Advice Needed - Fence Required to Adopt

[Persi&Fam]

Hi all! My husband and I currently have a one and half year old girl boxer and really want to adopt a brother for her. Unfortunately, my application to a rescue was just denied because I don't have a fenced in yard and they require one for multi-dog homes. Is this a common requirement from rescue organizations? I live in a fairly large condo with lots of indoor room for dogs, plus a full basement. We take lots of walks and visit parks so that our girl can get the exercise she needs, but I'm not allowed to add a fence. I'm very disappointed that our application was denied without really considering our entire situation. I'm feeling very discouraged. I really want to adopt instead of getting a puppy, but I'm wondering if I will even be able to. Can you offer any advice? Am I going to get the same requirement from other rescues? Thank you!

 

[threesacrowd]

I have tried to adopt before and yes a fenced yard was a requirment.

 

[Claudia807]

Some rescues require it and some don't (and I would venture to say that ALL rescues would probably love for all adopters to have a fence).

I don't know that rescue's specific policy but usually with multi-dog homes it is extremely difficult when you have two or more dogs and no fence. If you put them on supervised tie-outs, there is a good chance the cables will get insanely tangled and in no time you'll find it frustrating and impractical. Taking multiple dogs out on leash several times a day can also be difficult (particularly in the middle of winter) and impractical.

A lot of times the rescue have simply been burned once too often by people who start letting the dog out off-leash and then something tragic happens.

 

[Brynn1508]

Is that the only rescue in your area?

My rescue requires a fence if there is a child under the age of 8. But we do not require one for multiple dogs. That being said two is one thing- we would not adopt a third without a fence.

We also have a state with a ton of dog parks so that is an easy alternative. Can you respond stating your reasons for wanting a second and how you would handle exercise? Such as trips to a dog park, leashed walks, etc?

 

[Persi&Fam]

It's not the only rescue in our area and I will definitely look into others. I'm just concerned that I'm going to get the same response from all. I agree that a third dog would be a completely different story and definitely recognize that three would be too many in my situation. I also respect Claudia's thoughts, but think that we've thought through the situation thoroughly and are ready for the added responsibility.

In my application I was already aware of their policy, so I did try to thoroughly explain our current practice/plan for walks, trips to parks, etc so that the dog(s) get plenty of exercise. However, this didn't impact their decision. It is at least encouraging to know that fences aren't required everywhere. We will continue to look...

 

[Claudia807]

To the original poster . . . I'll share a little story with you. About five years ago I placed a middle-aged dog with a family that lived in an apartment. They seemed like a great family. They lived on the second floor. They swore up, down, and sideways that they would take Ginger outside dilligently on leash, several times a day. They would take her for walks galore, they said. Within two weeks, they decided that Ginger was qualified to head downstairs by herself to go potty. Ginger promptly pinned a miniature poodle and the apartment complex said she had to go. So she was returned to rescue.

We have also had three dogs hit and killed by cars after placement (even though our policy states that the dog cannot be off-leash except in a fenced area). Imagine the heartbreak of finding a new home for a dog only to have the dog killed.

I guess my point is that every single person who applies to adopt seems very sincere. They all say that they will walk the dog a bazillion times a day. Some even say they will take the dog running. They say that they would never compromise a dog's safety.

You do seem very sincere and dedicated. I guess the problem is that you may be paying for all the lip service that has been paid by applicants before you . . .

 

[Persi&Fam]

Thank you for sharing the story. I have no doubt that there are countless stories like this and they are certainly heart-breaking. I'm not faulting the rescue for their decision. I'm just very disappointed and wondering if I will be able to get a rescue.

 

[4everdogs]

You have to understand that if a rescue is going to have a policy then they have to stick to it no matter the circumstances. If they make an exception for you, then they have to consider who and what they will make exceptions for and how to determined who decides on the exceptions - what one rescue volunteer might think is a good reason - another won't. Then you have the people who found out the rescue made an exception and then expect the rescue to also make an exception for them.
It is much easier for all involved that if a rescue has a policy in place to stick to it and not make exceptions. It is unfortunate in your situation, but I can completely understand the rescues point of view.

 

[4everdogs]

I'm just very disappointed and wondering if I will be able to get a rescue.

You can try shelters (they are usually have less requirements) or see if the rescue has a refferal service for dogs that they couldn't take in or that the owners wanted to have the choice of the dogs new home.

 

[catcrazy56]

My rescue requires a fence for special needs dogs such as blind, but not for regular adoptions.