Adoption process

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.

Meeting dogs

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.

After adoption

Finalizing an adoption and taking a dog home

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:

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.