New Rattitude’s ReHome program is designed to offer placement assistance for owners needing to surrender their dog, for good Samaritans who have rescued a stray they need to place, or for anyone with custody of a Rat Terrier that needs a new home. Our foster care program usually has a long waiting list of abandoned, suffering, neglected, or at risk shelter dogs. With ReHome, however, we can help if you are willing to take responsibility for the care of your dog while we take responsibility for finding a suitable adopter.
How the ReHome Program works
Certain minimum criteria MUST be met before we can begin a search for a new home for your Rat Terrier. We require:
- Photo(s) of the dog to verify breed ID. (We do accept Rat Terrier mixes into the ReHome program.)
- Proof of current vaccinations and copies of veterinarian treatment records.
- Proof of current negative heartworm
test, and receipts showing the dog is on heartworm preventative. - Certification that the dog is spayed or neutered.
- A signed contract giving New Rattitude the clear responsibility and exclusive right to place the dog, who would then be considered under the joint custody of the owner (now called the guardian) and New Rattitude.
- A complete and honest assessment of all temperament, behavior, or health issues the dog may have. (We CAN place dogs with medical, social, or behavioral “baggage,” but we need to fully understand these issues in order to give full disclosure so as to find a suitable adoptive home.)
Once your Rat Terrier has been accepted into the ReHome program, we will place a profile on our website as well as on various national pet search sites (Petfinder, Adopt-A-Pet, RescueMe, etc.) and will feature the dog on our Facebook page. When we receive an adoption application, our experienced Adoption Team will begin the screening process, which includes a vet reference check, personal reference checks, a personal interview with the applicant, and a home visit to ensure the physical environment is safe. We process each application very carefully to ensure that the home is suitable in general, and in particular, a great match for your individual dog. We’re not just looking for any home, we’re looking for a great home!
You will be expected to correspond with the applicant as well, so that you can give more detailed information about the dog, and so that you can give us your feedback on the applicant, which will help the Adoption Manager make the final decision for approval or denial.
After an adoption is finalized, New Rattitude will help arrange transportation to the new home, and will follow up with the adopters to help with any adjustment issues. If an adoptive family is unable to keep the dog for any reason, at any time, we will accept the dog back into New Rattitude, either returning to the ReHome program or, if space is available, in one of our foster homes until the right forever home can be found. In short, we take responsibility for the well-being of your dog for the rest of its life.
How much does it cost?
We do not charge for this service, as long as the dog is not withdrawn from the program prior to adoption to a New Rattitude screened and approved home. However, we do require a refundable deposit of $100 to back up your commitment to the program and compliance with New Rattitude policies and procedures. We will return this deposit to you in full when the adoption of your dog is complete. If you withdraw from the program prior to adoption, this deposit will convert to a $100 withdrawal fee in consideration of our time and efforts on your dog’s behalf. It should also be understood that while the dog is in our program, you will be responsible for maintaining its health and medical needs (including heartworm preventative) at your own expense.
How long will it take to find a home for my dog?
While it is possible that we could place your dog within just a couple weeks, it’s not very likely. Realistically, it will take weeks or even months, depending largely on the dog, your geographical location, and other factors. Older dogs and dogs with health/behavior issues will usually take longer…sometimes much longer. If you live in an area where Rat Terriers are common (and often available in shelters), it could also take longer. We can show you ways, however, to improve your dog’s chances of a quicker adoption. For instance, a good collection of photos that show off your dog’s personality and appearance will attract much more interest than just a few uninteresting snapshots. Please consider carefully the time you are willing to commit before asking us to accept your dog in the ReHome program.
How to contact us about ReHome
If you have questions, or are interested in placing your dog through this program, you may write to our ReHome program coordinator at rehome@newrattitude.org and include at least one photo for breed verification plus information about your dog and why you need to find a new home. After reviewing, we will contact you about next steps.