Release Dogs

ASSISTANCE DOGS OF THE WEST
RELEASE DOG APPLICATION
Please read and complete the following

Assistance Dogs of the West (ADW) has a very high rate of placement success with the dogs in our program. On average, only 2 out of 20 dogs are “released” from the program. ADW dogs are asked to demonstrate exceptional behavior, temperament and health in order to do their jobs successfully. The reasons ADW releases dogs fall into two main categories: minor health and/or behavioral. Our industry standards do not support less than 100% capability in dog placement with people with disabilities. ADW will share the specific reasons for release when dogs become available. When possible and appropriate, release dogs are first placed as home helpmates or in working environments.

Release dogs do not have public access rights and therefore are not allowed in public places unless “pet” dogs are allowed.
ADW is concerned about the welfare and best placement for all of our dogs, including those that are released. Before placing a release dog, ADW will conduct a home visit to identify any potential issues to a successful dog placement. At any time during the lifetime of the dog, ADW will take the dog back and “re-home” it, should this become necessary.

ADW is a nonprofit organization and invests a considerable amount of time, training and money in all our dogs. When a release is made, a donation is requested to Assistance Dogs of the West to help offset the cost of food, medical care, and training invested in the dog. Donations average $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the dog’s training experience, health status, and disposition. This donation is tax-deductible for you.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

* Indicates required field

Name *

First

Last

Cell Phone Number *

Work Number *

Home Number *

Email *

Address *

Line 1

Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Country

Are there other people living at this address? *

YES NO

How often do you have visitors to your home? *

Rarely ever 1-2 days a week 3-5 days a week Everyday of the week

Do you have any animals in the household? If yes, where do they sleep? *

Please list all other person's living at this address: *

Is your lifestyle: *

Active (i.e., work or go out 5 or more days per week) Moderately Active (work or go out 3-4 times per week) Quiet (work or leave home 1-2 days per week)

What recreational activities do you enjoy? *

What would you do with your pets when you vacation or travel? *

Why are you looking for a dog to adopt? *

Do you have a preference for a male or a female? *

FEMALE MALE NO PREFERENCE

Please give a brief description of your “ideal” dog: *

Have you ever had to re-home a dog? *

YES NO

Do you have a preference for a certain breed or mix? *

Do you know how to groom a dog? *

Do you have a fenced-in back yard? (A fenced or enclosed yard is required) *

YES NO

Do you want your dog to bark to notify you of arrivals at your door? *

Where would your new dog sleep? *

Have you ever had a dog with a behavioral problem? *

YES NO

If yes, please describe what you did about it: *

If yes, please explain why and what you did about it: *

May we make a home visit prior to placing a dog with you? *

YES NO

Should you receive one of our dogs, would you like some basic training from one of our trainers with your new pet? *

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. After we receive it, we may be calling to clarify some of the answers. We will keep your application in our files, and send out an email to the waiting list when a release dog becomes available. You are never under any obligation to meet or take a dog. We understand that your circumstances may have changed by then and that you may have already found a dog elsewhere, or the available dog may not be appropriate. If your circumstances change before we do contact you about one of our dogs, please call us so that we can remove your application from our waiting list.

We thank you for thinking for us in your search for a companion, and we appreciate your patience. As always, please feel free to contact our office if you have any further questions.

Submit Release Dog Application

Contact ADW
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 31027
Santa Fe, NM 87594

Physical Address:
1590 San Mateo Lane
Santa Fe, NM 87505

Phone & Fax:
505.986.9748
fax: 505.989.9640
toll free: 866.986.3489

Office Hours:
M-Th: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Apply for a Service Dog:
Read our FAQ and access our application.

RELEASE DOGS

ASSISTANCE DOGS OF THE WEST RELEASE DOG APPLICATIONPlease read and complete the following

GENERAL QUESTIONS

ASSISTANCE DOGS OF THE WEST
RELEASE DOG APPLICATION
Please read and complete the following