Start the Adoption Application

The TRU Rescue Adoption Application is our way of getting to know you.  The application asks questions about your home, family, and lifestyle so we can match you with a dog who will thrive in your care.

Please gather the following information before you begin:

• Name, contact number, and email of three personal references. Note that references must be someone other than family members including parents, grandparents, children, siblings, in-laws, roommates, or partners.
• Name, address, and contact number of your current veterinarian, if applicable.

Processing time is dependent on the availability of TRU Rescue volunteers, the completeness of your application, and the availability of your references.

Applications are processed in the order received and it is possible the dog you are interested in will be adopted by the time your application is processed.

We primarily adopt dogs to applicants who live in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Sometimes we are asked whether we adopt dogs outside this area. We occasionally adopt dogs to applicants outside of our immediate area in some exceptional circumstances for some special dogs. As with most rescues, we are heavily dependent on our network of support professionals. We work closely with these individuals (veterinarians, behaviorists, trainers, groomers, kennels, etc.) to ensure our dogs end up in the right home. Our goal is to find great homes AND to support those great homes. We cannot offer a high level of support to folks who live very far away from us.  If you decide to apply and live outside our normal service area, understand that chances are, we may not be able to place an animal with you.

Our approval process includes the following:

• You must be 21 years of age to apply for an adoption
• We conduct a background check
• We call all references listed on the application
• We call an applicant’s landlord when necessary
• We check with an applicant’s veterinarian
• We assess an applicant’s lifestyle to be sure it matches a dog’s need for exercise and mental stimulation
• We explore available social media
• We conduct a virtual house visit

It is not necessary to submit a new application for each dog you are interested in adopting.  If you answer “Yes” to the application question of whether or not you would consider other dogs if the one you have applied for has already been placed in a home, you are automatically considered for other dogs.  All applications stay on file with TRU Rescue for 6 months.