ADOPTING A SETTER
Do you charge an adoption fee?
Yes. An adoption fee is needed to cover a portion of the vet bills incurred. Additionally, a Health Certificate is required for transport with a fee of $65. There is no charge for self-transports. For other transport options and fees, please see our Transport FAQ page.
How much are the adoption fees?
Effective March 1, 2021, adoption fees are based on the listed age of the dog, as follows:
$600 - Babies (up to one year)
$525 - Young (one year to three years)
$450 - Adults 1 (four years to six years)
$350 - Adults 2 (seven years to nine years)
$225 - Seniors (over nine years)
$125 - Seniors for Senior Citizens (65 or older)
What is meant by "energy level"?
Energy levels, as provided on the website for each dog, is a subjective measure of the amount of energy expended by that dog in a typical day. It is intended to provide a general idea of the amount and type of exercise required by that dog. The foster home will discuss the dog's routine with the potential adopter.
A lower energy level rating indicates fewer hours and less strenuous exercise, such as leash walking. A higher rating indicates significant amounts of highly strenuous exercise is required, often through playing with other dogs for hours on end. In human terms, a couch potato would be a Level 1 ("I might set one paw off the couch if there is a really good reason"), and a triathlon participant would be a Level 10 ("Gee, Mom. I'm sorry about the muddy pawprints on the ceiling!"). Puppies are given an energy level rating of "puppy" due to the increases expected as the puppy matures, and the fact that most puppies can't quite reach the ceiling... yet!
May I reserve my dog by paying in advance or providing a deposit? I don't want to adopt now
Not usually. We cannot hold dogs for "several" months, and we will continue to actively seek to place the dog in a suitable home. Once deemed adopted, transport should occur within two weeks. For delays of more than two weeks caused by the adopters' schedule conflicts, SOS will assess a $25 per week "care fee" to offset the expense of providing for your dog while other arrangements are being made, not to exceed four weeks. Delays in excess of four weeks due to the adopters' schedule conflicts will result in the forfeiture of the adoption, and we will issue a refund of the adoption fee less the "care fee". Adopters will not be assessed a "care fee" for delays caused by professional transport scheduling, road conditions, and other factors beyond the control of the adopter.
Is there a minimum age for adopting?
Yes. We require an adoption contract. Therefore, adopters must be of legal age to enter into a contract, usually eighteen years of age.
May I meet the dog(s) before completing an application?
No. Only approved applicants may meet a dog.
May I speak to the foster home before completing an application?
No. Only approved applicants may speak with a foster home. Like you, they have families, careers, extra-curricular activities, and dogs to care for. If they were to speak with everyone who wanted to chat about their foster dog(s) they'd have no time for their own furkids!
How do I get to your shelter to meet the dogs?
The dogs are not in a shelter, but are in foster homes in many locations across the country. Meeting all the dogs in one location is not possible.
Will you help me choose the right dog for my family?
Absolutely! We will work with you to make sure that the dog selected is the best possible match for your family and lifestyle.
Are all of the adoptable dogs spayed or neutered?
Yes.
Are all of the adoptable dogs microchipped?
Yes.
I don't have a fence. May I still adopt?
Yes, but the selection will be limited. The majority of the dogs do require a fence.
My dogs are outside only dogs. Will you adopt to me?
No. Setters are human-oriented, and do not do well as outside only dogs.
I live in Canada. Do you adopt outside of the United States?
Yes. However, we will not adopt to those states or countries that require a lengthy quarantine.
What happens if the dog doesn't work out?
Per the adoption contract, the dog comes back to SOS.
I've submitted an application through ISCA rescue. Is ISCA and SOS the same.
We require our own application. ISCA rescue is not part of SOS, and does not usually share applications with SOS.
Can I take a dog and see how it does with our family before adopting?
No. We do not move dogs for the sake of "meeting" them. They are sensitive to change, and uprooting them from a familiar environment is done as little as possible. Additionally, we take our obligations to these dogs very seriously, and once we commit to a dog, we honor that commitment for the life of the dog.
I've been approved by SOS and have received notification of this, but haven't spoken to anyone yet.
We will be in touch as soon as a suitable dog for your family and lifestyle comes into our program.
I've been approved by SOS, and a suitable match has been determined. How soon will I get my dog?
That depends on the mode of transport. Please see Transportation FAQs.