Our goal is to find the best homes possible for our CockerKids®. Consequently the application and interview process asks many questions of potential adopters. The adoption process starts when you submit an application either online, in the mail or at an adoption event. Please answer every question on the application. Failure to do so slows the application process. If you have difficulty with the online adoption form, please e-mail cockerinfo@swbell.net.

Please note that the adoption contract is a separate document from the application. The contract will be signed at the time you pay the fee and take possession of the dog. You will also need to provide picture identification at the time of adoption. You will know the online application is successfully completed if you see a dog licking the computer screen.

Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas may verify employment, confirm home ownership, contact landlord and/or contact your veterinarian. If a home visit is required it usually takes one to two weeks depending on the availability of a volunteer to conduct the home visit at a time mutually convenient with the applicant. Home visits are done by appointment. We won't just drop in.

If there are questions about your application or clarification is needed, you will be contacted by e-mail or telephone. An interview may be done over the telephone or in person.

Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas has the right to either deny or approve applications without explanation. Approval should not be construed to mean the applicant can select any dog. If we feel a specific dog(s) is not a good match, we may still decline to adopt that particular dog to you.

​Please be patient. Our organization is manned completely by volunteers most of whom work full-time. If you aren't contacted in some manner within three days of submitting the application, please e-mail cockerinfo@swbell.net or leave a message on the hotline at
713-208-1314.
 

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After an applicant is approved a visit to meet the dog(s) in which the applicant is interested can be arranged. Since we do not operate a facility, the best way to meet dogs is to attend an adoption event, or arrange to meet a volunteer or foster parent in an environment that won't be scary for the dog. Foster parents often agree to show the dog(s) they are caring for, but it is at their convenience. Please be considerate of our volunteers' time by being prompt or cancelling appointments in advance. If the dogs in which you are interested are in different foster homes you may have to arrange several visits.

 

We also hold adoption events from time to time throughout the greater Houston area. Adoption locations and times are posted on our FaceBook page. Plan to arrive early during the adoption period to have the best selection. We do not "hold" dogs for more than an hour waiting for a prospective adopter to show up unless special arrangements have been made.

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Finalizing an adoption and taking a dog home

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If you have been pre-approved, you will be permitted to take your "fur baby" home from an adoption event or after meeting with the foster parent. Please come prepared. The dog should have on a collar and a rescue tag. You need:

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• A check, cash or money order for the adoption fee.

• Photo identification.

• Be prepared to sign the adoption contract.

• A leash.

• A crate is advisable to safely transport the dog home in the car, and

• Cleaning supplies - paper towels, plastic bags, wet wipes and/or disinfecting wipes.
   

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• Leave the CSRET tag on the collar until you have a tag made with your phone number(s) and put it on the dog's collar.
  This should be done ASAP.
   

• Should your dog get lost, please let Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas know. Call the hot line at 713-208-1314 to leave a message and
  e-mail cockerinfo@swbell.net .
   

• If you don't receive health records when you pick up the dog you should receive them in the mail within the next two weeks. If not, either call the hot line at 713-208-1314 and leave a message or e-mail cockerinfo@swbell.net.
   

• Make an appointment to take the dog to the vet within the first three weeks you have the dog. You also need to purchase heartworm preventative at this vet visit.
   

• If you adopt a dog who has been through heartworm treatment, it may test positive for heartworms for six months or more. A dog must stay on HeartGard brand heartworm preventative for the first six months after heartworm treatment. After six months you can change to whatever heartworm preventative you choose. If your dog just completed heartworm treatment (you will be told if this is the case) it should not participate in exercise that raises its heart rate such as running or playing fetch.
   

• Should your veterinarian diagnose any major health issues, please contact CSRET before starting treatment. Call the hotline at 713-208-1314, e-mail cockerinfo@swbell.net or contact the foster parent.
   

• If you have any behavior issues or health questions, please feel free to contact CSRET.