Adopt
The adoption process generally takes between two and four weeks to complete. We are an all-volunteer organization and have to work a very in-depth process into our already busy lives. We do this because it is important to us that our Saints find the right homes, and hope that you understand and are patient with us.
The adoption application fee is $25 (application fee will be applied if you are approved). $25 will NOT be returned if your application is NOT approved, we will consider it as a donation.
The adoption fee for most dogs is $500. Some dogs have a lower adoption fee based on a variety of factors.
Adoption FAQs
Why does my application take so long to process?
There are many variables regarding how long an application can take to process – we are an all-volunteer organization, so processing applications is fit in around jobs, families, and other obligations. We promise we are working on applications as quickly as possible! Another factor that can affect how long an application takes is waiting to hear back from references. You can speed this process up by letting your references know that we will be calling. We ask that you do the same with your vet’s office if you have pets currently. Filling out the application fully and completely helps us process applications as well, so we do not have to track down information such as your vet’s phone number.
How do I know if the dog I am interested in is still available for adoption?
Check out their profile on our website – some dogs will have a notation of Adoption pending – this means that they are about to be adopted, but have not been quite yet (usually due to medical care that is not completed). We make every effort to keep our website up to date.
The dog that I want to adopt is still available and I am approved, however it has been suggested that this dog might not be a good match, why is that?
Our goal is to match the right dog to the right house. If we feel a particular dog is not a good match for your house, we will make suggestions for other dogs that are a better match. We understand that it can be disappointing to fall in love with a dog on the website, and not be able to bring them home with you, however we want to make sure you take the perfect-for-your-family dog home! If a particular dog is not a good fit for you and your family, we will work with you to find the right dog.
What happens if more than one approved family wants to adopt the same dog?
If there is more than one approved family interested in adopting the same dog, the first step is to determine if one of the adopters would not be a good fit for the dog. If more than one home is determined to be a good fit for the dog, we will determine if the dog is better suited to one home or the other. All other things being equal, we will offer the chance to adopt a particular dog to the family who submitted an application first.
My application was approved, but the dog that I was interested in has already been adopted and none of the other dogs in rescue would be a good fit for my family – what now?
Never fear! Once you are approved, you are approved! If you move, we would need to do a new home visit at your new home before you adopt, but your approval is still good. We get new dogs into rescue all of the time!
$500 seems like a lot for an adoption fee – why is it so high?
On average, we spend $1100 per dog on medical costs before they are adopted! This includes neutering or spaying if needed, a gastropexy, vaccinations, worming, and any other needed procedures, such as dental cleanings, etc. As a donation funded non-profit we have set our adoption fees to help us recoup the cost of medical care for the dogs so that we can continue to save more dogs!
Do you offer reduced adoption fees?
Some dogs have lower adoption fees based on a variety of factors, however we cannot reduce the posted adoption fee for any dogs in rescue.
I’m approved! How can I meet the dog(s) I am interested in?
We try to have regular meet and greets in the Denver metro area – Covid19 has put a damper on many of these plans. We can arrange for approved adopters to meet individual dogs at neutral locations such as parks.
I brought home my dream rescue Saint, and it feels a bit overwhelming – I don’t know how to deal with some of the behaviors I am seeing – what should I do?
Call or email us! The first few weeks with a rescue dog can feel a bit overwhelming, for both you and the dog! Many of our dogs did not have loving homes before coming into rescue, and then after settling into their foster homes, they are now in a new home! It can take time for them to adjust to your family, home, and schedule. If you are seeing undesirable behaviors, please let us know, so that we can make recommendations on how to address the problem.
My family experienced a major life change, and we can no longer keep our rescue Saint. What should we do?
When a dog comes into Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue, we make a lifelong commitment to them. We hope that our adoptive families do as well, however, we recognize that sometimes life circumstances are beyond our control. If, for any reason, you are unable to keep and care for your rescue Saint, you must return the dog to Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue. We will then find the dog a new loving home.
