Question 1

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR ADOPTING A DOG?

Accepted Answer

Adopting a dog from PIYHR is a carefully structured process designed to ensure the best match between our dogs and their forever homes. Here’s how you can start this rewarding journey:

Submission of Adoption Application:
Begin by filling out our detailed adoption application available on our website. This application asks for comprehensive information about your living situation, experience with pets, and what you are looking for in a dog. Given the high demand, especially for puppies and small dogs, we recommend completing your application and obtaining approval before falling in love with a specific dog.

Review & Background Check:
Upon receiving your application, our team conducts a thorough review, including a background check to verify the information provided. We take this step seriously to ensure that our dogs go to safe and loving homes. If we have any questions or need additional information such as photos, videos, or pet medical records, we will contact you to discuss these requirements.

Interview Process:
If your application meets our criteria, the next step is an interview conducted via phone or Zoom. During this interview, we'll have a chance to address any questions from either side and explain our adoption policies and expectations in detail.

Approval & Documentation:
If the interview goes well and your application is approved (this may take a few days after the interview), we will send you an adoption contract to review and sign If you decide to move forward. You will also receive a copy of your future pet’s medical records and any other relevant documents that pertain to the dog’s care and history.

Arranging for Your Dog's Arrival:
Once all paperwork is finalized, we will arrange for your new companion to be transported to your home. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks. During this time, your dog will be placed in one of our dedicated foster homes where they will be cared for as they await transportation to you. This foster period allows the dog to adjust gradually from the shelter environment to a home setting, making their transition to your home smoother.

Question 2

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAR BACK FROM THE ADOPTION COORDINATOR?

Accepted Answer

We typically aim to respond within 1-3 days of receiving your application. However, delays may occur due to a high volume of applications, missing information, or waiting for reference responses. Rest assured, your application is kept on file for future adoption opportunities, and we appreciate your patience as we work to find the best homes for our dogs.

Question 3

CAN I VISIT YOUR RESCUE?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we do not have a physical location for visits. Once our dogs are adopted, they are placed in foster homes across Texas. Prior to adoption, they typically stay in a shelter environment. While we strive to accommodate requests for additional pictures and videos, the ones provided on their profiles during their shelter stay are usually all we have available.

Question 4

CAN I MEET THE DOG IN PERSON BEFORE I ADOPT?

Accepted Answer

While the majority of our dogs from Texas are adopted before they are transported, we may be able to arrange a meet-and-greet in some cases, depending on your location. Please note that this option is typically available only to Texas residents unless the dog(s) are fostered out of state. The adoption profile for each dog will specify if they are still located in Texas.

Question 5

DOG BREEDS & PERSONALITY:

Accepted Answer

At PIYHR, we prioritize honesty and transparency when it comes to our dogs' breeds and personalities. It's essential to note that we make no guarantees on breed, as the majority of the animals we rescue from shelters are mixed breeds. Determining a dog's specific breed composition can be challenging without conducting a DNA test. While shelter staff and volunteers may make educated guesses based on physical features, characteristics, and behavior, these assessments are not definitive and can vary from person to person.

Furthermore, understanding a dog's temperament or behavior is a complex and dynamic process, particularly in a shelter or rescue environment. While observations made by shelter staff and volunteers provide valuable insights into a dog's behavior, they may not always accurately represent how a dog will behave in a different environment or with different individuals.

We encourage potential adopters to focus on the individual dog's personality, behavior, and compatibility with their lifestyle rather than solely on breed labels. Our team is dedicated to providing as much information as possible to help you make an informed decision about adopting a dog that best suits your home and family

Question 6

IF I APPLY FOR A SPECIFIC DOG, WILL I GET THAT SPECIFIC DOG?:

Accepted Answer

When you apply for adoption with PIYHR, all applications are considered for general approval. While we do allow you to express interest in a particular dog, we cannot guarantee that your preferred dog will be available when your application is approved.

