A Link to the Adoption Application is located at the bottom of this page. Please read this Adoption Process Page in full before submitting an application.
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The Application:
Our application must be filled out in full to be considered for the adoption of a Boston Terrier. You must
be at least 21 years of age and the home owner and/or head of your household to apply. Applications
from children will not be considered. You may submit your application online or either print it out and
mail it to us. You may indicate an interest in a particular dog but please understand that there could be
multiple open adoption applications for any dog at one time. We make every effort to see that you are
matched with the dog of your preference but first and foremost, we do consider the needs of each
individual dog. Some dogs work better with some people than with others and thrive in some situations
better than others. The best match is what we strive for. We do not operate on the "first come, first
serve" principle. Because we receive so many applications that are filled out on a "whim" or from those
who really do not care about rescuing a dog and will buy from a breeder as soon as an app. is filled out if
they find one available, we must now require a $10.00 non-refundable application fee that must be
submitted along with your application. We apologize to all the "serious" inquiries about this but feel it is
necessary due to all the time that volunteers waste on apps. filled out on the spur of the moment without
any real thought given to actually adopting a dog or without reading all the adoption requirements on
the Adoption Information page prior to submitting an application. The fee can be paid securely with a
credit card via paypal using the button located below the adoption application or either on the home
page. If you are not in agreement to this policy, please reconsider submitting an application.
The Application Acknowledgment:
If you e-mailed your application to us, you will receive an email confirmation. If you submitted a paper
application and do not have internet or e-mail access, you will receive a postcard acknowledgement or we
will phone you at the number provided on your application.
The Matching Process:
We generally have multiple people wanting to adopt, but placements are not always made on a
first-come first-serve basis. If you expressed an interest in a particular dog on your application, we will
make every effort to match you with that dog. However, if some issues prevent you from being matched
with your first choice, we will suggest others that are likely to fit well into your lifestyle and give you the
option of continuing the adoption process in consideration of another Boston. Please note that Bostons
do not always 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, 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 are very fond of both children and dogs and want to ensure the safety and
happiness of both. 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. We also do not adopt to families who have other pets in
their household that are not spayed/neutered. Homeless animal overpopulation is an epidemic in the
U.S. and each year 73,000 unwanted pets are euthanized in the state of Mississippi ALONE. We only
adopt to responsible pet owners who spay/neuter their pets. Under no circumstances will MBTR adopt
out a Boston which we have not yet had spayed or neutered unless it is a pup too young to have the
surgery. In this case you will be required to sign a Spay/Neuter Contract. We appreciate every
caring person who wishes to give a home to one of our needy Bostons and we sincerely hope that you
understand the rationale behind our policies.
The Veterinary Check:
When you fill out your application to adopt, you will be asked to list a veterinary reference. Please list
the name and contact information of your current vet. By providing this information and submitting an
application, you give MBTR permission to contact your vet's office to confirm that your present pets are
current on vaccinations, heart worm treatments, spayed/neutered and up to date on checkups, etc.
Incomplete applications cannot be processed and it is the applicants responsibility to provide the
requested information. In the event that the dog you are applying to adopt will be your first pet and you
do not have a current vet., please make note of this on your application.
The information from the home evaluation will be used to help match you with a dog suitable for your
home lifestyle. All family members must be in agreement about adopting a Boston Terrier. We do not
have restrictions on adopting dogs to apartment homes but please do understand that some dogs are
more vocal and/or energetic and their personalities are not suitable for apartment life. People often tell
us that they "do not have a large home or fancy, new home, or that they have a manufactured home and
wish to know if they can still adopt. The price of your home has absolutely nothing to do with approval.
We want safe, loving, nurturing, appropriate environments for the dogs. While we do want a safe,
nurturing environment for our dogs to live in, the size and price of your home has nothing to do with the
love that may dwell within it. Fenced in yards are highly recommended but not required and we will also
consider applicants who are absolutely committed to keeping their dog on a leash while outside the
home. "Invisible, or electric fences" and unsupervised doggie doors or those that lead to yards that are
not fenced do not meet MBTR adoption requirements.
Meet the Boston:
When a potential match has been made, the dog’s foster parent will arrange to meet the applicant/family
with the dog. The volunteer foster parent, having lived with the dog, has the most information about
his/her personality, characteristics and needs and will make sure that a potential adopter is comfortable
with the dog.
The Adoption 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.
MBTR ADOPTION FEES:
Adoption fees are USUALLY set as follows: $75.00 for a Mixed breed dog, $150.00 for adult "Special
Needs" Bostons, $225 for senior Bostons (7 years and over), $250 for adult Bostons, $275 for puppies 6
months to one year, and $300 for pups under 6 months and is required at the time of adoption. However,
we do incorporate a sliding scale when applicable, taking into consideration a much older dog's age
and/or any on-going health issues which the adopter may be willing to care for. We do not "value" any dog
more than another but we do realize, for example, that someone who adopts a young dog will have more
years with that pet than someone who offers a senior pet a home or that someone who provides a loving
home for a "special needs" dog may have a few additional vet visits during that dogs life. The adoption
fee will be determined by Mississippi Boston Terrier Rescue and is used to cover the expenses of
spaying/neutering, vaccinations, heart worm testing, supplies, food, treating medical issues and/or
surgery, transportation, and grooming each of our dogs. MBTR is a non-profit organization and all money
goes directly to caring for the Boston Terriers that we accept in our care.



The Home Check:
Information About the Adoption Process:
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We make every effort to ensure that the adoption process moves along at a steady pace and is completed in a timely manner. The time frame for each adoption will vary but we strive to work through the process and have the Boston placed within one to two weeks provided the applicant meets adoption requirements and the application is approved. Please remember that we are all volunteers with jobs, families, and obligations of our own but we do understand an applicant's excitement of adding a new Boston Terrier to the family and try our very best not to keep applicants waiting. We do appreciate your kind patience.
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