When considering applications for adoption, the following guidelines apply:
- CSR does not adopt to families that want an “outside only” dog. Our dogs must be adopted as members of the family and cannot be left alone outside without human supervision.
- We do not adopt to homes where a pet has been abandoned in the past or where there are currently unsterilized or unvaccinated pets in the home.
- The dogs will not adopted as gifts. If the animal is a gift to someone, the recipient must be present at the adoption interview and sign the adoption papers. The home visit will be made to the recipient’s home.
- We do not adopt puppies/dogs to people who have children under (5) years old living in, or regularly visiting, their home. Applications for families with children 5-7 years of age are considered on an individual basis, considering the family’s experience and supervision with previous pets.
- Homes with fenced yards are strongly preferred. An installed physical (not underground or “invisible”) fence is mandatory if there are children in the home. We will only adopt a puppy under 9 months old to a home with a completely fenced yard. Animals will not be adopted in situations that would require being chained, roped, or leashed.
- When considering applications, CSR generally gives preference to home owners rather than renters. Adoption applicants residing in a townhouse, condominium, apartment or rental property must have permission from the landlord/homeowner association to add a dog to their household. For approved adopters residing in an apartment building or condominium, dogs that are one year or older may be candidates for adoption. Active adult dogs and puppies are not good candidates for apartment homes.
- Adopters must be over the age of 21. We do not adopt to students.
- All family members, including any other household pets, SHOULD be present during the home visit and when meeting a prospective “adoptee” Cocker Spaniel to be sure of a good match. No animal shall be adopted to an individual without approval of all adults at the residence.
- Adopters must place personal ID on the animal as soon as possible.
- The Adopter must agree to properly maintain the health of the dog by placing him/her on a regular vaccination schedule as recommended by their veterinarian. The adopter must agree to have the dog tested annually for heartworm, and he/she will receive heartworm preventative by prescription from a veterinarian. Texas has one of the highest incidence rates for heartworm in the country. As such, CSR strongly recommends that adopters consult with their veterinarian and place the dog on year-round heartworm preventative.
- If at any time, an adopter cannot continue to care for a dog adopted from Cocker Rescue, you must agree to return the dog to us.
- CSR reserves the right to contact any references or veterinarians named by the adopter on the application form.
- Incomplete adoption applications will not be processed.
- Because of the need to conduct home visits prior to adoption, adoption preference is given to families living in the Central Texas area, and to families who can provide a current positive vet reference. We do have volunteers who can conduct home visits on our behalf in some other areas of the state, but it may take a little longer to process your application while we coordinate the house visit. Prospective adopters must meet the dog(s) in which they are interested in person, in order to determine compatibility. We do not ship animals.
- We do want to consider applications on an individual basis, are willing to discuss specific circumstances with potential adopters. CSR reserves the right to refuse or reject application for adoption. Our first concern is the welfare of the dogs available for adoption. We reserve the right to make that final determination based on the information we receive or discover and what we believe is in the best interest of the dog.
The Board of Directors reserves the right to change these policies and fees at any time.