| Adopting A Boston Terrier MBTR Boston Terriers have found themselves homeless through no fault of their own. Some are released by their owners due to changes in circumstances, some come from puppy mills and backyard breeders, some are found as strays, some are purchased as pups and later surrendered by owners when their temperaments don't match the homes they were in, and others are transferred to us from Animal Shelters and Humane Societies because they need additional medical and/or emotional rehabilitation. Our Bostons are spayed/neutered, tested and if necessary, treated for heartworms and other parasites, and brought up-to-date on their vaccinations, and temperament tested to the best of our ability so that they may be placed in the most appropriate home before they are made available for adoption. Please remember that MBTR reserves the right to approve/deny any application at their discretion. Please read the information below and make certain you agree with our terms before applying to adopt one of our Boston Terriers and thanks for considering adoption! |
Adoption Process
Step 1 - Fill out an Application:
The first step is to fill out and Adoption Application. This form provides us with basic
information about the best type of Boston that will fit into your family. If there is a particular
Boston that you are interested in, we will make every effort to match you with the dog of your
choice so long as they fit into your lifestyle and fit with your current pets. There is a $10.00
application fee which must be paid at the time your application is submitted. This helps ensure
us that you are serious about adopting a Boston and you are not just someone who was up late
one night perusing the Internet and decided to fill out an application on a whim. You may use
the Paypal button on the front page or either the one at the bottom of the Adoption Application
page to submit your fee. If you do not have a paypal account, you may mail your $10.00
application fee to the snail mail address on the contact page.
Step 2 - The Vet Check:
Using the contact information on the Adoption Application, one of our volunteers will contact
your vet's office to ask them a few basic questions such as "Are your current pets up-to-date on
vaccination, spayed/neutered, and on heartworm preventative?". If there are any questions
regarding your current pets or a pet that has recently passed away, we will e-mail you for
clarification. Please respond to these questions at your earliest convenience as we cannot
proceed with the adoption process until we hear from you and have collected the needed
information.
Step 3 - Phone Interview:
Once the vet check has been completed, we will call you to discuss the Boston with you, their
likes dislikes, and we will discuss with you whether the dog you are interested in will be a good
match for you.
Step 3 - The Home Visit:
One of our volunteers will set up a time which is convenient for you to visit with you at your
home. Most people wonder what the home visit consists of. It's a formality really. We just want
to see that you have a clean and safe home environment for a pet. By clean, we don't mean an
immaculate home. We don't snoop through your home and we don't expect you to bring in a
professional cleaner or interior decorator before our arrival. Heaven's no!! While it would be
wonderful if all people were honest, good folks as 99.9% of our adopters are, unfortunately
some people are not always truthful on their applications and will be misleading about the
condition of their yard and/or fence or even be totally dishonest about where they live in order to
obtain a dog. The home visit is one of the last steps in adopting a dog and is really a formality
just to meet you and see that you were telling the truth on your application. We may even offer
you some pointers. For example, a person might have a lot of low lying objects that might be a
temptation to a dog that is a chewer. That doesn't mean that person would be denied, but we
might suggest that you would want to put those knick knacks up both for the safety of the dog
and to protect your collectibles. Just remember, the home visit isn't meant to make sure you
have a spotless house or that you live in an "expensive mansion" so just relax and be yourself.
Remember that the person doing your home visit is just like you...an average person who loves
animals and has a special place in their hearts for Boston Terriers.
Step 4 - Meet the Boston:
Once you have discussed the Boston with us and agree that it would be a good match for your
family, we will set up a meeting so that you can meet the potential adoptee. If you have children,
they will need to be present so we can see how they interact with the animal and vice-versa. We
like for all adult members of the household, when applicable, to be present at the meeting if
possible. If you have current pets, we encourage you to allow them to meet the potential
adoptee as well to see if they are compatible. One meeting is not a foolproof way of determining
how the animal with act in all situations but it does give us a basic idea. All adoptable dogs have
been temperament tested to the best of our ability and everything about their personalities are
fully disclosed. However, some animals will act differently in different environments and with
different owners. It may seem like a bit of trouble, but having current house pets and family
members meet the potential adoptee before adoption is one of the best ways for all parties to
determine if the new Boston will fit into their lifestyle.
