How to adopt a TLC dog or puppy

Adopting one of our little dogs is a serious commitment that should be well thought out and not an impulse decision.  Chihuahuas have one of the longest lifespans (15 to 20 years), so while no one can predict the future, you should think about where you will be in 5, 10 years from now and this dog is still middle aged.  The majority of the dogs that end up in the shelter arrive there because someone got married, they moved, children came into the picture, job changes caused less time available to spend with the dog, etc.  And for every three dogs that to into one of our local shelters, only two ever get out alive.  This is serious stuff to think about!  But if you have done all of your thinking, then this is the procedure: 

• Find the dog that fits best with your life style and energy level - read through their profiles and don't be swayed by the photos first.  It needs to be a good fit for it to succeed.
  
  
• Fill out the adoption application and submit it to us - you can do this online ahead of time here ~~~> Please fill out the adoption application online..
  
  
• Come to adoptions on Saturday between noon and 4PM at either Moorpark (PETCO, 742 Los Angeles Drive) or in Simi Valley (2643 C Tapo Canyon Road) and meet the dog or puppy in person.  Some of our dogs are 'by appointment only' (in that case, email us) or they are at Pets Hope (1555 Simi Towne Center, #587, Simi Valley) - check,the dog's profile for any special details.
  
  
• Once you've met the dog and it is a 'fit', we may (or may not) require a home visit.  If so, we are not coming to see if you dusted - we are most interested in seeing if your back yard is a secure location.  And if all goes well by this step, you will be asked to sign the adoption contract and pay the adoption donation.  CONGRATULATIONS on your new fur baby!
  

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adoption donation

Adoption donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent the IRS allows.  As a rule, puppies are $400 and all others are $300.  We accept cash, check and credit card via PayPal.  Adoption donations are nonrefundable.

For this donation:

1. All TLC dogs and puppies will be either spayed or neutered prior to adoption
2. Dogs and puppies will be up to date on their shots and have their rabies vaccine (unless they are younger than 4 months.
3. All TLC dogs and puppies will be microchipped, and as part of our adoption policy, the chip will be activated in your name (at our cost) and is lifetime (unless you move or change info, then the microchip company requires a small fee to update the dog's information).
4. All TLC dogs will be licensed for the County of Ventura if they are older than 4 months.  This license will be transferred into your name as part of our adoption procedures.
5. Each TLC adoption comes with a 50+ page packet and a large coupon booklet from PETCO (10% off your total purchase, 50% off food, grooming and training coupons, etc.).

can't afford an adoption donation?

The adoption donation will be the least expensive part of owing a dog, and TLC is the only rescue in Ventura County to provide all the necessary elements.  But if you can't afford an adoption donation in these tough economic times, please consider going to the local pound or shelter.  For every three dogs that go in, only two come out alive.  And as a taxpayer, you have already subsidized each shelter dog by your tax dollars (from $173 to $265 depending upon the shelter).  It won't be tax deductible and they may not be able to tell you alot about the dog, but you will still be saving a life!

SPECIAL NOTE: Not all shelters or rescues have the same policy and procedures - some do not innoculate with Bordetella (kennel cough).  Many do not provide rabies or licenses in their adoption procedure.  Most do not activate the microchip in the new owner's name because that is an extra fee.  Make sure you know all the particulars before adopting, so you are prepared financially to supply all of the dog's needs.
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