Owner Surrender Policy

1. Our Commitment

RESCUE DOG .ME accepts dog surrenders in two categories:

• Return of placed dogs: Dogs previously adopted through our program have a guaranteed lifetime return policy. See the Adoption Terms & Agreement for details.
• Owner surrenders: Dogs being surrendered by their current owners, who did not originally adopt through us, are considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to available foster capacity.

We do not have a physical shelter. All dogs in our program live in foster homes. Our capacity is therefore limited and variable. We appreciate your understanding.

2. Who We Accept

We prioritize intake for:

• Dogs previously adopted through RESCUE DOG .ME (guaranteed return, see above).
• Dogs whose owners are facing genuine hardship — housing loss, health crisis, domestic safety, or similar circumstances.
• Dogs in immediate danger of abuse, neglect, or euthanasia.
• Dogs whose behavioral or medical needs are within our program's capacity to address.

We do not impose breed restrictions. All breeds and mixes are considered. However, we may not always have appropriate foster homes for dogs with serious bite history or extreme behavioral needs.

3. Intake Process

To surrender a dog to RESCUE DOG .ME, follow these steps:

1. Complete the surrender intake form on our website. This form collects the dog's history, health records, behavioral notes, and photos.
2. Application review: Our team reviews all surrender requests within 3–5 business days. We may follow up with additional questions.
3. Capacity check: If we have appropriate foster space, we will contact you to arrange a handoff. If we are at capacity, we will place you on our waitlist and stay in contact.
4. Transport coordination: Depending on location, we may arrange transport or ask you to bring the dog to a coordinator's location. All logistics are confirmed in writing before the handoff date.

4. Capacity Limitations

As a foster-based rescue, we cannot guarantee immediate intake for every dog. If we are at capacity when your request is received:

• We will add you to our waitlist and provide an estimated timeline.
• We check in weekly and update you on any changes in availability.
• We can provide referrals to other rescue organizations and resources while you wait.

5. Required Information

To process a surrender request, we require the following information. Incomplete submissions will delay the review process.

• Dog's full history: Age, breed, how long you've had the dog, and where the dog came from.
• Veterinary records: Current vaccination records, spay/neuter certificate (if applicable), any known medical conditions and treatment history.
• Behavioral notes: Known triggers, bite history (if any — full honesty is required), behavior with children, other dogs, and cats.
• Photos: At least 2–3 clear photos of the dog.
• Reason for surrender: A brief, honest explanation of why you are unable to keep the dog.

6. Transfer of Ownership

Signing the surrender form transfers full legal ownership of the dog to RESCUE DOG .ME. After the surrender is complete:

• The original owner has no right of return or claim to the dog.
• RESCUE DOG .ME assumes full responsibility for the dog's care, placement decisions, and welfare.
• The Rescue may adopt, foster, transfer to another organization, or make other placement decisions at its sole discretion.

If you later wish to adopt the dog back, you must go through the standard adoption process. This is not guaranteed.

7. Fees

There is no fee to surrender a dog to RESCUE DOG .ME. Any adoption fee previously paid to the Rescue for this dog is non-refundable.

We do accept and appreciate donations to offset the costs of veterinary care, food, and supplies for incoming dogs. A donation is entirely voluntary and has no bearing on whether or when a surrender is accepted.

8. Behavioral & Health Disclosure

Full and honest disclosure of the dog's behavioral history and health status is required. Misrepresentation — including omitting known bite history, aggression, or medical conditions — is a serious concern because:

• It places foster families, adopters, and other animals at risk.
• It may result in the dog being placed in an unsuitable home, leading to harm or another surrender.
• Knowingly misrepresenting a dangerous dog's history may expose the surrendering party to legal liability under Wyoming law if the dog causes injury after placement.

We do not penalize honesty. A dog with a known bite history will receive appropriate handling and may be matched with an experienced adopter. Please tell us everything.

9. What Happens After Surrender

Once your dog enters our program, they receive:

• Placement in a screened foster home appropriate for their temperament and needs.
• A veterinary assessment, including any needed vaccines, parasite treatment, and a health evaluation.
• A behavioral evaluation conducted by experienced foster families and volunteers over the first 1–2 weeks.
• A public listing on our adoptions page once the dog is ready for placement.

10. Emergency Situations

If a dog is in immediate danger — abuse, severe neglect, or imminent euthanasia threat — contact us immediately at hello@rescuedog.me or through our contact form. We prioritize emergency intake requests and aim to respond within 24 hours. In a genuine emergency outside business hours, please also contact your local animal control authority.

11. Governing Law

This policy and any surrender agreement entered into under it are governed by the laws of the State of Wyoming.