should reconsider. The worst thing that can happen is to have to uproot a dog who has only been in a new home for a short period of time. It is extremely unfair and damaging to the dog.

Have you done your research on the boxer breed?

There is a vast amount of information available today about the boxer and other breeds. You must take the responsibility of educating yourself and your family about your breed of choice. One of the best ways to get to know about the boxer breed is to see them up close and personal. Dog shows are a great way of accomplishing this. Most exhibitors are more than happy to share their knowledge and insight about the breed. One note, please wait until the dogs are finished showing before approaching their handler for a chat. If you see a person walking a boxer don't be afraid to approach them. If there is one universal rule it is that boxer people love talking about their breed. Breed knowledge is an asset, but one of the most important criteria is the applicant's willingness to learn.

The Adoption Process

Each Boxer Rescue Ontario dog is different and we do everything possible to ensure that each dog is placed in the home best able to meet its unique requirements and needs. We are only able to do this by first, assessing the dog through our foster care program and then assessing each potential home for suitability by conducting an interview and home visit. Our adoption process is listed below.

Step 1: Online Application

At the bottom of this page you will find a link to our online application form. Once you complete and submit your application it is reviewed by our volunteers and you will be contacted to set up a phone interview.

Step 2: Phone Interview

One of our volunteers will go through your application with you over the phone to ensure there are no errors and to clarify any points as necessary.

Step 3: Home Visit(s)

After the Phone Interview, one of our volunteers will contact you to set up a Home Visit at a suitable time when all members of your household can be present. Our representative will, if possible, bring a boxer so you will get an idea of how a boxer will interact with you and your surroundings.

Step 4: You Will Be Notified Of Our Decision

Shortly after the Home Visit, you will be notified about our decision.

Step 5: You Will Be Matched With A Dog

Successful applicants are matched with a dog. We typically have a large number of approved applicants waiting but position on the waiting list is secondary to finding an appropriate fit. Again, our primary goal is to place each dog in the best situation possible. This can take days or months and is difficult to predict. We encourage you to stay in contact with our representatives since we get new dogs in all the time.

Step 6: You Add A New Member To Your Family

Once we find your match we will make arrangements for you to pick up your new family member. At pick up time, you will be asked to sign an adoption contract and for an adoption donation to help cover our veterinary costs. After you adopt we will follow up with you during the initial adjustment period and we are always available to answer questions and provide help when possible.

Step 7: You Become A Success Story!!!

We wish you and your rescue boxer all the best. Remember you are now part of the Boxer Rescue Ontario family. Always feel free to ask us questions and send pictures. We love to hear how our babies are doing!!!

ONLINE APPLICATION