The Adoption Process

Before an adoption, we consider the history, temperament, personality, and energy level of the Rescue Labrador for placement in a particular home. The placement process includes a written application and a home visit of the potential adopter. Adopters have come back to us for their second and even third dog, which speaks well for the process and the experience.

  1. Adoption application. Start by filling out and submitting the Adoption Application.
    Note: Adoption Fees
  1. Home study. After we receive your completed application, LRR’s home study coordinator will locate a volunteer in your area to arrange a visit to your home. The volunteer will come with his or her Lab to evaluate the home environment and answer your questions. Everyone who will interact with the rescue Lab on a regular basis, including family members, childcare providers, neighbors, and others, must be present during the home visit. You will receive a confirmation letter once the home study report is filed.
  1. Finding a suitable Lab. We do not have a central kennel where you can visit the Labs. Our placement coordinator personally helps match Labs in our program with approved applicants. Our goal is to find the best match based on the Lab’s background and the family’s needs. The temperament and energy level of the Lab are our most important considerations. Other factors we consider include the ages of children, other pets, experience with Labs, the family’s lifestyle, and requests regarding the Lab’s gender, color, and age.

Because we have no control over the Labs that are available for adoption, the wait for a suitable rescue Lab varies; it may be as short as a week or longer than 6 months. Families with children under age 6 can expect a longer wait.

We encourage applicants to be flexible about the gender, color, and especially the age of the Lab. Applicants considering a rescue Lab after the loss of a family dog often request a young Lab. These applicants may not be accustomed to a young Lab’s high activity level and attention needs. (Read more about age and other decision factors.)