FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who runs Determined to Rise Animal Foundation (DTRAF)?
DTR was founded by Manda, and is now owned and managed exclusively by Manda and Sam. We run this rescue with the help of our family, friends, volunteers, and donors. 

Do you adopt out of state/outside of the three-mile radius?
We strongly believe in rescuing locally and adopting locally, but yes - we will adopt out of state on a case-by-case basis. Only some dogs are candidates, and we make that decision based on the the animal's needs and the cooperation of the potential adopter. 

How much are adoption fees, and why do I even have to pay them?
Our adoption fees range from $350 (the lowest, which is for senior pets or hospice animals) to $950 (which is the highest, and is for designer/purebred puppies that we rescue from puppy mills, fully vet, and perform necessary surgeries on). DTR operates exclusively on donations and adoption fees, so these fees are crucial to the success and longevity of our mission. 

 

Additionally, we are a medical-focused rescue, so (with limited exceptions) our animals usually require immediate medical care that ranges from $1000 - $2000 at a minimum. So while the adoption fee you pay may not go directly toward recouping the cost of the animal YOU adopt, it is a critical part of our mission to save as many abused, neglected, and homeless animals as possible. Without those funds, we would not be able to maintain our facilities and save animals that require more than just vaccines, spays, and neuters. 

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If I currently foster, can I still adopt?

Yes! If you are looking to adopt, fostering is the best way to get started. Our fosters have five days to decide if they want to "foster fail" the dog they are fostering. Fostering first means they get the first choice before the dog gets listed on our website and applications are processed!

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I filled out an application, so I get the dog, right?

No. While we will always do our best to honor every approved application we receive, we do not work on a first-come-first-serve basis and our goal is always to connect an animal with the home that is the best fit for them. We have years of experience matching dogs and cats with ideal home situations, and we are committed to getting animals into homes that will keep them healthy and happy for the rest of their lives. Click here to review our Adoption Guidelines. 

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Do I have to complete the entire application to be considered?

Yes! We only process fully-completed apps, and an application must be approved in order to be considered. The more thoroughly filled-out the application, the better chance it has of being approved. We pride ourselves on being able to find the best match for each of our animals, and that can only be done when we know as much as possible about you and your household. 

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Can we have a phone call before I apply?

Unfortunately, no. DTR is run exclusively by volunteers with limited time, and we are unable to have phone interviews with individuals who do not have applications on file. If you have questions about a specific pet, please check out their adoption profile and then fill out an application. A member of the DTR team will then get back to you and answer any inquiries you may have!

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Should I apply to adopt a pet if I'm not ready to take it home yet?

No. Our mission at DTR is to get pets into their forever homes as soon as we find a good match, so please do not apply for a pet unless you are prepared to be contacted and potentially take the animal home within 48 hours. DTR always has many animals in our rescue and many more waiting to come in, so "holding" animals for potential adopters is not an option. Holding animals would prevent us from being able to take another that is in need. When you are ready and prepared to take a pet into your home, apply! 

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Can I surrender my pet or a stray I found to DTR?

Yes - DTR does accept applications for owner surrenders and strays. If you have an animal that you need to give up or have found, please fill out our surrender application here. 

 

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