Yes —this is where the process starts. An ALR volunteer will contact you to discuss your application, your needs/lifestyle, and match you with the right dog. During this time, you are welcome to ask about specific dogs.

No, your application is considered for any dog in our program for up to 1 year. You only need to fill out one application and pay the $25 application fee one time.

This is not a fixed rule; however, we do take it and your lifestyle into serious consideration before placing a dog. It is important to remember we are a Lab/Lab mix rescue which typically means they are a high energy, larger breed dog.

This is not a fixed rule; however, we do take it seriously. Most of our dogs come from rural shelters where we do not have a history of the dog, so it is challenging to know if they can thrive in homes with younger children. Sometimes we do get an owner-surrendered dog. If the owner can confirm the dog is good/comfortable around small children, we may consider the respective dog for a household with younger children.

ALR is unable to predict what dogs are suited to be a service dog. We recommend that you either reach out to an organization that specializes in placing trained service dogs or working with a professional trainer with experience in training dogs for service.

ALR will consider adopting a dog out of state, but please note we are NOT able to provide transport. It is highly recommended that you come to Atlanta to meet any dog you want to adopt AFTER you have filled out an application and been approved. You will then be responsible for transporting the dog back home. Since we are unable to do a home check out of state, you are required to provide a home check reference by your vet or a rescue organization in your area.

Yes, all our dogs 6 months and older are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up to date on their shots. They also have a complete blood panel prior to being adopted out. These records will be provided to the adopting family/individual.

We typically show 20 or so dogs on our website, but we consistently have 40-50 in the program at any given time. We bring dogs in daily and do our best to get pictures and bio’s up on our website/social media as quickly as possible.

Once an application is filled out a volunteer will give you a call within 3-10 days of receiving your application to discuss your needs. Once that is complete the search begins and depending on the needs of the applicant adoptions can happen immediately or within 30 days however some can take longer if there are many needs to be met.

Yes, most of our dogs are set up as a foster to adopt where you have a 7-day grace period with the dog prior to making a final decision.

The best way is to come to one of our adoption events. We typically show 25-30 dogs at an event, and it gives you the best opportunity to see many dogs at one time. There are also times when an individual meet and greet is possible.

No one goes home with a dog from the adoption event. At the event you will check in at the table and at that time a “selection sheet” will be given to you. After you have spent time with the dogs you will then put your choices down on the paper and turn back into us before you leave the adoption event. The following week we will give you a call to discuss your choice(s) and if there is a match we will bring the respective dog out to your home for a final meet and greet with the hopes of leaving the dog at that time.