Thank you for taking the first step towards adopting!
Please click the blue button below and fill out each section of the application with as much detailed information as possible. You must be 21 or older to enter into an adoption contract with Brown Dog Coalition. The application does not guarantee you a dog. We will respond within 72 hours of submitting your application.
Please only apply if you are looking to adopt a dog within the next 1-2 weeks. We do not have the bandwidth to review and process applications for adopters who aren’t ready immediately to bring a new dog home, especially for our dogs who are already being fostered locally. We cannot hold our dogs for any length of time and have to prioritize adopters who are ready to bring their dog home right away. When you are ready to adopt, check our available dogs page first and only apply if there’s a dog that matches what you are looking for.
Please only submit applications via computer. We will not receive applications sent by phone. If you have been approved with another rescue, we may be able to accept their application and approval. Please forward both the application and approval to adoptions@browndogcoalition.com
Our adoption contract states that aversive training methods, including prong, choke, and shock collars, may not be used on an adopted Brown Dog.
Adoption Process
1. View our available dogs online and read through our adoption requirements below.
2. Complete the online application (above). We will respond within 72 hours to confirm receipt. We review applications in the order they are received until we find the best fit. Please only apply when you are ready to adopt.
3. Please contact your veterinarian and references to inform them that we will be calling them. Many veterinarians will not release information until you call them to give them permission to speak with us.
4a. IF YOU SEE A SPECIFIC ADOPTION DATE IN THE MEMO, THAT MEANS THE ANIMAL IS IN AN ALABAMA FOSTER: We will email prospective adopters a dog’s behavioral questionnaire (filled out to the best of their foster’s ability) and more information about the pick up process. Pick up of a dog starts a 48 hour, 100% refund return period. There is also a 7 day return period where the adoption fee is refundable, minus $75.
Please note: we can not facilitate meetings with our out-of-state dogs arriving on an upcoming transport. Adopters must be available to take the dog home the day listed in their memo.
4b. IF THERE IS NOT A SPECIFIC DATE LISTED IN THE MEMO, THE ANIMAL IS IN A MASSACHUSETTS FOSTER: We will coordinate an in-person meeting and provide more information about the adoption process. We cannot hold any of our dogs so if you apply for a dog being fostered in MA, please make sure you are available the same week to adopt. There is a 7 day return period where the adoption fee is refundable, minus $75.
5. Once an adoption is agreed upon, the dog’s medical paperwork, adoption contract, and microchip information will be shared and reviewed either in-person or via online meeting. Adoption payment must be made via PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.
Adoption Requirements
Applicants must be 21 years old or older.
Applicants must be within driving distance (generally three hours) of MA.
Applicants must provide a vet reference, if applicable, to verify current and previous animals have been spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and receive monthly heartworm preventative. Please include all vets where your animals were seen.
Applicants must agree to not use prong, choke, or shock collars, including invisible or electronic fencing, or any similar devices on their adopted dog.
Applicants must agree to invest in positive reinforcement training with their adopted dog.
Applicants with children 5 years old or younger should include supervision, management, and training plans within their application.
Elderly applicants should include a clear plan within their application on who will take the animal if they become incapacitated.
Dog Adoption Fees
| Age | Puppies (<6 months) | Adults (6+ months) | Seniors (7+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee* | $575 | $550 | $400 |
*+$250 refundable spay/neuter deposit if not spayed/neutered at time of adoption, we will arrange for the surgery once they are old enough
What goes into an adoption fee?
Spaying/neutering
Fecal exam and de-worming
Microchip
Transport services
Quarantine boarding
No-slip martingale collar
*Age dependent
Health exam
Heartworm disease test*
Heartworm preventative*
Flea & tick treatment*
Rabies vaccine*
DHPP (distemper combo vaccine)
Bordetella vaccine*
