360 pugs rescued since October, 2005
If you are interested in adopting please click on the provided application form link on the dog's page. That link shows up only when a dog is available for adoption. If the link is not there the dog is not currently available for adoption and any applications submitted will be ignored and discarded.
The "ready to adopt" dogs will be posted for one week or longer, unless 30 applications are received before that time. The applications will close when there are 30 applications.
If you are not chosen your application will be saved for a few months. Information on how to reapply without re-doing the application will be sent with a confirmation that your application has been received. If you don't receive a confirmation within a day or two check your spam/junk folder to make sure that a response did not end up there.
If you cannot provide the minimum and specific requirements, please do not apply.
Please note: the rescue reserves the right, in its sole discretion and at any time, to deny any application for a dog in its care. Approvals for adoption are based on the totality of a number of factors including but not limited to: the application; interviews both in person, over the telephone, and/or, via email and/or text; references; the home visit or visits; and any inquiries related to the application.
We only adopt within Ontario. If you are out of province, do NOT apply.
You MUST have or be willing to get some form of air conditioning for your home. There must be some place in the home that is air conditioned for the health of the pug.
If you have a pool or pond or other water feature, it must be fenced off so that the dog cannot get into in. Pugs drown rapidly, most are poor swimmers and are not always terribly water smart.
We do not allow our dogs to be tied out or staked out in the yard. Tie outs and staking can result in serious injury and death to a dog.
Pugs are one of the most commonly stolen breeds of dog. Sadly, they are often used as bait in dog fighting. We require that you supervise your pug at all times when they are out of the house.
Pugs are not outdoor dogs and cannot survive living in a dog house or other out building - including the garage. We require that our dogs live within the house with the family.
If you reside in a house, we much prefer that you have a fully fenced backyard. This is not a requirement for adoption, but is certainly the better option. If your yard is not fully fenced, the dog must be on leash at all times when outside of the house. Invisible fences and other collar activated restraining devices are not acceptable.
If you live in an apartment or condo, your must provide proof that the landlord or management allows you to have a dog.
If you are gone from the home for longer than 8 hours, you will likely need to make arrangements for someone to come home to let the dog(s) out. Pugs are a small breed and should not be expected to hold their bladders or bowels for longer than 8 hours. Some can do it, but most can't and shouldn't be expected to.
Pugs are notorious for food allergies. The rescue will require that you feed a high quality food that is, at minimum, wheat, corn and soy free. Our preference is for a grain free food.
If you currently have animals in the house (cats and/or dogs) they must be spayed or neutered unless there is a verifiable medical reason why they are not or cannot be.
Please be sure to check your local by-laws regarding the total number of pets you can legally have in your home and only apply if you are below that limit.
These are assessed and assigned on a per animal basis, but in general here are the adoption fee breakdowns we use.
Under 1 year - $550 - $750
1 - 5 years of age - $400
6 - 9 years of age - $300
10+ and/or Special Needs - $200
We use different statuses to identify where in the process any dog on the site is at. They are as follows.
Ready to Adopt - A dog in this status is ready to have applications submitted for adoption. You may submit an application form via the link on the dog's page (providing you meet the requirements).
Adoption Pending / Home Visit Scheduled - A dog in this status is passed the application process and is currently scheduled for a home visit or is waiting for the adoption to be completed. The application process is closed at this point. Please do not submit applications for dogs with this status, they will be ignored and deleted.
In Foster Care -- Introduction / Foster Update - These pugs are currently still in foster care. We do not accept applications for dogs while they are in this status.
Adopted / Happy Tails Posted - After a successful adoption the dog is labelled as adopted and they are listed in the Happy Tails section of the website. They may also be shown as "Happy Tails Posted" when their furever home sends along an update for them post adoption.
The Pug Abode - our hospice program for pugs that are most likely un-adoptable. A foster volunteer provides the care, love and nurturing until the pug is either adopted or sails on to the Rainbow Bridge.
If you have questions or comments about the policy please contact us.
