Thanks for your interest in adopting a rescue Akita from Heart of Dixie Akita Rescue. There are always deserving dogs in need of qualified homes.
There are three stages to the adoption process, as detailed below. Our process is fairly rigorous for several reasons. First, we want to be able to gauge the potential owner's level of experience and dog knowledge, or willingness to do the self-education necessary to be a successful Akita owner. As a breed, Akitas are large powerful dogs which are frequently very dominant. Properly managed, they make wonderful companion animals and loyal defenders of family and home; improperly managed, they can become a danger and liability. Of course, there is a wide range of difference among individuals, with some being much easier-going than others, but in general, they are probably not the best choice of a breed for first-time dog owners. Part of our process is to try to assess if the home is a suitable one, and if so, which dog would seem to best fit that particular situation. We feel this is necessary for the safety and well-being of all involved, both humans and dogs.
We also want to determine if the physical environment is suitable for the dog. Usually, this means an adequate means of containment, such as a run or being kept indoors. It could also involve the presence of other pets or very young children. Again, this is out of concern for the safety of the dog as well as the owner's family.
While we try to make the process as rigorous as possible, at the same time it is not meant to be intrusive and we sincerely hope it is not seen as such. It is the only means we have to try to maximize the chances of a successful placement.
Step 1. The first step is the completion of an application form. For your convenience, electronic copies are available from this website by going to the Forms page. There you can download a copy, which can be edited, and returned to Heart of Dixie by email. There is also a copy which can be downloaded and printed for completion and return by U.S. Mail. Submission by either electronic or paper copy is acceptable.
Once the application has been received, it will be reviewed by HOD. Any areas of concern will be noted and communicated to the applicant. An application can either be approved, conditionally approved, or rejected, and the applicant will be so informed. If the application is conditional, we will discuss the applicant the areas of concern to see if these can be resolved or worked around, which is frequently the case.
Step. 2. Following approval of the application, a personal interview is arranged. This is an opportunity to resolve any lingering questions, as well as get a first-hand look at the home environment. Upon completion of the home visit, the volunteer conducting the visit will make a report to HOD. Assuming a favorable report, the applicant is then put on the waiting list for an available dog if a suitable one is not immediately available. If the applicant has expressed interest in a particular Akita, we would give them priority in consideration for that dog. Again, however, we will try to make the best match possible between adopter and dog, and will not place a dog in a home where we feel it will not be successful.
Step 3. When we feel we have a match between dog and owner, and he or she agrees to take that dog, it will be placed in the home on a trial basis. Generally, this lasts a few weeks, but could be longer if both the new owner and HOD agree to an extended trial period. If, for any reason, the dog does not work out, HOD will take the dog back and try a different placement. The adoption contract is signed at the time of placement, but may be rescinded on a no-fault basis during the trial period. Once the trial period is oveer, the adoption becomes final. A sample of a typical conract may be viewed on the Forms page. Any needed changes to the contract will be made as required on a case-by-case basis. At the time the dog is released to the new owner, the contract will be signed and the fee paid.
Followup: Since Heart of Dixie Akita Resuce is dedicated to the successful placement of its Akitas, we will, from time to time, contact our adoptive families to see how they and the dog are doing. As it is our intent to be a resource to the owner for the life of the dog, we hope that we would be contacted at any time there are questions, concerns or issues about the adopted dog, and urge all our adoptive families to do so. We always appreciate getting updates, pictures and other information about our adoptees.
Fees: Our standard adoption fee is $275.00, which in the typical case covers the costs of vaccinations, neutering or spaying as required, and other costs. If the dog is in foster care for an extended time, it will not cover costs of food, heartworm preventative or other costs associated with care of the foster animal. Donations above this amount, while not expected, are gratefully received. In some cases, where the new owner pays part of the cost for required medical treatment, the fee may be adjusted downward. A higher fee is charged for puppies, due to the increased number of vaccinations and additional veterinary care required.
Again, many thanks for your interest in becoming an adoptive family for one of our homeless Akitas. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Heart of Dixie Akita Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 806
Guyton, GA 31312-0806