FAQS

ADOPTION:

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How much does it cost to adopt an Underdog? Where does the amount come from? What is included in the adoption fee?

The adoption fee for dogs under 1 year old is $500.00, but $50.00 is refundable; just mail or email proof of a completed puppy class at a BUR approved training facility within 90 days of adoption.  

The adoption fee for dogs ages 1-7 years old is $450, but $50.00 is refundable; just mail or email proof of a completed training class at a BUR approved training facility within 90 days of adoption. And for our sweet seniors, ages 8 years old and up, the adoption fee is $200.

The adoption fee helps offset the costs the rescue incurs to pull and transport the dog from the shelter, have him/her neutered/spayed, vaccinated, dewormed, flea treated and microchipped.

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Are your puppies and dogs up to date on shots? What am I responsible for after adopting?

Yes, your puppy/dog is as up to date as possible for his/her age.  They will have received age-appropriate vaccinations. At the time of adoption, the foster will inform you of any booster vaccinations you will be responsible for.  BUR recommends that you make an appointment with your veterinarian within a week to schedule an introductory appointment and additional vaccinations.

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What is your adoption radius?

Given that all of the members of our rescue are volunteers, we keep our adoption radius to within a 45 minute drive from zip code 14226 within the United States. This is due to the fact that each puppy/dog must have a meet and greet in the potential adopter’s home, with all family members (including resident dogs and cats) present. We also reserve the right to complete welfare checks on our adopted dogs from time to time, so we limit how far away they may be adopted.  We may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for dogs with special needs. This is at the discretion of BUR.

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Do I need a fully fenced yard to adopt from BUR?

No, you do not. We understand that a lot of people walk their dogs for pottying and exercise and we do not require a fenced yard. However, we do not condone chaining or tethering and recommend never leaving your dog outside unattended. If we feel that any of our dogs would benefit from having a fenced yard, we will clearly state that in their bio as a requirement for adoption.

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Can I live in an apartment and still adopt from BUR?

Yes, as long as your apartment complex is dog-friendly. When we complete your reference checks, we will need to speak with your landlord/leasing office. We also will need to view a copy of your lease at the time of the meet and greet.  We do this in order to verify any restrictions on size, weight or breed. Our first concern is for the well being of our dogs, therefore we consider apartment and yard size in relation to the size and activity level of the dog you may be interested in.

     

I have submitted an application. Now what? How long until I hear from a foster?

Thank you for submitting an application for a Buffalo Underdog! You should be hearing from the foster within 3-5 business days. Please be patient, as sometimes fosters receive a lot of applications for their dogs.  If you do not hear from anyone after 5 days from the date of your application submission, please private message the facebook page or send us an email (adopt@buffalounderdogs.com).

 

What is your adoption process?

After our dogs are listed for adoption on Facebook and our website, you can apply online for the dog you are interested in meeting. *Buffalo Underdogs Rescue does not operate on a “first come, first served” basis. Our primary concern is that the dogs in our care go to the home that is best suited for them.* The foster parent of the dog will view all of the applications that are submitted for their foster dog. They will select the applicants that seem to be the best fit and call their personal and vet references. If your application appears to be the best fit for their foster dog, they will then contact you to set up a meet and greet at your house. They will also discuss the adoption requirements during this initial call.

*Note: All members of the family must be present at the meet and greet.*

If all goes well at the meet and greet, and the foster and family feel that this is the best fit, arrangements will be made to complete the adoption.  In order to adopt, you must have an appropriately sized collar (or harness, if required), leash and a dog tag with your telephone number.

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What happens at a meet and greet?

For every dog/puppy, we require a meet and greet in your home, with all members of the family, including cats and dogs, present. If you have any dogs, the foster will ask you to bring your leashed dog(s) outside to the edge of your property to meet on “neutral territory”.  You will take a quick walk (in the neutral territory), so that the dogs are aware of each other’s presence. After the walk, you can let them sniff each other, and if all goes well, even let them play together if you have a fenced yard (leaving the leashes on). After a short while, if they are still interacting positively, then the foster will take the new dog into your home to see how your dog tolerates the new dog indoors. 

 

Sometimes, these relationships take time to build and dogs need time to find their place in the pack. If you or the foster are unsure whether this dog will be a good fit, a second meet and greet can be arranged. This is at the discretion of the foster, as they know their dog’s personality best. If this particular dog isn't a good fit for some reason, that doesn’t mean you cannot adopt a different Underdog!

   

What is required in order to adopt a dog/puppy from you?  

Our fosters will not leave their foster dog in the new adoptive home until the new owners have a dog tag for the new dog with the new owner contact information. We highly recommend having harness as well. We also require your current pets to be spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccinations. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please send us an email at info@buffalounderdogs.com.

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I adopted a dog from BUR. What do I do if I am having behavior issues or I have any questions? Who can I contact?

You are welcome to contact us first with any issues you are having with your Underdog. After discussing the issue, and possibly consulting the original foster for any insights, we will advise you if we think it best to contact a trainer or a behaviorist, as you stated you were willing to do in your adoption contract. We can also provide some referrals to BUR approved trainers, should you need.

 

What do I do if I can't keep my dog I adopted through BUR?

Contact Buffalo Underdogs Rescue directly, via email or message our Facebook page.  We will do everything in our power to help you keep your dog.  If all else fails, and you absolutely cannot keep this dog, we will work to find a foster. You may have to keep the dog (if it is safe to do so) until we have an open foster, as stated in your adoption contract.

 

How can I pay the adoption fee?

We accept cash or check.