Adoption Policies

• CLR does not adopt to families that want an "outside only" dog. All dogs adopted from CLR will live and sleep inside the home. The dog will not be left outside unsupervised.

• The adopter must agree to never let the dog off-leash in an unfenced area. NO EXCEPTIONS.

• An electric/"invisible" fence system is not preferred for outside containment of a rescued CLR Labrador Retriever. Homes with an electric fence will be approved for adoption on a case-by-case basis. 

• A 'tie-out' (a long rope or chain attached to a stake or other fixed object) is not an acceptable method of containing a dog to the adopter's property.

• We would prefer to adopt a puppy under 9 months old to a home with a completely fenced yard.  Approval without a fence  is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• The dog may not be adopted as a 'surprise' or a gift for someone else. CLR will work directly with the adoption applicant only (not family members, neighbors, etc.)

• The adopter must agree to enroll the dog in an obedience class, or with a private trainer, within 30 days of adoption. It is the adopter's responsibility to research and locate a trainer. The trainer's name and phone number must be provided on the adoption application, or the application will not be considered.

• The adopter must be willing to obtain a crate and crate train the dog, if necessary. This is especially important when a young dog is adopted. Crates are also helpful when potty training a dog and as tools to keep dogs safe when the owner is not present to supervise the dog.

• The adopter must agree to properly maintain the health of the dog by placing him/her on an annual vaccination schedule under the direction of a veterinarian. The adopter must agree to have the dog tested annually for heartworm, and he/she will receive heartworm preventative by prescription from a veterinarian. Illinois has one of the highest incidence rates for heartworm in the country. As such, CLR strongly recommends that adopters consult with their veterinarian and place the dog on year-round heartworm preventative.

• When an unmarried couple or roommates want to adopt a dog, the dog may only be adopted in one person's name, and only that person may sign the contract. This helps to ensure that in the event that they split up, the dog will stay with the adopter.

• All family members, including any other household pets, must be present during the home visit and when meeting a prospective "adoptee" Labrador to be sure of a good match.

• Adoption applicants residing in a townhouse, condominium, apartment or rental property must provide written documentation stating that they have permission from the landlord/homeowner's association to add a dog (the size of a Labrador) to their household. This letter/documentation should be given to the CLR volunteer at the time of the home visit.

• CLR reserves the right to contact any references or veterinarians named by the adopter on the application form. Family members cannot be listed as references.

 

When paying an adoption fee by credit card or PayPal a $15.00 fee will be added for processing.

• Incomplete adoption applications will not be processed.

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