Recent Adopter FAQs

We get varying levels of information about dogs before they come into our rescue. Some may have been stray dogs, while others may have been owner surrenders. As part of the adoption process, we share everything we know about your dog with you prior to adoption.

Remember, many of our dogs receive multiple applications, so we are not able to guarantee a dog’s availability until your application is fully approved and your application is next in line. We work through applications in the order they are received until we find the right fit.

Please only fill out an application if you’re serious about adopting! We are all volunteers who spend hours processing more than 300 applications each month.

The adoption folder sent home with you has all the medical paperwork we have on your dog. On the front of the folder you will find the dates that the dog was last given flea, tick and heartworm prevention. You will also find the date for when Drontal (a generic dewormer) was administered. Inside the envelope you will find all of the dog’s other paper records including information such as when your dog was spayed or neutered, when your dog’s rabies vaccine was given, dates other required vaccines were given (including Bortedella and DHPP), when your dog was last tested for Lyme, Heartworm, Platys, Ewingii, intestinal parasites, and your dog’s microchip ID (if applicable). It is very important that you schedule a first appointment for your dog with your veterinarian so that they can discuss next steps and get them seen on a routine basis. Ideally this should be within two weeks of your adoption date.

While your pup was tested for a variety of flea, tick and mosquito-borne illness prior to adoption, dogs are always as risk of coming into contact with an infected insect. Therefore, all dogs should be given regular preventative medication in order to minimize their risk of getting highly preventable diagnoses such as Lyme Disease or Heartworm. Using preventatives will greatly minimize the risk of your pup contracting a flea, tick or mosquito-borne illness. Your vet may have multiple options for flea, tick and heartworm prevention such as a monthly/quarterly chewable or a yearly injection.

House training a dog can be very successful if you stick to a routine. Be sure to take your dog out frequently (especially after playing and eating), watch for signs that they might need to go and use praise when they go outside rather than punish when they have accidents. It’s important to be patient while your dog transitions into their new life. Read more Potty Training tips.

Yes! We highly recommend crate training your dog if it’s something you’re comfortable with. Crates can be a safe haven for dogs, can help make potty training go more smoothly and prepare your dog for travel. Read more in this blog.

It is very important for you to teach kids of all ages how to positively interact with dogs. It is always the responsibility of an adult to monitor interactions between dogs and children of any age. Some simple steps to manage child and dog interactions can be found here.

Each dog will have specific needs and preferences. If the dog was known to have a specific food before, your screener will let you know this. Otherwise, if you are introducing a new dog food, your dog may experience an upset stomach. Mixing a tablespoon of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) into your dog’s food can help during this adjustment period. Additionally, a bland diet such as white rice and boiled chicken can assist with digestive upset. For specific recommendations, please consult your veterinarian.

Some dogs adjust very quickly but some need some time to adjust to their new life with you. Please be patient and understanding and be aware of the 3-3-3 rule.

• • First 3 days: Your dog may be anxious, not yet comfortable, may not eat or drink a lot, may not be very social and may test boundaries. Be patient and give them space.

• After 3 weeks: Your dog will likely start to settle in, start to show his true personality, feel more comfortable, and get into a routine. During this time, behavior issues may show up.

• After 3 months: Your dog will likely feel very comfortable in their home, be set in a routine and be bonded with you. For some dogs this may take longer so please be patient and supportive.

We will tell you everything we know about their dog prior to adoption. Keep in mind that every environment is different. While we may have great feedback from one of our CT foster homes about a dog, their behaviors in your home may vary, including but not limited to, house training, manners, behaviors with children, and behaviors towards other dogs or household animals.

Yes! Going to a training class or hiring a trainer to come to your house is always smart. This will teach you valuable skills to work with your dog, and teach your dog how to positively behave as well. To search for a certified dog trainer and behaviorist near you click here.

Yes! We have a Facebook group called “Dog Star Alum!” and we encourage you to join. This is a membership-only group so please request to join it if you haven’t already. You will need to provide the DSR name of your dog and agree to the membership questions.

Yes! We frequently have dog-friendly events at our headquarters so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check our website for upcoming social events.