We work very hard to make sure every dog that comes into rescue is adopted by and moves on the best home possible. Because we want to be sure, we have a thorough adoption application process. We ask lots of questions, we check references, we dot our ‘i’s and cross our ‘t’s. In the end it’s all worth it when a deserving dog finally becomes part of the perfect family.
Spay/Neuter
All animals in an adopter’s home must be spayed/neutered. As a rescue group, our #1 goal is to eliminate the pet overpopulation 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.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are also important to your pet’s’ health and of responsible pet ownership. All animals in the household must be up-to-date on vaccinations.
Renters
If you rent your home, we must personally verify with your landlord that bully breeds are allowed under the rental policy.
Local Ordinances
We will not adopt a dog to a home if it puts you over the city allowed animal limit, whatever that number may be.
Outdoor Facilities
A fenced-in yard is preferred, but in the cases where there is no fence, adequate exercise may suffice. We do not support the use of electronic fences as a means of containment for any dog. Under NO circumstances can a dog be left on a tether, tie-out, run or outdoor kennel unsupervised. This leads to boredom and frustration which can manifest into a multitude of behavior problems. All domesticated animals in the household must sleep indoors.
Insurance
In order to adopt a pit bull or pit bull type dog, you must have insurance that welcomes these breeds. Please check with your agent to see if your insurance accepts bully breeds.
Diet
Many pit bulls have food sensitivities and allergies and a high quality food is highly recommended. The majority of Save-A-Bull’s dogs come from neglectful situations and at the very least, they deserve the utmost care which includes a high-quality diet. You must be willing to invest in a high-quality food for your dog.
Females
We will not adopt a female dog into a home with another female dog. Save-A-Bull’s position is this: dog aggression is a behavior found in every breed, but because of their breed history, pit bulls might be less tolerant of other dogs. Add to this the research showing female dogs are less tolerant of other females and it can create a recipe for disaster. As pit bull advocates and owners, it is our responsibility to understand our dogs and to put them in a position to succeed. It is because of this that we will not place a female dog into a home with another female dog.
Breed Awareness
By adopting a pit bull, you must be prepared to be a breed advocate. Having a trained, well-behaved dog and abiding by good ownership practices are a must from here on out! Our blog has many resources available to help.
“Let’s not blame the dogs for a trait bred into them by the evilness of man. Let’s understand them instead, so we can provide responsible ownership and give them a chance to show the world why they are so deserving of our love.”
What is your adoption fee?
Adoption fees for all dogs older than six months are $375. Adoption fees for all dogs younger than six months are $475. This fee includes all sales tax and a $50 training reimbursement credit – you’ll get a $50 refund when you complete basic training with your dog within the first six months.
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! 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 the necessary items like 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 just making sure that the dog will be safe and you’re prepared for his arrival!
Do you do adoptions outside of the Twin Cities?
In general we like to keep adoptions within the Twin Cities metro area. Home visits are done by our volunteers and we don’t have many outside the immediate area. However, we do make exceptions whenever possible! We welcome applicants from other neighboring areas, but if you live more than 90 minutes from the Twin Cities, please check with us before submitting your application to be sure we can accommodate your location.
Do you require adopters to have a fenced-in backyard?
No, a fenced yard is not a requirement for all dogs. Keep in mind however, many of our dogs were strays, so they already have a tendency for escape. If you do not have a fence, you should be prepared to explain how you will exercise the dog adequately. There are some dogs in rescue 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?
Many home insurance companies have breed restrictions and will not cover you if you own a pit bull. Part of being a responsible dog owner is having the proper insurance. 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.
Do you adopt siblings or multiple dogs at one time?
We will not adopt multiple dogs into the same household at the same time. We encourage you to bring one dog into the home at a time so both the dog and owner can establish relationships and routines before adding another new dog.
We realize our policies are not for everyone, and there are exceptions to every rule, but these are our guidelines to help us make sure we responsibly place our dogs in the best possible situation. If you have any questions or want more information, please contact our adoption team.
