Please consider the following before completing our adoption application and before bringing a pet into your life:

Please read the following considerations carefully.  It is for these reasons that most of the dogs that have come in to our care have found themselves here.  Your understanding of the adoption commitment will make sure you and your family are responsible current or future dog adopters.

Adoption means to PERMANENTLY accept the new companion animal into one's life - which includes sickness and health, good times and bad, and through all of life's changes.  Basset Hound Rescue of Ontario will take back any animal it has placed for any reason.  Having said this, we do not like to see our bassets go through more upheaval than they have already, so we would like you to consider a few things before you adopt.

Behavior problems are often cited as reasons for returns.  In some cases, simple training techniques can be employed to change most troublesome behaviors.  Some people relinquish their basset too soon because they have not been exposed to these simple training techniques to help them work through a trying situation.

Adopters are encouraged to take their puppies and dogs to a basic canine obedience class.  Doing so helps owner-dog communication, builds confidence and aids bonding.

Be warned that living with a pet can get bumpy from time to time.  While a dog can be capable of many wonderful things, they can also exhibit some not-so-wonderful behaviors usually at the most inconvenient time.

A growl, snap, or bite can occur with ANY dog and one incident should not be grounds for divorce.  Adopters are encouraged to recognize when this behavior happens and learn to deal with it before it becomes an issue.

Likewise, an occasional house-soiling incident can be expected.  Like you, your dog's body is subject to fluctuations that may mean an isolated instance of house soiling.  In the case of any strange or different behavior by your dog, we ask that you contact us and your veterinarian.  We can help get you and your dog back on track.

It's going to take some time for your basset to learn your routine.  Bonding does not happen overnight.  As you introduce your new dog to your family routines and he/she becomes comfortable, he/she will learn to trust you.  Relationships take time to develop, so be patient.

Although finding a new home is one of the best days of a dog's life, it is also a very stressful and challenging time for them.  Patience and respect for the dog's new situation go a long way.

Veterinary visits are something else to keep in mind.  Besides regular exams and inoculations, your dog may experience sickness and injury, which can require additional veterinarian services.

• How are your finances?
• Should you consider insurance or a special health savings account?
• Are you going to be able to get your dog to a vet when he/she needs to go?

Long term plans also need to be examined.
Are you planning any major lifestyle changes? - Moving? - Marriage? - Divorce? - Children (or more children)? - A new job that won't allow time for a dog?
Dogs have been relinquished to us for all these reasons.

If it doesn't seem like the right time, WAIT!  There will ALWAYS be a wonderful basset waiting for you.  Wait for that time when the companion animal can be a permanent loved and cherished member of the family.

Please think about the commitment you are about to make. You are now ready to take the first step in making the decision on adopting or not adopting a basset.

If you have read through the above, and still feel you are able to commit to a basset

for it's entire life, continue on to completing our ADOPTION APPLICATION.