Saint Bernard Lover
By giving an orphan a new “LEASH” on life, you give them a chance to show you how wonderful they are. Most of all, you show them just how wonderful YOU are. The following will explain the adoption process and national guidelines for adoption. Guidelines for adopting a Saint Bernard from us include:
- To be part of the family and considered a family member.
- Fenced yards are preferred. If you do not have a fully fenced yard, please let us know how you plan to ensure that your Saint gets enough exercise.
- Home checks are done prior to placing the Saint with their new family.
- The new family must agree to keep their new Saint current on heartworm preventative in accordance with their vets’ advice.
- You must be able to understand the nutritional needs of a giant breed and be willing/able to accommodate their dietary needs.
- All current pets in the home must be spayed/neutered prior to placement of the adopted Saint.
- The new family must agree to keep current identification on their new Saint at all times.
- The new family must fill out an Adoption Application and sign an Adoption Contract.
- The new family must be willing to pay the adoption fee.
- Some knowledge of giant breeds (not required) is a plus.
- If you are a renter, we will need to speak to your landlord to verify that you are allowed to have a Saint.
Colorado St. Bernard Rescue’s procedure for adoption:
Step 1: Fill out & return adoption application – be as detailed and complete as possible. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Once we receive your application we will verify your references and arrange for a volunteer to do step 2. Please do not list a PO Box on your application. We do require a physical address listed on the application.
Step 2: Home visit/personal interview – this part is easy. A CSBR volunteer will call you to make an appointment to come and do your personal interview and make sure your home is ready for a Saint. We use the information gathered to do step 3.
Step 3: Meeting with dogs – this part is fun. CSBR will take all the information gathered and put it together to help you choose a dog. We are more of a matchmaking service than anything else. We want to make sure that the dog you finally choose will be a match for your home and lifestyle. Once you have chosen a dog, we move on to step 4.
Step 4: Sign adoption contract and pay the adoption fee. At this point, you become a Saint Bernard owner!
Why should you go through all this trouble for a dog?
Well, this is an excellent question! Adding a new dog to your life should be a well thought out, educated decision. Not an impulse purchase! When you adopt an animal, you should be willing to commit to that animal for its entire life. All of the Saints we get into the program have been through at least one home. We place these dogs into homes that we feel will care for them for the rest of their lives. Our screening process has yours and the dogs best interest at heart. We want to match you and the dog perfectly. Our adoption process is in-depth and can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months depending on your preferences and the dogs’ needs. This is an organization staffed completely by volunteers, so please be patient. Remember, anything worth having is worth waiting for!
How to apply?
Please fill out the adoption application below. If for some reason you cannot fill out the application online, please email us at cosaintrescue@gmail.com and we can help!
Review these requirements before filling out the adoption application
- Research about Saint Bernards.
- The new family must understand that this is a lifelong commitment to Saint Bernard. If for any reason, you are no longer able to keep your adopted Saint Bernard, that Saint Bernard MUST come back to CSBR.
- The new family must have never been convicted of any animal abuse laws.
- The new family must understand the health costs of a Saint Bernard and agree to keep Saint Bernard up to date on vaccines.
- The new family must agree to keep their new Saint Bernard current on heartworm preventative in accordance with their vet’s advice.
- The new family must understand the training requirements of a Saint Bernard- NO pinch collars, choke chains, or shock collars.
- All animals in your home must be spayed/neutered prior to your application.
- The new family must be willing to keep their Saint Bernard indoors unless supervised, especially in extreme hot or cold temperatures.
- The new family must understand the nutritional needs of a Saint Bernard and be willing/able to accommodate their dietary needs.
- The new family must agree to keep current identification on their new Saint Bernard at all times.
- You must gain permission from the landlord if renting. You must provide landlords name and phone number.
- The applicant must agree to a home check.
- All adopting individuals must be at least 21 years of age.
- The applicant must be able to pay the adoption fee of $500
- The applicant must live in Colorado year round.