FAQ

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What is the adoption process? 

The first step is filling out an application on the website, if we feel you are a suitable candidate we will email or call you to set up a FaceTime home check. If it goes well, we then schedule a meet and greet with the foster followed by a two week trial period to ensure it’s a good fit for both dog and family. If the trial period is unsuccessful, adopters are refunded the adoption fee in full.

What is the fee? 

Adoption fees vary, please inquire to find out the fee for a specific dog. Adoption fees are refundable for up to two weeks.

What’s included in the fee? 

The adoption fee typically includes the cost to acquire the dog, any necessary care and transportation costs for the dog while in California, vet costs before coming to Canada, transportation from California, vaccines, and spay/neuter.

Where do the dogs come from?
Most of them come from California as strays, from kill shelters, owner surrenders or hoarding situations. This means we don’t typically know the breed or mixes. We also rescue local owner surrenders as well.

How long does it take to get a reply about an application? 

We do our best to respond within 2-14 days. Sometimes we get upwards of 25 applications for each dog, if you’re not a perfect fit for the dog you applied for, we may ask if you’d consider another dog that would be a better match.

When is the dog spayed/neutered?  

Puppies cannot be spayed until 6-12 months, they can go to adopters sooner, but we require a copy of the spay/neuter certification for our records before the puppy reaches 1yr of age. Other variables may delay the spay/neuter but we will have an appointment scheduled and will require a copy of certification to complete the adoption. We always follow the advice of a licensed veterinarian. 

When is the adoption process completed? 

When the adoption fee has been paid in full, the trial period is complete, the spay/neuter has been done and the Owner Transfer Form has been exchanged between I Helped Save Rescue and the adopter.

What if there’s unforeseen medical issues with the adopted dog? 

The dogs are vetted once in our care, if something is missed, please contact the rescue and we will ensure it’s taken care of. Please don’t give any over the counter medicine without consulting us first. All vet appointments must be approved by the rescue. If a dog is unknowingly pregnant, the puppies are the rescue‘s responsibility and belong to the organization. We rescue strays, dogs from hoarding situations, etc and sometimes we are unaware of a pregnancy.

What if an adoption isn’t working out? 

If an adoption is not a good fit, the rescue requires you contact the organization first and we will gladly take the dog back.

How do you become a foster? 

In order to foster, the first step is filling out an application on the website. If suitable, we schedule a FaceTime home check.

How long do you foster? 

It depends on the dog, but the average time period is 1-8 weeks. Please be prepared to commit to this timeframe.

What is expected of a foster? 

We provide supplies such as food, kennels, harnesses and leashes. The foster is to provide a safe space for the dog to decompress and do their best to help with training. Most rescue dogs are not potty trained or leash trained upon arrival. Please be willing to be patient with them.

What if a foster isn’t working out? 

Contact the rescue and we will find a more suitable foster. In circumstances where the rescue feels the dog is not a good fit in the home, the rescue maintains the right to move the dog to a more suitable situation.

What if a foster wants to adopt?

Fosters have first choice to adopt the dog they are fostering, provided they make their decision in a timely manner and are a suitable fit. 

Can I adopt if I live far away?

If you can physically come pick up the dog in the Lower Mainland, you can apply.