Boxer and Buddies Adoption Application

Before You Apply: Adopting a Rescue Dog

Thank you for considering adopting a dog from Boxers & Buddies. Adoption is a lifetime commitment. Before applying, please consider whether you are prepared to provide a safe, loving home for your dog for the rest of their life, including through unexpected changes and challenges.

Understanding Rescue Dogs

Many of our dogs come to us with histories we may know little about. Even a dog who is wonderful in their foster home may behave differently after moving into a new environment. Barking, separation anxiety, house-training accidents, chewing, leash pulling, nervousness, fear, or reactivity may be present and may take time, patience, and training to work through.

Please consider your true deal breakers before applying. We want to help you find the right match and avoid a situation where a dog is returned because expectations were unrealistic.

Give Your Dog Time to Adjust

We ask all adopters to follow the 3-3-3 Rule:

3 Days: Your dog may feel overwhelmed or uncertain.

3 Weeks: Your dog is learning the routine and becoming more comfortable.

3 Months: Your dog has had time to build trust and feel at home.

Every dog is different, so patience, consistency, and understanding are essential.

Training Is Required

All Boxers & Buddies adopters are required, as part of our adoption contract, to complete a training course with their adopted dog.

We know many people have successfully trained dogs on their own, and continuing to practice at home is an important part of having a well-behaved dog. However, self-training is not the same as working with a professional trainer.

A certified positive reinforcement trainer can observe your interactions with your new dog, identify areas that may need attention, and teach you techniques that are appropriate for your individual dog. This is especially important with rescue dogs, whose previous experiences, behaviors, and needs may not be fully known.

Our goal isn't to suggest that you can't train your own dog. It's to make sure you have professional guidance and the right tools to help your new rescue dog succeed. Training helps build communication, establish routines and boundaries, strengthen your relationship, and give you tools to work through challenges.

Other Requirements

All dogs currently in the home are expected to be spayed/neutered and up-to-date with vaccinations. You will need to submit spay/neuter certifcate and most recent vaccine history (DAPP, Rabies)

Our goal is not simply to place a dog. It is to create a successful, lifelong relationship between the dog and their adopter.

By submitting this application, you acknowledge that you understand the unique considerations of adopting a rescue dog and are prepared to provide the patience, training, and lifelong commitment your new dog deserves.

Are you ready to adopt a dog within the next 7 days * Note: We are unable to hold dogs. You should be ready to adopt within 7 days if you are submitting an application for a specific dog.
If you answered no, tell us why and what your ideal timeline looks like. If you answered no, we suggest that you apply when you are ready. If you are planning to continue with this application regardless, explain why.
1. I am 21 years of age or older. *
2. I live within a 4-hour radius of Reno, NV. *
3. If I do not own my home, I have a letter of approval from my landlord or the homeowner that I can have a dog.	Yes No Own Home
4. If I currently own any dogs, they are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and registered with my local animal control. I understand this will be verified. These conditions must be met to be approved. *	Yes No No other dogs
5. I will enroll my adopted dog in a minimum 5-week professionally run obedience course or in puppy socialization classes. This is part of our adoption contract. *
6. I am aware of my local pet regulations and limits, and I am in compliance with them. *
7. I understand that my adopted dog is a family companion and must sleep inside my home. *
8. I understand that Boxers and Buddies will conduct a home check before I adopt a dog. *
I confirm that I meet all of the listed requirements. I understand that if I do not meet these requirements, my application may not move forward. *
Applicant(s) First Names *
Applicant(S) Last Name: *
How did you hear about Boxers and Buddies? *
What qualities are you looking for in a dog? *
Which dog(s) are you interested in?
If not listed, either name or describe the dog you are interested in adopting.
Current age of adopter *
Street Address (include apt # if applicable) *
City *
State *
Zip Code *
Primary Phone Number *
Email Address
Name of your current occupation(s), employer(s) and number of years in position(s). *
Who lives in your household and what are their ages? *
Is anyone in your household allergic to animals? *
Is your entire household supportive of this adoption? *
How many hours per day will the dog typically be alone? *
What is a typical weekday and weekend schedule for your household? *
Provide a name and phone number of a personal reference. What is your relationship (this can't be a relative)? *
List your veterinarian's name and phone number. *
Please select your current residence type. *
Do you rent or own your home? *
If renting, do you have written permission to have a dog? If you rent, does your lease allow pets? Be sure you have proof (letter, lease) before applying. If you rent to own, you will need to provide proof that you can own a dog.
If renting, what are the breed, size, or pet limits?
If renting, provide the name and phone number of the leasing company or the landlord. You will be required to submit your lease agreement.
Do you have a yard? If yes, is it fully fenced? If not, how will exercise be provided? *
If you do have a fence, what is the height?
Do you have a pool, balcony, patio or deck? Select all that apply.
If you have a pool, is it fenced?
Do you have a dog kennel/dog run? If yes, include the measurements:
What pets do you currently have (species, ages, spayed/neutered, up-to-date with vaccinations)? *
If you currently have pets, how do your current pets generally interact with other animals?
What happened to your previous pets if you no longer have them?
Have you ever rehomed a dog, or surrendered a dog to a shelter or rescue? *
If yes, please explain?
Where will the dog sleep at night? *
What type of training do you plan to provide (classes, private trainer, self-guided)? * What type of training do you plan to provide in addition to the Boxers and Buddies required training (classes, private trainer, self-guided)?
Where will you new dog be when you're home? Select all that apply.
How do you plan to manage common behaviors like barking, chewing, or leash pulling? *
How will the dog be exercised and mentally stimulated? *
Are there any behaviors that would be deal-breakers for your household? *
What situations might lead you to consider returning your dog? *
Will you return your dog to Boxers and Buddies if you can no longer care for the dog? *
Would you like a referral for certified trainer? *
Would you be interested in fostering a dog? *
What support do you feel you may need from the rescue after adoption?
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about your home or expectations? Is there anything that might make this adoption difficult that wasn't included in this application?
* Electronic Signature * Your electronic signature below serves as acknowledgement that this is a sincere inquiry, and that all information provided is true, correct and complete. I understand that this information will be included with my adoption contract and if any of the above information is found to be false, even after adoption, the dog may be reclaimed at no expense to Boxers and Buddies. I also understand that incomplete applications WILL NOT be processed. On the Internet an Electronic Signature carries the same legal weight as if you were signing your name to a printed document. To complete this form, please provide your electronic signature below by typing your name in the box, then submit the form.