Step 5 - Pay Adoption Fee, Sign Contract and Take Home your New Boston:
Once you have filled out the application, been interviewed, met the dog, and been approved, you
are ready to officially adopt your new family member. Adoption fees are not paid until you take
actual possession of your new Boston. There is a 7 day trail period in which you can get to
better know the dog and determine if it is indeed the best match for your home. We will hold
your payment for 7 days and the money will not be deposited. If you decide that the dog is just
not a workable fit into your home, then you may return the living dog to us within 7 days in order
to receive a refund. Although your new Boston has been fully vetted and will be current on
vaccinations and already spayed/neutered, we encourage you to take your new Boston, along
with the medical records we will provide, in to see your vet within the first 7 days for a general
"New Pet Check". It's always a good idea to allow your vet to meet a new pet and establish a
record on his new patient.
Adoption fees are USUALLY as follows but depends on the individual dog. Adoption fees are
determined by MBTR and will be listed beneath the dogs photo on the "Available" page and at
the bottom of each dogs biography page.
Fees:
$65.00 for Mixed Breed dogs that don't look primarily Boston
$125.00 for adult "special needs" Bostons
$175.00 for a senior Boston (7 years and older)
$250.00 for an adult Boston
$275.00 for a pup 6 months to 1 year old and $300 for a pup 6 months and younger. We say
"usually" because we do incorporate a sliding scale and do give discounted fees on dogs with
special needs, are older, or may need to be "only dogs". Why? Well, let's face it...some dogs
are just more adoptable than others. Many people only want young, "pretty", or perfectly
behaved dogs. They aren't willing to take up the responsibility of caring for a dog with health
issues or temperament problems resulting from years of past abuse. Many people want cute
puppies or younger dogs and aren't willing to give their heart to an older dog. We believe those
special people who are willing to love these dogs deserve a reduced adoption fee.
Please note that the adoption donations do not even begin to cover our vet costs. If you would
like to know more about the adoption fees and how they are used, please visit the Adoption
Fees page on our website. 100% OF ALL ADOPTION FEES GOES DIRECTLY TO CARING FOR
AND PROVIDING VETERINARY TREATMENT FOR OTHER BOSTONS WHO COME TO MBTR.
When picking up your new dog, you will be expected to bring an appropriate sized collar or
harness (harness preferred and recommended), a leash, and a payment for the adoption fee.
We do not take credit cards. Cash is accepted but Checks or Money Orders made payable to
MBTR are highly preferred and easier to keep records of for our tax purposes.
The Contract:
Upon adoption you will be required to read and sign a legally binding contract detailing the
terms and conditions of the adoption. Click on the above link to read the contract. If you have
any questions, please feel free to ask. Please make certain you are in agreement with our
contract requirements before you apply to adopt a Boston.
MBTR Adoption Policies:
All Prospective Adopters Must:
*** Adopting a dog is a serious responsibility. They are not to be disposed of or
banished to the yard when you or the children grow tired of them or if some
unforeseen issue should arise after adoption. They are not to be given away, sold,
'adopted' or otherwise disposed of if they do not meet your ideal expectations. No
dog is perfect and rescue dogs are more likely to have issues that need working
with. We disclose ALL known information about our Bostons prior to adoption. We
do not do "courtesy postings" in which a dog goes directly from a surrendering
home to an adoptive home. They must have been with MBTR a minimum of two
weeks so that we can personally access their behavior and temperament.
A dog you adopt today will likely be part of your family for many years and can live
up to 12-15 years. A dog makes considerable demands upon your time and
resources. As a dog owner, you will need to spend time training, socializing,
grooming, feeding, scooping poop, exercising and playing with your dog each day.
Dogs that have had no training will need even more time and socialization. All
dogs require regular medical care. Some dogs require special diets or
medications. Vet bills, pet sitting, food, grooming supplies, toys, vacation boarding
fees, etc. may add considerable expense to your family budget. A dog is a living,
breathing, feeling, emotional being who will also require love, attention, and will
put demands upon your time as well. Please do not fill out an application to adopt
if you do not knowingly and readily accept these requirements and responsibilities.
