At Pulled From The Pits (PFTP), our goal is to place every dog in a safe, loving, and permanent home. Many of the dogs who come into our care have experienced neglect, abandonment, overcrowded shelters, inconsistent veterinary care, or other significant transitions.

Our adoption policies are not intended to make adoption difficult. They are designed to protect our dogs, adopters, and existing household pets while giving every placement the best opportunity to succeed.

Please review these policies carefully before applying to adopt.

To be considered for adoption:

• All dogs and cats currently living in the home must be spayed or neutered.
• Resident pets must be current on appropriate core vaccinations, including:
  
  • Rabies
  • DHPP/DAPP (Distemper/Parvo)
• Dogs should be maintained on consistent heartworm prevention.
• Flea and tick prevention should be consistently maintained.

Applicants must be able to provide:

• Veterinary records
• Proof of current vaccinations
• Veterinarian contact information for reference verification

These requirements help protect the health and safety of both the adopted dog and the animals already living in the home.

We do not conduct "Meet and Greets" 

PFTP is a foster-based rescue, which means our dogs live in private foster homes rather than at a central shelter where potential adopters can visit them at any time.

Whenever possible, we hold adoption events where approved adopters have opportunities to meet some of our available dogs. However, not every dog will be available at every event, and a brief meeting does not always provide an accurate picture of what a dog will be like once comfortable in a home.

At an event, a dog may be:

• Excited or overstimulated
• Nervous or unsure
• Distracted by other dogs and people
• Behaving differently than they would in a comfortable home environment

For this reason, our adoption process is designed to give adopters the opportunity to truly get to know their dog in a home environment.

Once adopted, we ask that the dog be given appropriate time to decompress and settle in, followed by slow and thoughtful introductions to other animals and household members.

We also ask adopters to remain in communication with PFTP throughout this process so we can provide guidance and support when needed.

Bringing a new dog home is a major transition. Even confident and social dogs need time to adjust to new people, animals, routines, smells, and surroundings.

There is no universal timeline for decompression. Depending on the dog and household, adjustment may take days, weeks, or even months.

During the adjustment period:

• Give your new dog a quiet, secure space to settle in.
• Introduce household members gradually.
• Introduce resident dogs slowly and with both dogs appropriately controlled.
• Keep dogs leashed during initial introductions.
• Supervise interactions between animals for at least the first several weeks.
• Keep the new dog leashed when initially introducing them to cats.
• Feed animals separately, preferably in separate spaces.
• Do not leave newly introduced animals together unsupervised until you are confident they can safely coexist.
• Contact PFTP with questions or concerns rather than allowing a problem to escalate.

Please do not rush the process. Patience, structure, and gradual introductions can make an enormous difference in the success of an adoption.

PFTP does not perform formal cat testing, and behavior around cats or other small animals cannot be guaranteed.

When bringing a PFTP dog into a home with cats or other small animals:

• All initial interactions must be directly supervised.
• The dog should be physically controlled during introductions.
• Animals must be securely separated whenever no one is available to supervise.
• A crate alone is not considered sufficient separation during the initial adjustment period. Securely closed rooms should be used when necessary.

Even a dog who initially appears calm around a cat may behave differently as they become more comfortable in the home. Careful management is essential while compatibility is evaluated.

• Standard dogs: $575
• Extra-large breeds, including Great Danes and Mastiffs: $775
  
  • This fee includes preventative gastropexy surgery.

Adoption fees help offset expenses incurred before adoption, including:

• Veterinary care
• Vaccinations and testing
• Transportation
• Quarantine expenses
• Preventative care
• Martingale collar

Rescue expenses begin long before a dog is adopted. Adoption fees allow PFTP to continue providing care for dogs currently in rescue while making room to help additional dogs in need.

A $100 non-refundable deposit may be required to hold a dog who is still out of state and has not yet arrived in Maine.

The deposit:

• Reserves the dog for the approved adopter while the dog is awaiting transport to Maine.
• Is applied toward the total adoption fee.
• Is non-refundable.
• Is only applicable to dogs who have not yet arrived in Maine.

Dogs who are already in Maine are not held with a $100 deposit.

• Full payment is required before the dog is released.
• Payment plans are not available.
• Accepted payment methods are:
  
  • Venmo
  • Cash

We understand that even with careful screening and thoughtful matching, not every adoption will ultimately be the right fit.

Our priority is to make thoughtful, lasting placements while giving adopters the support and opportunity needed to determine whether a dog is a good fit for their household.

If concerns arise after bringing your dog home, please communicate with PFTP as soon as possible.

Many behaviors seen during the first several days are related to stress and adjustment. We may be able to help with decompression strategies, introductions, management, or other concerns.

The $100 reservation deposit for an out-of-state dog is non-refundable.

If the adoption does not work out after the dog arrives in Maine, the $100 deposit will not be returned.

