Bringing a Basset Hound into your home is a rewarding experience, and Carolina Basset Hound Rescue (CBHR) is dedicated to helping these wonderful dogs find loving, permanent families. This guide outlines CBHR’s adoption process, eligibility requirements, and what prospective adopters can expect. CBHR exclusively adopts within the Carolinas and emphasizes responsible pet ownership by not allowing adoptions as gifts and requiring applications from the family where the Basset will reside. Dogs that look like Basset Hounds can certainly capture your heart, but committing to a Basset Hound requires understanding their specific needs and the rescue’s thorough adoption procedures.
Understanding CBHR’s Adoption Philosophy
Carolina Basset Hound Rescue prioritizes finding the ideal match between their Basset Hounds and prospective adopters. This means their process can sometimes take several weeks to a few months, as they meticulously assess each application and home environment. Currently, CBHR notes an abundance of approved adoption applications compared to available hounds. Many of their Bassets are seniors, aged 7 or older, and some may have medical or special needs. Adopters seeking a younger dog might experience a waiting period of six months to a year or longer. Approved adopters are contacted first when a younger dog becomes available, highlighting the importance of completing the application process even if a suitable dog isn’t immediately available.
The Adoption Application Process
The journey to adopting a Basset Hound begins with completing an official adoption application and submitting the required application fee. Upon receipt, a CBHR representative will confirm that your application has been received and is being processed. Following this initial step, your application will undergo a thorough review, which may include a brief phone interview. This conversation allows CBHR to understand your expectations and lifestyle better.
The next crucial stage is a home visit conducted by a CBHR volunteer. This visit is designed to provide a comfortable environment for CBHR to get to know you and your household, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your expectations for a new family member. This personalized approach is key to identifying the most suitable Basset Hound for your home. CBHR encourages potential adopters to submit their applications promptly, as the Basset population within the rescue is constantly evolving. Even if the perfect match isn’t available at the moment, an approved application means you’ll be considered when a suitable dog becomes available. Furthermore, CBHR operates on a “first come, first serve” basis for each dog, meaning a completed application and an approved home visit are essential to secure your place on a dog’s waiting list.
Finding and Welcoming Your Basset Hound
Once your application is fully processed and approved, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss specific dogs of interest with foster parents. Remember that the entire adoption process, from initial application to bringing your Basset home, can span several weeks to a few months. CBHR is committed to ensuring a successful placement for both the dog and the adopter.
Upon welcoming your new Basset Hound into your home, a seven-day home trial period commences. This trial period is crucial for both you and your new companion to adjust and ensure a harmonious fit. At the end of this period, or even before, you can finalize the adoption. If, for any reason, the match doesn’t prove to be ideal, the Basset Hound will be returned to CBHR. You will then have the option to select another available Basset for a home trial or receive a reimbursement of your adoption donation amount.
CBHR shares your eagerness to see their special hounds find their forever homes. If you have any questions or require assistance at any stage of the adoption process, do not hesitate to reach out to them. Your decision to adopt provides a homeless hound with a loving home, a truly commendable act.
