Director of Adoptions Answers Your FAQs
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary closing of our adoption center, Wags & Walks saved and found forever homes for 950 dogs in 2020 with the help of our incredible community! During this unprecedented time our adoption process has undergone some important changes that we’d like potential adopters to be aware of. We sat down with Wags & Walks Director or Adoptions, Mikayla, for help answering your most frequently asked questions. Read on for more!
I applied and haven't received a call yet. When can I expect to hear back?
Every single application that comes through receives both a confirmation email and text, acknowledging receipt of your application and providing you with more information about our process. If you did not receive that email, I suggest you check your spam! At this time, due to the high volume of applications we are receiving, we are unable to personally call every applicant who submits an application.
How long does it take after applying online for me to get a meet and greet with a dog?
There is no set timeline for adoption; it has a lot to do with what kind of dog you’re looking for and what dogs are available to meet at that time. What is important to keep in mind is that new dogs come in weekly, so we encourage you to closely monitor our website and social media, for new faces!
What do I do when I see a dog who interests me either on the site or on Instagram?
If you have not yet applied to adopt with us, do that first! The application can be found on wagsandwalks.org. If you have filled out an application, email adopt@wagsandwalks.org with your name and the dog in which you are interested. You will generally receive an email response within 48-72 hours, although we do appreciate your patience during what is an extraordinarily busy time for our small team.
Do I need to submit a new application for each dog I see that I like?
No! One application is good for any dogs on our site, or who are added to our site. If you have an application on file, simply email us.
Are all the dogs at your facility? Can I just come and see them?
The majority of our adoptable dogs are in foster homes. The ones at the center are often in-between fosters or actively awaiting one. When we find a dog who is of interest/ eligible to meet, we will contact their foster family to coordinate a meeting time that works for both of you. Due to the current concerns around COVID-19, our facility remains closed to walk-ins; we take applicants in on an appointment basis only.
What happens at the meet and greet?
All meet and greets happen at our facility in West LA. They take place entirely outdoors, and masks are required to stay on at all times. Prospective adopters have an opportunity to spend time with their dog of interest in a fenced area located in our parking lot. Meet and greets are scheduled on the hour, and last anywhere from 30-45 minutes.
What are the next steps if I like the dog I meet?
At the conclusion of your meet and greet, you will always be presented with the option to take your prospective dog home for a seven day foster-to-adopt trial. That is pretty much exactly like it sounds: you get to be that dog’s foster family for a week to make sure it is a good match all around. At the end of the week, if you want to proceed with adoption, it is all handled electronically. If it is not a match, we use what we have learned from your experience to find both you and your pup the perfect fit!
Do you provide supplies for the trial?
We have opened our in-house supply shop, where 100% of the proceeds go to us! In that shop we sell everything you might need for your first week, including food, treats, toys, poop bags, crate, beds, and so much more! If you would rather not purchase supplies right away, you can also rent supplies from us for a $75 refundable deposit, should you choose to return the supplies at the end of your trial.
I’m starting to get discouraged. All of the dogs I ask about are either already in a trial home, or getting adopted. What can I do?
For many, the current stay at home orders provide an unprecedented opportunity to introduce a dog into the household. It is an exceptionally competitive time to adopt, but it is possible with patience and time. We advise that you closely monitor the website and Instagram, stay in touch with the adoptions team via adopt@wagsandwalks.org, and - I cannot stress this enough - email us right away when you see a new face who catches your eye. Another great option in the meantime is to get involved! Our volunteer and foster programs both allow you to familiarize yourself more with our organization and process. Learn more about getting involved here.
Do you choose applicants based on suitability or order of submission?
To be honest, it is a bit of both. We try to keep our process as fair and transparent as possible. At this point, most of the dogs on our website currently have waitlists of interested applicants; when you submit your application you automatically get added to that list. We go down the list in chronological order, but we do look for qualifying factors depending on the dog. For example, we have a lot of households with cats, who are looking for a large-breed cat friendly dog. There are a number of large dogs in our care who, unfortunately, should not be placed in a home with a cat. There are also households who require a lower-energy dog; we won’t be sending a 9 month old husky puppy to that home. The fit has to be right for both the family and the dog.
As always, we so appreciate your support, patience and understanding during this challenging time for us all. We remain committed to Bringing Happiness Home for as many deserving dogs and families as possible in 2021!
Thank you!
The Wags & Walks Adoptions Team