Any additional refund will be determined according to the adoption agreement and applicable return period.

If no $100 deposit was paid prior to the dog's arrival in Maine, the following refund policy applies:

If, after appropriate decompression and integration, it becomes clear that the placement is not the right fit:

• Up to 75% of the adoption fee may be refunded.
• The adopter must contact PFTP promptly and remain in communication throughout the process.
• The dog must be returned to PFTP in good condition.
• Appropriate decompression, supervision, and introduction procedures must have been followed.
• There must be no injuries or veterinary concerns resulting from negligence while the dog was in the adopter's care.

Adoption fees are non-refundable after 7 days.

PFTP's commitment to our dogs does not end after seven days. If an adopter can no longer keep a PFTP dog, the rescue must still be contacted so appropriate arrangements can be made for the dog's return.

Returning a dog to PFTP and receiving an adoption-fee refund are two separate matters.

Our commitment to accepting our dogs back is lifelong. Eligibility for an adoption-fee refund is limited to the terms and timeframes outlined above.

Every dog adjusts differently. If you are approaching the end of the seven-day period and feel you need additional time to determine whether the placement is right, contact PFTP before the seven-day period expires.

When an adopter has remained in communication with us and is appropriately following decompression and introduction recommendations, PFTP may agree to extend the evaluation period.

Any extension and applicable refund terms must be discussed and agreed upon with PFTP before the original return period ends.

A refund may be reduced or denied if:

• Required decompression or introduction procedures were not followed.
• PFTP was not contacted when significant concerns arose.
• The dog was injured while in the adopter's care.
• The dog requires veterinary treatment because of adopter negligence.
• The terms of the adoption agreement were otherwise violated.

Once an adoption is finalized, adopters should be prepared to bring their dog home promptly.

Pickup is generally expected within 48 hours of the finalized adoption.

Pickup timing will depend upon:

• Transportation schedules
• Required Maine quarantine
• The dog's availability for release

If an adopter cannot pick up their dog as scheduled:

• A $50 per day boarding fee may apply.
• Failure to arrange pickup or pay applicable boarding expenses may result in cancellation of the adoption and forfeiture of any deposit.

Transport and boarding space are limited. Timely pickup helps dogs transition into their homes as quickly as possible and allows rescue resources to remain available for other dogs in need.

Dogs transported into Maine must complete applicable quarantine requirements before being released for adoption.

Under PFTP's current requirements:

• Dogs 6 months and older: 48-hour quarantine
• Dogs under 6 months: 5-day quarantine

Dogs will be released only after completing the required quarantine period and when no medical concerns requiring continued observation have been identified.

PFTP provides extensive veterinary care before adoption whenever a dog's age and circumstances allow.

Dogs over six months of age imported into Maine are tested for:

• Heartworm
• Lyme disease
• Ehrlichia
• Anaplasma
• Intestinal parasites

Dogs also receive age-appropriate vaccinations, which may include:

• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Leptospirosis
• Bordetella/kennel cough
• Parvovirus
• Rabies

Because of their age, puppies may:

• Be too young for certain testing.
• Have an incomplete vaccination series at adoption.
• Require additional vaccines after adoption.
• Require follow-up fecal testing or parasite treatment.

Following adoption, the adopter is responsible for:

• Establishing ongoing veterinary care
• Completing any remaining vaccination series
• Obtaining follow-up fecal testing when recommended
• Completing any necessary parasite treatment
• Maintaining appropriate preventative care

PFTP begins heartworm prevention for dogs of an appropriate age before placement.

Because heartworm infection may not become detectable until months after exposure, particularly in young dogs, adopters are strongly encouraged to establish care with their veterinarian promptly after adoption.

Following adoption, maintaining consistent, veterinarian-approved heartworm prevention becomes the adopter's responsibility.

PFTP cannot be responsible for heartworm infection occurring after placement because preventative medication was not consistently maintained.

PFTP provides preventative flea and tick treatment whenever possible.

Because many rescue dogs come from environments where consistent preventative care was unavailable, complete resolution of fleas, ticks, or related concerns may take time.

Adopters are responsible for continuing appropriate flea and tick prevention after adoption in consultation with their veterinarian.

Every PFTP dog and puppy leaves rescue with a properly fitted martingale collar.

A $25 collar fee is included in the adoption cost.

Recently transported or newly adopted dogs may become frightened, overstimulated, or attempt to escape even when they have previously appeared calm.

Martingale collars provide additional security during this high-risk transition period and help reduce the risk of a dog slipping out of a traditional collar.

All resident dogs and cats in an adopter's home must already be spayed or neutered.

When a PFTP animal is legally permitted to be adopted before being spayed or neutered, a refundable spay/neuter deposit is required before the animal is released.

This requirement is non-negotiable.

The adopter must:

• Pay the required spay/neuter deposit before taking possession of the animal.
• Bring the animal to the veterinarian designated by PFTP.
• Attend the surgery appointment scheduled by the rescue.
• Notify PFTP immediately if an issue prevents attendance.

