At Doodle Dandy Rescue, our mission is simple: save doodles, rehabilitate them, and match them with their forever couches—I mean, homes. And while we're all about making those happily-ever-afters happen, we want the process to be as chill as a doodle’s nap in the sun. So here’s everything you need to know.
Step 1: Stay in the Loop (And Don’t Miss Out!)
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok (yes, we’re TikTok famous now) for daily updates. You'll get the latest on our dogs’ journeys, their medical stories, and, of course, all the heartwarming "happy tail" moments. Keep an eye on our website too! We post new dogs ready for adoption every Monday and Thursday. Remember: we don’t accept applications or have waiting lists before they’re posted on the website — it's like waiting for your favorite band to drop an album, but better because it’s a dog. Trust us, they’re worth the wait!
Step 2: Read the Full Bio (Details Are Your Best Friend)
Once a dog’s bio is posted, take a moment to read the details. This isn’t just about fluffing up their cute little faces — we’ve included all the important info you need. Does the dog match your lifestyle? Are they fully potty trained or still need a little practice? Do they already know how to walk on a leash, or will you be working on it together? We’re talking about whether they’ll be your perfect Netflix buddy or if they might prefer running laps around your backyard. This is your chance to get the inside scoop — no need to guess or fall for a cute puppy face without knowing the full picture.
Step 3: Apply, Apply, Apply!
We’re like the Cupid of the dog world — matching pups with their perfect homes. But instead of arrows, we’ve got applications. If you feel like a certain doodle is the one, apply. Just remember: You need to apply for each dog separately! If you apply for one dog, your application won’t magically land on the desk of another dog’s adoption coordinator.
Now, here’s the thing – competition is real! For some of our most popular dogs, we may get 50+ applications, and obviously, only one lucky family will take them home. Think of it as applying for the doggie Olympics, and only one will win gold! So, make sure you give thoughtful responses and complete all answers to ensure your application stands out among the pack.
Step 4: The Odds? Well, They're All About Fit!
Okay, let’s keep it real — it’s not about “who applies first,” it’s about who’s the best fit. We take our time to find the perfect match for each dog’s personality and needs. It’s like matchmaking, but for dogs. So if you don’t get selected for the dog you applied for, don’t give up! You’re not alone in this — keep applying to other dogs that match your home. The goal is to find a dog where you both can live happily ever after.
Step 5: Why We Keep It Local (Within 5 Hours of the Foster)
We know, we know — it sounds a little restrictive, but here’s why: We want to make sure that if an adoption doesn’t work out, we can swoop in like doggy superheroes and help. It's not that we don’t love people from all over, but we need to make sure we can give every dog the backup they need, just in case. Most adoptions go smoothly, but we're here to make sure everyone — including the dogs — are covered. Trust us, this is all for the dog’s safety and happiness!
What if the Dog I Want is Gone?
Oh no, you no longer see your dream dog or can’t find them? What happened?
It Could Be a “Foster Fail”: Sometimes, the foster family falls in love with the dog (we can’t blame them — they’re adorable). If that happens, that dog is officially off the market, and we all celebrate their “foster fail” success. You’ll see them show up in the “Happy Tails” section of our website.
Not Available Yet: If a dog you’ve been following isn’t listed in the adoption application, it could be that they just haven’t been posted for adoption yet. If that’s the case, you’ll find them under the “in foster care” section of our website. Keep checking our social media and website for when they become ready for adoption — you might just find your new best friend.
So, You’ve Applied — Now What?
Once you’ve applied, you will receive a confirmation email that your application was submitted (check your spam!) and it can take 1-3 weeks to review it, process, and make a selection. But hey, the best things in life take time, right? That includes a perfect doodle match!
Our team that monitors social media and email is not able to provide status updates on your personal application. Don’t worry! You will be notified one way or another if you’ve been selected.
While you wait, you can:
Apply for other dogs that catch your eye
Brush up on doodle grooming tips to keep those curls healthy and tangle-free
Learn about fostering with Doodle Dandy – you might even be inspired to give it a try!
If you are selected, we’ll schedule a Meet & Greet. This is your chance to make sure everything feels right—for you and for the dog. Most meet and greets end with happily-ever-after adoptions, but if there’s any hesitation on either side, that’s totally okay. It’s all about finding the right fit for everyone involved!
What Should You Bring to the Meet & Greet?
If everything clicks and you’re ready to take your new furry friend home, bring a leash, collar, and dog ID tag with your contact information. (Many local pet stores have these custom dog tags available on the same day!) Oh, and maybe some treats or a lick mat for the ride — they just met you after all. Your new dog will come with some of the essentials, if applicable: food, preventatives, medications, rabies tag/certificate, and maybe a few toys.
Final Notes:
If you’re not selected for the dog you apply for, rest assured—you will receive an email letting you know (remember that 1-3 weeks we talked about?). And please don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work out the first time. Sometimes it just takes a few tries for your perfect match to align.
Did You Know: about one-third of our dogs are adopted by their fosters and are never posted for adoption? If you live near one of our metro areas, we would love you to consider fostering. You can learn more about that HERE.
We know you’ve got a million questions — we’d love to answer them all! But since we’re a 100% volunteer-run operation, we just don’t have the capacity to field every query. Instead, we’ve packed all the info you need into this blog and our other resources on the website and social media channels. If you're selected as a potential adopter, we’ll be in touch with all the details, the next steps and to answer any additional questions you may have. Thanks for understanding, and for your patience as we work to find every dog their perfect home!
p.s. We have a page specifically dedicated to even more information about our adoption requirements and other frequently asked questions. Be sure to check them out!