Pre-Adoption FAQs

Q:  Why is this animal in your program, and can I get more information about it?
A:  Animals are in our program for various reasons.  Some come from shelters where they are scheduled to be killed, some come in as strays and some are surrendered by their families who no longer want them.  We place them in foster care and rely on their foster parents to provide as much information as possible on them. 

Q:  Can I come to visit your shelter/animals?
A:  Blue Ridge Bull Terrier Club has a group of volunteers who provide foster homes for animals until a permanent home can be found.  We are not a shelter and all of our animals are not kept in one specific place.  However, upon successful completion and approval of your adoption application (including home visit), we will gladly schedule a visit between you and the pet(s) you wish to adopt.

Q: Why should I pay for an animal from your organization when there are so many "Free to a good home" animals available?
A:  Because those "free" animals are going to need vet care that you will have to pay for anyway. Our adoption fees guarantee that the animal has been seen by a licensed vet and has already been given all necessary medical care.
We pride ourselves on making sure that every animal we sponsor gets exceptional care.  Before entering our program, most of the animals have never even been to a vet before.  To bring their medical care up to date costs a considerable amount of money.  In fact,  our vet medical bills normally add up to much more than we are able to recoup through the adoption fee alone.

Q:  How long will the adoption process take and what do I have to do?
A:  The exact amount of time varies with each adoption, but we generally try to move the adoption process along as quickly as possible.  After you complete an online application, you will receive an acknowledgment from us that your application is being processed.  This acknowledgment is a phone call or e-mail. Next your vet will be called to verify all current pets have been spayed/netered, are current on vaccinations (please be sure to let your vet know someone from our organization will be calling), and that both cats and dogs are seen by the vet at least annually.  We also ensure that all dogs are on heartworm medication.  After the Vet Check is completed, we will call your references.  At this point in the process we review all of our dogs and speak with you about ones that fit your home/family situation. If we feel we have a match, a home visit will follow, arranged at a convenient time for you and the volunteer who will visit you.  If all requirements are met, it is just a matter of choosing a date when your new forever friend will be happily placed into your waiting arms.

Q:  Why do you perform home visits, and what is involved?
A:  We perform home visits to ensure we are placing our animals into safe environments.  Many of them come from horrible conditions.  It is our job to place them in better situations where they will be loved and live happy lives.  Additionally, we like to meet the family to ensure this animal will be a good match for you.  Is there enough space for exercise?  Is the house too close to the road?  Is the household too busy for this particular animal?  Bull Terriers will eat just about anything, we will give you advice on things that we feel should be away from their reach etc. WE try to consider all of the factors to help make a FOREVER placement.  A volunteer from our organization will schedule a time to meet with you and will tour your home looking at where the animal will sleep, where the animal will be kept when you’re not home, check for holes in the fence (if applicable), etc.  We are not checking for your style of décor, but rather checking to see if this will be a good match!

Q:  Do I have to fill out a 2nd application if someone else adopts the animal I’m interested in?
A:  No, that isn’t necessary. We will continue to work with you until we have a “fit” for you and your family or until you contact us otherwise.

Q: I submitted an inquiry and/or my application a few days ago. Why haven't I heard anything back yet?
A:  Blue Ridge Bull Terrier Club is a group of volunteers who help out in our spare time. Although we are very dedicated to the animals, we all work, have children or have other commitments in our lives. Please understand that we do try to process inquiries and applications and facilitate adoptions as quickly as humanly possible.

Q: I applied for an animal that you say isn't good with children and/or other pets, but I really like this animal.  If I promise to supervise my kids and/or other pets around this animal, could I adopt it anyway?
A:  We strive for good matches when it comes to pets and potential owners.  Some animals have certain issues that must be taken into consideration.  Although you might have good intentions, it would not be fair to you or the animal for a “mismatched” adoption to occur.

Q:  I would like to take the bull terrier home for a few days to see if it fits in well with my family first.  Could we do this if we’re not sure we will be able to keep it?
A:  It is very stressful for animals to be moved from place to place.  Keep in mind the bullies in our program have already been moved at least once already.  In order to limit the stress the animals will incur, we allow pets to move to their approved homes after the adoption agreement is signed with the commitment to help the animal adjust to its final move in its forever home.  Time can certainly be spent with any animal in our program at its foster home or during the home visit.

Q:  Are there any advantages to adopting an older animal rather than a puppy?
A:  Most often an older animal has already gone through the chewing, house soiling and the craziest of it’s zoomies.  An older animal may adjust to your routine more quickly and, of course, will give you a great deal of loyalty and love.  There are SO many reasons why you should consider an older animal.  Contact us, we’ll tell you why!

Post-Adoption FAQs

Q:  Will I be given information about caring for and feeding my new family member (Bull Terrier) ?
A:  Any information we have about the pet’s background, foster home experience, feeding schedule, and daily routine will be passed on to you through the foster family.  The foster family will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.

Q:  What kinds of things should I purchase from a pet store to get ready?
A:  All of our dogs come with a collar/leash. You will also receive a starter amount of the dog food that is currently being fed. You can use this to transition to whatever brand of food you prefer. Some foster homes provide goodies and a few toys to get you started. Other things you might need immediately would be a crate and transport kennel.

Q:  Are we responsible for veterinary care or do you take care of that?
A:  BRBTC will be responsible for all veterinary care up until the adoption is completed.  At that time we expect you to have a vet lined up to care for your new addition.  We do suggest that all adopted animals have a vet visit within the first month of adoption just for a check up and to establish a relationship with their new doctor.

Q:  How soon will I need to take my pet to the vet, and how will I know what needs to be done?
A:  Your pet will come with a complete medical history. This will include information on any required vet visits that need to be scheduled and when they are due. The medical history will also include instructions on any medications your pet might currently be receiving.

BRBTC always recommends that you take your new pet to the vet for a 'wellness' checkup shortly after your adoption, even if there are no required visits needed. You can take along the information we provided you, and your vet can keep or copy of any papers they might want for their own files.