Many of the dogs we rescue come from less than favorable conditions where preventative care was not provided, making intestinal worms a common issue. Because of this, all of the dogs we rescue are dewormed upon intake. It's important to note that some dogs may require multiple rounds of deworming. We strongly encourage you to schedule a veterinary appointment to discuss any follow-up treatment your dog may need.

​

If your dog was recently dewormed, you may see worms in their stool; this is completely normal and a sign that the treatment is working. However, as mentioned, additional deworming may be necessary, which your veterinarian can provide as needed.

Every dog in our care receives an initial dose of flea and tick prevention, with additional doses provided if they remain with us for more than a month before adoption. The type of prevention used depends on the dog's age and condition, and the specific product will be listed on their medical paperwork.

Most flea and tick preventatives last about a month, though some offer protection for up to three months. Additionally, certain options also include heartworm prevention. We recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine the best ongoing preventative care for your dog.

Every year, we rescue dozens of heartworm-positive dogs, with treatment costs averaging $1,200 per dog. This is why we strongly emphasize the importance of keeping dogs on heartworm prevention.

Heartworms are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and grow within the heart and blood vessels of unprotected dogs. Without treatment, heartworm disease is fatal, as the worms eventually block blood circulation and compromise heart function. Because of this, we test every dog over seven months of age for heartworms. (Heartworms take at least seven months to develop to a detectable stage due to their life cycle.) If a dog tests positive, we cover the full cost of their treatment at no additional expense to the adopter.

Adult dogs typically receive heartworm prevention upon intake. but we do not provide additional doses after adoption. Heartworm prevention is a prescription medication that must be given monthly for the rest of the dog's life. There are several types available, and are sometimes combined with flea and tick prevention, so we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your dog.

Ensuring your dog is properly vaccinated is crucial for their health and protection against common but serious diseases. below are the core vaccines your adopted dog will receive:

Bordetella Vaccine: Protects against kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.

Rabies Vaccine: Legally required for all dogs over four months of age. This vaccine may be administered before adoption or at the time of your dog's spay or neuter surgery.

​

DAPPV Vaccines: Provides protection against multiple serious canine diseases, including Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, and Parainfluenza. Depending on your dog's age and medical history, they may require additional doses, typically given 2-4 weeks apart.

​

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PUPPY ADOPTERS: If you adopt a puppy under six months of age, they will need at least four distemper (DAPPV) vaccines to develop adequate immunity. Puppies are especially vulnerable to Parvovirus, which is highly contagious and can be fatal. Because of this, we strongly recommend keeping your puppy away from public areas, including dog parks, breweries, and beaches, until they are fully vaccinated or your veterinarian confirms it is safe.

Many of these diseases spread through direct contact with infected dog's feces and bodily fluids, and some, like Parvovirus, can persist in the environment for months. Proper vaccination and precautionary measures are key to keeping your new pet healthy.

Additional Vaccines: We provide the core vaccines listed above; however, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations based on your dog's lifestyle and risk factors. Any vaccines beyond what we provide will need to be obtained through your vet. We encourage you to discuss your dog's specific needs with them to ensure they receive the best possible protection.

Spay/Neuter: If your dog has not been spayed or neutered before adoption, you will receive instructions on where to take them. The location of their procedure depends on several factors, including their age, cost, and appointment availability. Since we have limited control over scheduling, we ask that you do your best to keep your dog's appointment, as rescheduling can be extremely difficult.

Exceptions can be made for extenuating circumstances but cannot be guaranteed.

If you prefer to have your dog spayed or neutered at your own veterinarian, please inform us as soon as possible so that we can allocate the appointment to another dog in need. If you choose this option, the procedure will be done at your own expense, but we can reimburse you $100 once we receive proof of the spay or neuter. Please note this is the maximum amount we can reimburse, and any remaining cost will be your responsibility.

If you know in advance that you won't be able to make your dog's scheduled spay/neuter appointment, please let us know immediately. No-shows cost our rescue money, as we prepay for each appointment and do not receive refunds if a dog doesn't show up.

Microchipping: We are currently transitioning to a new microchip provider, so the process may vary depending on which microchip your dog receives.

If your paperwork lists a microchip number with the name "Buddy ID" under it, your dog has been registered with our new provider. This means you will receive two emails:

1. A general adoption email thanking you for adopting and giving you access to your dog's records.

2. A separate email from Buddy ID with instructions on how to access and update your dog's microchip information, including their name, address, and contact details.

If your paperwork lists a microchip by any other name, your microchip has been registered with our previous provider. In this case, you will receive one email giving you access to your dog's records and giving you access to your dog's microchip information, including their name, address, and contact details.

In some cases, we rescue dogs who require follow-up care but are otherwise healthy enough for adoption. When this happens, we take full financial responsibility for any necessary treatment related to a known medical condition.

The coverage applies only to:

* Conditions we were aware of before adoption.

* Conditions discovered during follow-up care for a previously known issue.

However, if a dog develops a new unrelated medical condition after adoption, it becomes the adopter's responsibility to seek treatment through their own veterinarian. Our commitment is to ensuring that every dog we adopt receives the care they need for pre-existing conditions, but ongoing medical care beyond that falls under the responsibility of their new family.