PFTP determines the appropriate timing of surgery based upon veterinary recommendations.

Occasionally, circumstances outside PFTP's control may require a veterinary appointment to be changed with short notice. We will notify adopters as soon as we are made aware of a change and appreciate their patience and flexibility.

After the required surgery has been completed:

• The spay/neuter deposit will be refunded within approximately two weeks.
• Applicable payment-processing fees may be deducted from the refund.
• The refund will generally be returned using the original payment method.

Failure to comply with the required spay/neuter agreement may result in PFTP:

• Reclaiming the animal
• Withholding funds paid
• Pursuing associated transportation or legal expenses when necessary

PFTP does not adopt sibling puppies together due to concerns associated with raising two same-age littermates together.

Potential behavioral and developmental concerns can include:

• Excessive dependence on one another
• Difficulty bonding independently with people
• Anxiety when separated
• Socialization difficulties
• Conflict or aggression as the dogs mature

While these issues do not occur in every pair of siblings, PFTP believes each puppy has the best opportunity to develop confidence, independence, and a healthy relationship with their family when placed separately.

PFTP remains committed to our dogs for their entire lives.

If at any point you are no longer able to keep your adopted dog, PFTP must be contacted before other arrangements are made.

A PFTP dog may not be independently:

• Rehomed
• Given away or transferred to another individual
• Surrendered to another shelter or rescue
• Euthanized without first contacting PFTP, except when emergency veterinary circumstances make prior communication impossible

If another individual wishes to assume ownership of the dog, that person must first complete PFTP's adoption approval process.

We never want one of our dogs to end up in an unsafe or inappropriate situation because an adopter's circumstances have changed. Please contact us so we can help determine the appropriate next step.

PFTP provides potential adopters with as much information as reasonably possible about each dog.

However:

• PFTP does not routinely perform DNA testing.
• Breed identification is based on available information and physical characteristics and cannot be guaranteed.
• Ages are estimates unless reliable records are available.
• Behavior observed in a foster home, shelter, adoption event, or other environment does not guarantee how a dog will behave in another setting.
• Appropriate supervision around children and other animals is always recommended.

A rescue dog's personality and behavior may continue to change as they become comfortable in a stable home and routine.

Dogs in rescue are generally fed donated, age-appropriate dry dog food. Because food brands may change, adopters should expect that some dogs may experience temporary digestive upset during transition.

It can be helpful to have the following available:

• Plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling
• White rice
• Plain boiled chicken
• Fresh water at all times

During the first several days:

• Avoid excessive treats.
• Avoid table scraps.
• Make dietary changes gradually whenever possible.
• Allow your dog's digestive system time to adjust.

Stress, transportation, environmental changes, and dietary changes can all contribute to temporary stomach upset.

Contact your veterinarian if gastrointestinal symptoms are significant, persistent, or concerning.

Adoption approval is based on several factors, including:

• Veterinary references
• Personal references
• Accuracy and completeness of the application
• The needs of the individual dog
• PFTP's determination that the placement is appropriate

Approval of an application does not guarantee adoption of a particular dog.

PFTP reserves the right to decline or discontinue an adoption at any point before placement when we believe doing so is in the best interest of the dog.

Please communicate directly with Pulled From The Pits regarding:

• Applications
• Adoption decisions
• Questions about available dogs
• Concerns during decompression
• Behavioral or adjustment concerns
• Returns or changes in circumstances

Applicants should not independently contact:

• Foster homes
• Sending shelters
• Partner rescues

Our foster homes, sending shelters, and rescue partners are often managing many animals and responsibilities. Centralizing communication through PFTP allows us to provide accurate information while respecting their time and privacy.

Adopting a rescue dog is incredibly rewarding, but it also requires patience, commitment, and realistic expectations.

Please remember:

• Rescue dogs need time to adjust.
• A dog's behavior during the first few days may not represent their long-term personality.
• Slow introductions and appropriate supervision are essential.
• Decompression may take days, weeks, or sometimes months.
• Communication with PFTP is especially important during the transition period.
• Adopters are responsible for continuing appropriate veterinary and preventative care.
• Adoption fees help support the veterinary care, transportation, quarantine, and ongoing rescue work necessary to save dogs.
• PFTP remains committed to our dogs throughout their lives.

Policies may be updated as rescue needs, veterinary recommendations, or legal requirements change. The current adoption contract and PFTP policies govern all adoptions, and PFTP retains final discretion regarding adoption decisions.

Our goal is not simply to have a dog leave our rescue. Our goal is to create safe, thoughtful, and lasting matches while making sure both the dog and adopter have the support they need throughout the transition.

Thank you for choosing rescue and for taking the time to understand the responsibilities that come with welcoming a Pulled From The Pits dog into your family.