Save-A-Bull Adoption FAQ

What is your adoption process?

Adoption begins with your interest in a particular dog. An application for adoption is required from all interested parties before a meeting with said dog can take place. Once the application has been received and approved, we can set up a time at a neutral location for you to meet the dog and introduce him/her to all the members of the family. It is also encouraged that, if you have other dogs, you bring them to this meeting. If all goes well and you determine that the dog is a good fit, Save-A-Bull usually requires that you wait 24 hours to think it over. Once you have made your final decision the dog will be brought to your home by one of our volunteers and the home visit and adoption will take place.

What is required for the home visit?

Most people are nervous about the home visit because they think their homes will be critiqued and judged. This is far from the case with Save-A-Bull Rescue. When we conduct a home visit we are looking to see that you have all the necessary things in place for the dog. This means that you have taken the time to choose a quality dog food, you have purchased necessary items (i.e., a crate, food bowls, leash, collar, toys, etc), and that you have dog-proofed your home in cases of pups and young dogs. Basically we are trying to ensure that the dog will be safe.

What are your adoption fees?

Adoption fees for all dogs in the rescue are $250, regardless of age, breed or gender.

Are adoptions permitted from outside the Twin Cities?

In general we like to keep adoptions within the Twin Cities metro area. This is because, with most dogs, we require a home visit, and we do not always have volunteers available to drive long distances. We do make exceptions on rare occasions and welcome applicants from other neighboring areas.

Do you require adopters to have a fenced-in backyard?

A fence is not a requirement of Save-A-Bull for all dogs. If you do not have a fence, however, you should be prepared to explain how you will exercise the dog adequately. There are some dogs for which a fence will be required based on their temperaments and energy levels. We evaluate these on a case-by-case basis.

Why do you need my homeowner’s insurance information?

Most home insurance companies have breed restrictions and will not cover you if you own a Pit Bull. We want to make sure this is not found out after the dog has already been adopted. The only major insurance provider in the metro area that currently allows Pit Bulls is State Farm. There are some smaller companies that do not have restrictions as well.

Save-A-Bull Adoption Policies

Neutering

All animals in an adopter’s home must be spayed/neutered. As a rescue group, our #1 goal is to eliminate the pet over-population problem. Spaying/neutering not only ensures that you are doing your part to control this epidemic, but it also ensures a healthier lifestyle for your pets. Rare exceptions will be made for dogs that cannot go through an alteration procedure for medical reasons.

Outdoor facilities

A fenced-in yard is preferred, but in the cases where there is no fence, adequate exercise will suffice. Under NO circumstances can a dog be left on a tether or tie-out unsupervised. This leads to boredom and frustration which can manifest into aggression. By NO means can an invisible fencing system be used. Pit Bulls especially are notorious for breaking right through the shock wall.

Breed awareness

Adopters must prove that they are well educated on bully breeds and comfortable with their temperaments and behavior. Links and resources can be provided if you are seeking additional information.

Diet

Adopters must be willing to change foods if the current food is of low quality. The majority of Save-A-Bulls dogs come from neglectful situations and at the very least, they deserve the utmost care which includes a high-quality diet. (Please see our Education page for a list of appropriate dog foods.)

Female Pit Bulls

Female Pit Bulls will not be placed in homes with other female Pit Bulls unless the adopter is comfortable with all aspects of Pit Bull behavior, and is willing and able to break up the occasional fight.

Pups

Dogs under six months old will not be placed in homes where owners are gone for more that 8 hours a day, unless proof of a dog walker is provided.

Renters

In cases of a renter wanting to adopt, the landlord must be contacted to guarantee that bully breeds are allowed under rental policy.

Local ordinances

No dogs will be placed for adoption if it causes their owners to exceed the city limit for allowed dogs, whatever that number may be.

Adoption Application

Please note the following:

  • If you have any questions prior to applying, consult our FAQ above. If you don't find your answer there, send your question through our contact form.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to adopt.
  • You must be allowed to have dogs where you live.
  • You are responisble for understanding our Policies above.
  • You can expect a decision on your application within 12-24 hours. If you don't hear back from us by then, notify support@saveabullmn.com
  • Required form fields are marked WITH RED


Dog Information
Name of Dog(s) Interested In  

Your Contact Information
Applicant Name(s)  
Address  
City  
State  
Zip  
Phone/Cell  
Backup #  
Email  

Veterinarian Contact Information
Do you have a vet?   Yes No
If yes, please provide contact info below
Veterinarian Name  
Address  
City  
State  
Zip  
Phone  
Length of Relationship  

Employment Information
Are You Employed? Yes No
If yes, please provide employment info below
Employer  
Hours per Week  

     
Living Arrangements
Are there other adults in the house?Yes No
If yes, list their names and the hours they work per week
Name/Hours worked per week  
Are there children in the house?Yes No
If yes, list their names and age
Name(s)/Age(s)  
Do you own or rent? Own Rent
If rent, provide landlord's name
Homeowners Insurance Company  
House Type (condo/single fam)  

Yard
Do you have a fenced-in yard? Yes No
If yes, please describe.
If no, please describe how the dog will be exercised/go to the bathroom.
Description  

Dog Care and Accommodation
Describe a typical day for the dog  
Hours the dog be alone per day?  
Do you own a crate/kennel? Yes No
If no, do you plan on purchasing one? Yes No N/A
Do you have a backyard pool? Yes No
If yes, is it fenced separately? Yes No

Other Pets
Do you have a current pets? Yes No
If yes, describe breed, age, gender, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, etc.
Description(s)  

Previous Pets
Did you have a previous pets? Yes No
If yes, why are they no longer with you?
Description(s)  

Interest in Adopting
Explain your interest in this breed  
Explain your interest in this dog  

Preparation
What behavioral/training issues will you work with?
What behavioral/training issues will you NOT work with?
Will you attend obedience classes? Yes No

Surrender/Returns
What reason(s) would return this dog?
Would you return it to SAB Rescue Yes No

References
Reference #1 Name  
Reference #1 Phone  
Reference #1 Email  
Reference #2 Name  
Reference #2 Phone  
Reference #2 Email  
Reference #3 Name  
Reference #3 Phone  
Reference #3 Email  

Miscellaneous
What are your thoughts on Spay/Neuter?  
Where did you hear about us?  

Questions or Comments
Do you have additional questions or comments?  
By clicking on the button below, you certify that
   (1) the information you've supplied above is true and correct
   (2) that you're at least 18 years old
   (3) that you're allowed to have dogs where you live
   (4) that you've read and agree with our Adoption Policies and FAQ.