FAQ

We are a foster-based rescue, meaning that our dogs are not in a shelter.  Arizona Poodle Rescue has an incredible network of foster volunteers throughout the greater Phoenix area, that take care of our dogs in their own homes until they find their forever home.

Please start by filling out our ADOPTION APPLICATION.  The application is our way of matching potential adopters with our dogs. Our applications team will review it, then contact your personal references, as applicable. Upon completion, our home visit team will assign a volunteer to visit your home. Following a successful home visit, our adoption coordinator will reach out to discuss which dog you are interested in.

A home visit is an informal opportunity for us to get to know you, your lifestyle, and your home environment so that we can assist in determining which dog(s) may be a good fit. We can also help identify items that may be a safety concern for your new dog. This is also a great face-to-face opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.

You can meet our dogs in one of two ways – become approved to adopt or attend an event. Most of our dogs are in foster homes, so out of respect for their time, we only ask them to conduct meetings with approved adopters. Foster volunteers are asked to bring dogs to events as their availability allows. Note that not all available dogs will be at all events.

Most applications can be completed within one week. There are some things you can do that will help keep the process moving. Watch your email closely, including junk/spam folders – if we need to contact you regarding an issue, we will reach out via email. Let all your listed references know that we will be contacting them and ask them to be responsive to us. Finally, be flexible with your availability for a home visit.

Our main goal is to find a home that will be a good fit for each dog. Our Adoption Coordinator works closely with our foster homes to determine if an approved application can meet the specific needs of the dog they are interested in. An adopter is chosen because they are the best fit for the dog.

It is important to have your home ready for your new dog before he/she arrives.  If you have other pets or small children you may want to have a small quiet “safe place” for the dog to become used to being in a new place.  They may need a few days to adjust.  Please have a water bowl, food, a comfortable bed (king with soft pillows preferred), possibly a crate (large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in), a leash and an abundance of patience.   If you’re interested in more information, please go to the Adoption Kit under our Adopt tab.

Most dogs have been housebroken as they have been in foster homes.  It is always best when bring home a new dog to initially treat them as a new puppy.  Just because we understand that the rug in the dining room is not a lawn and a place to go potty, our new dog might not understand this simple fact.  Bring them into your yard and stay with them until they become familiar.  Take them out regularly and praise them as soon as they do their business.  Also, don’t allow your new dog to have a total run of the house the minute they arrive.  Use baby gates or closed doors to ensure accidents don’t happen.

Yes!  We do our best to find the right match between dog and adopter.  Sometimes it just doesn’t turn out to be a good fit.  Please contact us right away.  The Dog may be returned within (14) days and the adoption fee, minus $50, will be refunded.  After fourteen (14) days from the date of the adoption the fee will not be returned.

We only adopt in the state of Arizona.

Arizona Poodle Rescue dogs are spayed or neutered and are current on vaccinations.  Not all dogs are vet checked prior to adoption unless there are signs of illness.  The adopter agrees to have the dog vet checked by the adopter’s personal veterinarian within a 14 day period.  Should medical issues arise the dog may be returned to APR and the adoption fee will be reimbursed.  APR will not pay for any vet fees after the adoption contract is executed unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. There is no guarantee or warranty of any kind in connection with any medical and/or dental conditions and/or expenses; past, present or future.

Adoption fees range from $250 to $950 depending on the size, age and breed of the dog.

The backbone of our success is reliant on the amazing community of fosters and volunteers who help our animals along their journey to a better life. To foster, please complete an application which can be found on our FOSTER page.