Thank you for considering adoption. If you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you in any way possible.
Already carefully considered adopting a new family member and are ready to
proceed to the next step? Then please fill out an ADOPTION APPLICATION and
submit the $10.00 application fee. We will send you confirmation of receiving your
application within 24 hours and will promptly begin processing your application. If
you do not hear from us within 24 hours, then for some reason we did not receive
the application. Please e-mail us and we will be happy to assist you.
Step 1 - Fill out an Application:
The first step is to fill out and Adoption Application. This form provides us with basic
information about the best type of Boston that will fit into your family. If there is a particular
Boston that you are interested in, we will make every effort to match you with the dog of your
choice so long as they fit into your lifestyle and fit with your current pets. There is a $10.00
application fee which must be paid at the time your application is submitted. This helps ensure
us that you are serious about adopting a Boston and you are not just someone who was up late
one night perusing the Internet and decided to fill out an application on a whim. You may use
the Paypal button on the front page or either the one at the bottom of the Adoption Application
page to submit your fee. If you do not have a paypal account, you may mail your $10.00
application fee to the snail mail address on the contact page.
Step 2 - The Vet Check:
Using the contact information on the Adoption Application, one of our volunteers will contact
your vet's office to ask them a few basic questions such as "Are your current pets up-to-date on
vaccination, spayed/neutered, and on heartworm preventative?". If there are any questions
regarding your current pets or a pet that has recently passed away, we will e-mail you for
clarification. Please respond to these questions at your earliest convenience as we cannot
proceed with the adoption process until we hear from you and have collected the needed
information.
Step 3 - Phone Interview:
Once the vet check has been completed, we will call you to discuss the Boston with you, their
likes dislikes, and we will discuss with you whether the dog you are interested in will be a good
match for you.
Step 3 - The Home Visit:
One of our volunteers will set up a time which is convenient for you to visit with you at your
home. Most people wonder what the home visit consists of. It's a formality really. We just want
to see that you have a clean and safe home environment for a pet. By clean, we don't mean an
immaculate home. We don't snoop through your home and we don't expect you to bring in a
professional cleaner or interior decorator before our arrival. Heaven's no!! While it would be
wonderful if all people were honest, good folks as 99.9% of our adopters are, unfortunately
some people are not always truthful on their applications and will be misleading about the
condition of their yard and/or fence or even be totally dishonest about where they live in order to
obtain a dog. The home visit is one of the last steps in adopting a dog and is really a formality
just to meet you and see that you were telling the truth on your application. We may even offer
you some pointers. For example, a person might have a lot of low lying objects that might be a
temptation to a dog that is a chewer. That doesn't mean that person would be denied, but we
might suggest that you would want to put those knick knacks up both for the safety of the dog
and to protect your collectibles. Just remember, the home visit isn't meant to make sure you
have a spotless house or that you live in an "expensive mansion" so just relax and be yourself.
Remember that the person doing your home visit is just like you...an average person who loves
animals and has a special place in their hearts for Boston Terriers.
Step 4 - Meet the Boston:
Once you have discussed the Boston with us and agree that it would be a good match for your
family, we will set up a meeting so that you can meet the potential adoptee. If you have children,
they will need to be present so we can see how they interact with the animal and vice-versa. We
like for all adult members of the household, when applicable, to be present at the meeting if
possible. If you have current pets, we encourage you to allow them to meet the potential
adoptee as well to see if they are compatible. One meeting is not a foolproof way of determining
how the animal with act in all situations but it does give us a basic idea. All adoptable dogs have
been temperament tested to the best of our ability and everything about their personalities are
fully disclosed. However, some animals will act differently in different environments and with
different owners. It may seem like a bit of trouble, but having current house pets and family
members meet the potential adoptee before adoption is one of the best ways for all parties to
determine if the new Boston will fit into their lifestyle.