Our priority at PIYHR is to ensure that each dog is matched with the right family for long-term success. This is a crucial aspect of our adoption process, aimed at minimizing the risk of dogs being returned due to behavioral or other compatibility issues.

It's important to recognize that even if you have your heart set on a specific dog, they may not be the best fit for your family. In such cases, we will explain why the dog may not be suitable and present you with several other available dogs that better match your family's unique needs.

Question 7

DOES PIYHR REQUIRE APPLICANTS TO HAVE A FENCED YARD?

Accepted Answer

As a general requirement for approval, PIYHR does not require a fence. However, there are some cases where PIYHR dogs will require a fenced yard for their own safety. In these cases, we cannot adopt to families without a fenced yard.

Question 8

ADOPTION POLICY FOR APARTMENT RESIDENTS:

Accepted Answer

Yes, PIYHR does not deny applications if you reside in an apartment. However, we will need to review your apartment's pet policy to verify your eligibility to adopt a dog. Each profile will indicate if the dog can live within an apartment.

Question 9

ENSURING DOG HEALTH & VACCINATION STATUS:

Accepted Answer

Every dog saved by PIYHR undergoes a thorough evaluation by a licensed veterinarian, including spaying/neutering and receiving necessary vaccines before adoption. While most of our dogs are healthy, some may have special needs, which we will disclose to you if you're interested in adopting them.

It's important to note that while we make every effort to identify and treat any health issues while the dog is in our care, we cannot guarantee their health upon adoption. Illnesses or medical conditions may not always be apparent during our care.

Upon adoption, you will receive both emailed and hard copies of your dog's medical records for your reference. These records include details of their age-appropriate vaccinations, such as 2- 3 DHLPP/DA2PP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo), Bordetella/kennel cough vaccine, and rabies vaccine (with tag and cert). Additionally, your dog will have received parasite prevention treatments, been spayed or neutered, microchipped, and undergone a heartworm test (6 months+).

As responsible dog owners, we recommend taking your newly adopted dog to a licensed veterinarian for a baseline checkup as soon as possible. Rescue dogs may have been exposed to various diseases and conditions, and symptoms may not be evident immediately. If you notice any symptoms post-adoption, please consult your vet for evaluation and treatment.

Question 10

CHILD TEMPERAMENT TESTING:

Accepted Answer

Paws In Your Hand's assessment of a dog's compatibility with children is based on interactions and observations in foster homes, shelter interactions with kids, and offsite event interactions. While every effort is made to assess the dog's behavior in different situations, we cannot guarantee that a dog is child-friendly since we cannot observe the interactions between your children and the dog before adoption.

It's crucial to understand that a dog's behavior may vary depending on various factors, including their environment and past experiences. While we strive to provide accurate assessments, we encourage adopters to supervise interactions between their children and the dog closely, especially initially, to ensure a safe and positive relationship.

Question 11

IF YOU WISH TO RETURN THE DOG, YOU MUST CONTACT PIYHR:

Accepted Answer

We, at PIYHR, are committed to providing lifelong care for all our animals. If, as the adopter, you find yourself unable or unwilling to care for the dog for its entire lifetime, it is essential to contact PIYHR. While we have limited resources and foster availability, we will do our best to assist you in finding a new loving home for the dog. We understand that this decision can be challenging, and we are here to support you throughout the process. YOU MUST CONTINUE TO PROVIDE PROPER CARE FOR THE DOG UNTIL RETURNED OR PLACED.

Question 12

I live in Massachusetts—will my adopted dog need to be quarantined?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Per Animal Health Emergency Order 1-AHO-05, all dogs entering the state of Massachusetts are required to undergo a minimum 48-hour quarantine, regardless of their age, health, or vetting status. If your adopted dog is not already located in Massachusetts, they will be transported to a state-approved quarantine facility. As a Massachusetts resident, you will be responsible for picking up your dog from the facility once the 48-hour quarantine period is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions