Local Dog Rescue
rescue • spay • neuter • adopt • love
rescue • spay • neuter • adopt • love
My mission has always been to pair dogs with compassionate and responsible individuals committed to offering a nurturing forever home, where pets are cherished as valued family members. While the process might appear lengthy, it's solely because prioritizing the welfare of the dogs is paramount. The adoption journey focuses on finding the perfect match for each dog to ensure they land in stable, loving homes. If you have any question feel free to get in touch.
Before applying, please read:
*Exceptions to some adoption policies may be made on a per dog basis.
Unless otherwise stated, the adoption fee is the same for all dogs regardless of age or breed. This fee includes veterinary exam(s), vaccinations, microchip and spay/neuter surgery and any other veterinary care the dog may have required. While referred to as a "fee" it is actually a donation towards some of the costs incurred by the rescue associated with veterinary care, food etc. This donation also helps ensure that adopters are taking the process seriously and are not looking to adopt on a whim. Before adopting please consider the cost of proper food and veterinary care, and be sure that you are in a position to provide this long-term.
Check the adoptable dogs page. Consider what age, sex, breed, energy level, and temperament of dog you are looking for. Read their bio to get to know them a little better.
If you see a dog you are interested in, complete the online adoption form. *Note: Submission of a completed form provides the information needed to determine the best candidate for a dog. It does not guarantee adoption. Incomplete applications will not be considered
This is an opportunity to meet the dog in person to see if they are a good match for you and your family. If you have other pets at home, we will make arrangements to introduce the pets to ensure that everyone gets along. We will discuss this in more detail when we meet.
Home visits are a mandatory part of the adoption process as we want to ensure the home is a pet-friendly, safe environment for the dog (fenced, free of potential hazards etc). It also gives us a chance to observe how the dog reacts in his or her potential new home.
This is the opportunity for you to trial the dog in your home. During this period you get to see how the dog behaves in your home environment and gives you time to make sure everyone is compatible. There is never a rush to push a dog in to a new home so take your time. After all, this is a lifetime commitment!
If everything has gone well, CONGRATULATIONS! Your new dog can now start the transition into his/her forever home with you! We will meet with you to complete the adoption process, collect the adoption donation and exchange all necessary paperwork.
I hold each and every dog in high regard and am always here to answer any questions or address any concerns regarding your new family member. My hope is that every home I place a dog in becomes their forever home. However, I understand that circumstances can change. In the event things don't work out, a dog is welcomed back with open arms, whether it's been five days or five years since adoption.
For over twenty years Local Dog Rescue has been a regional leader in spay/neuter advocacy for companion animals adopted from rescues and shelters. All dogs adopted from LDR are spayed or neutered prior to adoption; this cost is included in the adoption fee.
*As of 2020, as a precaution only, LDR no longer participates in the pediatric spaying/neutering of pups under the age of five months due to studies indicating potential health risks of altering pups at such a young age. While I generally no longer take in young puppies, if a pup under the age of six months happens to become available for adoption the adopter must agree to allow all necessary arrangements for spay/neuter (vet appt, transporation) to be made by LDR at the appropriate time.
All dogs are microchipped prior to adoption; this cost is included in the adoption fee. LDR is permanently listed on the chip as the primary rescue, and adopters are added as the "primary adopter" and can also list an alternate contact. This is done as a safeguard so that should something happen to an adopter (ie. hospitalization, accident), or to one of our dogs (ie. dumped or surrendered to another rescue, shelter or pound), we can be contacted to care for or reclaim the dog. LDR is committed to our dogs for life!
City of Thunder Bay bylaw requires all dogs (and cats) living within the city to be licensed. As all of our dogs are spayed/neutered and microchipped, you are entitled to a "lifetime license" for a one-time fee of $15. As part of your adoption you agree to get your city license as soon as possible after adoption.