Step 5 - Pay Adoption Fee, Sign Contract and Take Home your New Boston:
Once you have filled out the application, been interviewed, met the dog, and been approved, you
are ready to officially adopt your new family member. Adoption fees are not paid until you take
actual possession of your new Boston. There is a 7 day trail period in which you can get to
better know the dog and determine if it is indeed the best match for your home. We will hold
your payment for 7 days and the money will not be deposited. If you decide that the dog is just
not a workable fit into your home, then you may return the living dog to us within 7 days in order
to receive a refund. Although your new Boston has been fully vetted and will be current on
vaccinations and already spayed/neutered, we encourage you to take your new Boston, along
with the medical records we will provide, in to see your vet within the first 7 days for a general
"New Pet Check". It's always a good idea to allow your vet to meet a new pet and establish a
record on his new patient.
Adoption fees are USUALLY as follows but depends on the individual dog. Adoption fees are
determined by MBTR and will be listed beneath the dogs photo on the "Available" page and at
the bottom of each dogs biography page.
Fees:
$65.00 for Mixed Breed dogs that don't look primarily Boston
$125.00 for adult "special needs" Bostons
$175.00 for a senior Boston (7 years and older)
$250.00 for an adult Boston
$275.00 for a pup 6 months to 1 year old and $300 for a pup 6 months and younger. We say
"usually" because we do incorporate a sliding scale and do give discounted fees on dogs with
special needs, are older, or may need to be "only dogs". Why? Well, let's face it...some dogs
are just more adoptable than others. Many people only want young, "pretty", or perfectly
behaved dogs. They aren't willing to take up the responsibility of caring for a dog with health
issues or temperament problems resulting from years of past abuse. Many people want cute
puppies or younger dogs and aren't willing to give their heart to an older dog. We believe those
special people who are willing to love these dogs deserve a reduced adoption fee.
Please note that the adoption donations do not even begin to cover our vet costs. If you would
like to know more about the adoption fees and how they are used, please visit the Adoption
Fees page on our website. 100% OF ALL ADOPTION FEES GOES DIRECTLY TO CARING FOR
AND PROVIDING VETERINARY TREATMENT FOR OTHER BOSTONS WHO COME TO MBTR.
When picking up your new dog, you will be expected to bring an appropriate sized collar or
harness (harness preferred and recommended), a leash, and a payment for the adoption fee.
We do not take credit cards. Cash is accepted but Checks or Money Orders made payable to
MBTR are highly preferred and easier to keep records of for our tax purposes.
The Contract:
Upon adoption you will be required to read and sign a legally binding contract detailing the
terms and conditions of the adoption. Click on the above link to read the contract. If you have
any questions, please feel free to ask. Please make certain you are in agreement with our
contract requirements before you apply to adopt a Boston.
MBTR Adoption Policies:
- We serve the State of Mississippi and Louisiana as well as parts of neighboring states and
the Florida panhandle. We cannot place dogs outside of these states because of logistical
reasons. - Please note that despite what many books and literature states, many Bostons do not get
along well with very small children and each year rescue organizations receive dogs that
have "bitten" or "scratched" kids because they were simply reacting to normal child
behavior such as screaming, crying loudly, pulling on the dog, trying to pick the dog up or
playing too rough with the dogs in general. Because of this, we do not adopt to families
with children under 5 years of age who live in the home or frequently visit the home. We
want to ensure the safety and happiness of both children and adopted dogs. We will be
happy to discuss this with you but please be aware that this is one of our major concerns
when adopting out a Boston. - All dogs are spayed/neutered before adoption. Please do not contact us inquiring about
intact dogs for breeding....yes, believe it or not, we hear that often. - MBTR offers Bostons for adoption only to households in which there are NO intact pets.
