As a potential adopter you first need to create an account on this website and complete your adopter profile. When your profile is complete, check out the dogs that are available for adoption, and after thoughtful consideration, click the ‘Apply to Adopt’ button. You can then see your application(s) on your 'Applications' page under ‘Dashboard’.
We will contact shortlisted applicants via the preferred contact method listed in your profile. Processing times for application review will vary depending on interest, but generally will be shorter if there is only one applicant (about 3 days). Once we have chosen the adopter, to consider the adoption complete, we require the $175US adoption fee be paid in full.
If the adopter is located in Canada or the US, the next step is to find transport. Whether via air or by car, we estimate that the cost of transport would be between $100-250USD. An adult dog can be transported as soon as it has been spayed or neutered and has received all its vaccines. Since puppies finish their vaccination schedule around 3 months of age, but cannot be spayed or neutered until they are at least 4 months old, we offer 2 options: We can wait until they have been sterilized and recovered, at about 4.5 months, or we can find transport for when they are 3 months but have not been sterilized yet. If an adopter chooses to get the puppy before sterilization, we ask that they cover the cost of sterilization themselves and have it done before they are 9 months old.
Rest assured that we will be communicating with you throughout this entire process to answer any questions you may have.
Note: Sometimes you might browse a dog and see the applications have been paused. This can happen when a new dog needs a little more time before being ready for applications (e.g., for recovery or treatment), or when a dog has received enough interest and has a likely adopter lined up.
This is a list of typical expenses for each dog we take into our program ($USD):
We believe pet ownership takes all forms! Our main criteria for an adopter is that they at least have a support system who can help with the dog if they fall on hard times, that they have no history of animal neglect or abuse, and that they are willing to do whatever it takes to give their dog the best life possible.
Our adoption fee is $175 (USD).
Baja Pet Rescue was founded in March of 2020, while we initially wanted to be able to focus on both rescue and spay/neuter efforts in the community, we quickly realized how challenging both things are. In January 2021 we decided to focus our efforts solely on rescue. To date, we have taken over 170 dogs off the street and put them into good homes, with a small percentage being humanely euthanized as a last resort to prevent further suffering.
This is on a case by case basis. Typically for adult dogs, we wait two weeks post intake to ensure they are healthy and do not have any adverse reaction to their vaccinations. If an adult comes in and is sick, they have to finish their treatment and be vaccinated before we can open adoptions for that animal.
For puppies, we wait until they are at least 8 weeks before we open adoptions, however, they have to wait until they are at least 12 weeks before they can travel internationally.
Due to Danielle having a cat allergy, we cannot take on cats unless there is a long term foster available. We do not have experience with larger animals as well, so we cannot take on larger animals at this time.
Most of our dogs travel by air or by car. When a dog travels by air, we are required to find them an escort who can bring them through customs. If you are receiving your dog via air transport, you are required to pay for the cost of your dog's ticket.
Occasionally we get lucky, especially at the end of the season, and find people who are willing to drive dogs up and drop them off along their route home. These people are agreeing to care for an animal while on the road and find accommodations that are pet friendly. While there is not necessarily a cost associated with this, we do ask that the adopter offer the transporter gas money.
If you are unsure if you can keep the dog, we ask that you contact us immediately. In most large cities we have a large base of support and can find someone who can foster while we look for a new home for them. In the case that we cannot find anyone, we ask that you surrender them to a local rescue.
The questions in the adopter profile are typical questions found on many dog adoption application forms. These questions really help us learn about your personality and lifestyle so we can match you with a suitable dog. The profile only needs to be completed once and can be used for multiple applications, which saves you time. You can also easily edit it if necessary.