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- Already an Approved Adopter? Only approved adopters can inquire about any Lab/Lab mix on Petfinder site by emailing [email protected]. (From there, your app may be sent to the foster for review as a potential fit.)
- Not an Approved Adopter? Only fill out an application IF:
- You meet the Adoption Requirements (see below “Adoption Requirements”) AND
- The Petfinder profile has a bio for a dog you are interested in.
In other words, do NOT fill out an application if the Petfinder dog is marked “Not Accepting Applications Yet”!
FULL LELRR ADOPTION PROCESS
- We appreciate your interest in adopting a LELRR Labrador - A lot of time, love and funds (average $1,000/dog) goes into preparing these rescued Labs/Lab mixes for their Forever homes!
- Labs are posted on Facebook and Instagram at intake – very little is known about them.
- All Labs/Lab mixes in process are put on Petfinder with a picture and very basic information.
- Petfinder info updated as time and vetting allow.
Note: some Labs may just “disappear” off Petfinder, there are a few reasons for this:
- There was a medical issue
- A foster decided to adopt their foster dog.
Already approved?
Congratulations!
Approved adopters may inquire about a Lab’s status at any time by emailing us: [email protected].
Approved adopters may inquire about a Lab’s status at any time by emailing us: [email protected].
Want to be approved?
Once a Lab’s bio is posted on Petfinder and the “NOT Accepting Applications Yet" is removed, you are invited to submit an application for your dog of interest IF you meet these:
1. Adoption Requirements:
2. What’s Next?
Application review and approval may take as long as a full week but is often sooner.
1. Adoption Requirements:
- You are within 150 driving miles to Medina OHIO and in the US
- Children in the home are 6 or older
- If you’re renting you cannot be a first time dog owner
- You must be 21 years or older
- Contact your references. Notify them to expect a call from one of our volunteers. (We won’t be able to complete your app. until we speak with them.)
- If you are a renter, we need to speak to the landlord or see a lease showing that you are allowed large dogs.
- Current pets spayed/neutered unless medical reason from vet
- Current/recent dogs UTD on vaccinations, heartworm testing, and prevention year-round:
- Contact your vet and give permission to release vet records.
- Or, get vet records for your current and recent dogs showing the date of the most recent vaccinations and when they are next due, date of most recent heartworm test, and proof of year-round heartworm preventive medication. - Dog is indoor only and NO access to outside when no one home or at night
- Personal references cannot be a relative or someone you live with
- Will take dog to vet within 2 weeks during any trial
2. What’s Next?
Application review and approval may take as long as a full week but is often sooner.
- Please be patient and respectful of the volunteers - we want to help you and the Lab find a match that works for both. That takes time.
- Remember, we aren’t paid, we volunteer - this is a labor of love, and we do our best to respond to applications and inquiries promptly.
I’m Approved - Why Can’t I Adopt My Dog of InteresT?
- We cannot guarantee you will be able to adopt a specific Lab you are interested in once your application has been approved.
- Our role, and especially the role of our fosters, is to place their Labs with the adopters that are the best fit for that Lab and will offer them the best chance for success.
- Trust the process!
ONCE APPROVED:
- You will be able to express interest in any of our adoptable Labs
- Get updates on the status of those not yet ready for adoption
- Work with the foster/adoption liaison who can help you find a match
- All LELRR dogs have a health record with them for their 2 week trial
- A “Trial Period and Adoption Agreement” is signed prior to the dog leaving foster, we urge you to read and understand the terms.
ADOPTION FEES
As of June 1, 2025, adoption fees will be:
- Puppies 0-6 months: $500
- 7 months to 3 years: $475
- 4 years to 7 years: $375
- 8 years and up: $275.
Fees are set based on dog's age at time of adoption. Adoption fees paid in cash or check, $35 returned check fee applies.
Final Notes
- If the Lab you originally applied for is adopted by someone else, or you were told that it is not a good match, please do not take it personally!
- Remember new Labs in need are always arriving - one of them may very well be the perfect fit for your home.
- IF FOR ANY REASON YOU CAN NO LONGER CARE FOR YOUR DOG, WE REQUIRE THAT YOU RETURN THE DOG TO LELRR AS STATED IN THE CONTRACT. AFTER THE TWO WEEK TRIAL PERIOD THE ADOPTION FEE IS NOT REFUNDED.
Your patience and understanding of our process is very much appreciated. Thank you!
- The LELRR Team
LELRR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DECLINE ANY APPLICANT WE BELIEVE IN OUR SOLE OPINION DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARDS OF OUR ORGANIZATION. THE FINAL DECISION IF NEEDED IS UP TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF LELRR.