For more information, please read the "Spay/Neuter" page. - We do NOT ship our dogs under any circumstances. If you are approved to adopt a
Boston, then you must be willing to pick up your new dog in person so that we can
personally see how the dog interacts with you and (if applicable) your current pets. If the
dog flies home with you, you will be required to show proof of plane ticket purchased for
the Boston to fly in cabin with you. No dogs will be shipped in airline cargo nor will they be
shipped in mass transport trailers via paid transport services. Volunteers are always
willing to meet you part of the way when possible. But the ultimate responsibility lies with
the adopter to pick up their new dog. - All puppies under the age of 6 months require a signed Spay/Neuter Contract . You will be
required to provide proof from you veterinarian that the dog has been spayed/neutered by
the age of 12 months. If Adopter fails to neuter/spay the puppy and provide proof to
Mississippi Boston Terrier Rescue by 12 months of age, rights and ownership of the dog
will automatically terminate and revert back to Mississippi Boston Terrier Rescue who may
immediately assume possession of the dog. Mississippi Boston Terrier Rescue will not be
responsible for any expenses incurred while the dog was in the Adopter's possession and
no adoption fees shall be refunded. Mississippi Boston Terrier Rescue's reasonable
attorney's fees for recovery of the dog will be paid by the Adopter.
All Prospective Adopters Must:
- Be at least 21 years of age and have a valid ID with a verifiable current permanent address
and phone number. - Ensure that the head of the household and all Adults living in the household have
consented to the adoption. - Not have children under 5 years of age in the household or who frequently visit the
household. - Bring all children and immediate family members living in the household to meet the dog
prior to adoption. If you have current pets, it's also recommended that they meet the
potential adoptee as well to determine compatibility. - Have the financial ability to pay the adoption fee and ongoing expenses to care for the dog,
including routine and emergency veterinary care, grooming, and training. - Make a commitment to properly and humanely train the dog, enrolling the dog in classes or
hiring a professional trainer if necessary to address any specific behavior problems or
issues. - Understand that Bostons are not suited to be outside dogs and agree that they will be kept
primarily indoors. Adopters must be willing to patiently and humanely train the Boston to
be a indoor pet. - Ensure that the dog is allowed in rented housing. Renters must show copy of lease or
other proof from landlord that the dog is allowed. Adopter will be asked to provide the
landlord's address and telephone number so that MBTR can verify that renter is allowed to
have a pet. - Understand that the first step in the Adoption Process is to fill out an ADOPTION
APPLICATION. and submit the $10.00 application fee. Applications can be submitted on-
line, printed and mailed in or faxed to us. Please see the CONTACT PAGE for mailing
address and fax number. - Understand that the Application must be approved and this does take a up to a couple of
weeks. We understand that you are anxious to adopt your new pet, but to ensure a good
match it is best not to make hasty decisions. Also remember that we are volunteers and
aren't available to work on applications full time. Please be patient - we want to make sure
that you and your new pet will be a good match and will have many happy years together!
*** Adopting a dog is a serious responsibility. They are not to be disposed of or
banished to the yard when you or the children grow tired of them or if some
unforeseen issue should arise after adoption. They are not to be given away, sold,
'adopted' or otherwise disposed of if they do not meet your ideal expectations. No
dog is perfect and rescue dogs are more likely to have issues that need working
with. We disclose ALL known information about our Bostons prior to adoption. We
do not do "courtesy postings" in which a dog goes directly from a surrendering
home to an adoptive home. They must have been with MBTR a minimum of two
weeks so that we can personally access their behavior and temperament.
A dog you adopt today will likely be part of your family for many years and can live
up to 12-15 years. A dog makes considerable demands upon your time and
resources. As a dog owner, you will need to spend time training, socializing,
grooming, feeding, scooping poop, exercising and playing with your dog each day.
Dogs that have had no training will need even more time and socialization. All
dogs require regular medical care. Some dogs require special diets or
medications. Vet bills, pet sitting, food, grooming supplies, toys, vacation boarding
fees, etc. may add considerable expense to your family budget. A dog is a living,
breathing, feeling, emotional being who will also require love, attention, and will
put demands upon your time as well. Please do not fill out an application to adopt
if you do not knowingly and readily accept these requirements and responsibilities.
Thank you for considering adoption. If you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you in any way possible.
Already carefully considered adopting a new family member and are ready to
proceed to the next step? Then please fill out an ADOPTION APPLICATION and
submit the $10.00 application fee. We will send you confirmation of receiving your
application within 24 hours and will promptly begin processing your application. If
you do not hear from us within 24 hours, then for some reason we did not receive
the application. Please e-mail us and we will be happy to assist you.
