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Q. Will I be able to take my new friend home the same day that I meet him?
A. There are many factors that go into determining this. Some of our dogs have spent a great deal of time at our shelter and have formed an attachment and routine. Therefore it is important that a family come to visit a few times to be sure that it is the right fit for you and the dog. For dogs or puppies that have newly arrived to our shelter, this is not as important. We do have to check references, and be a good match, which means the ENTIRE family must be there to meet the potential new family member. New puppies available on a Saturday are usually ready to go home the next day.
Q. How do I know if this dog is still available for adoption?
A. If the dog is listed on the website, then he/she is still available. You can email the shelter at
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or as a last resort; you can call our parent facility J.M. Pet Resort to ask if they are still available. (508-588-5661). PLEASE BE SURE TO REVIEW THE INFORMATION LISTED on http://www.bluedogshelter.com by clicking on the dog’s name for current information.
Q. What is required of us for adoption? What should I bring?
A. We require a good match for the dog and the family. Our staff has many years of training in dog behavior, and we ask that you trust their ability to find the best dog for your family and your lifestyle. Keep in mind, this may not end up being the dog you were originally interested in.
- Reference checks - three people not related to you or members of your household.
- If you are a homeowner, we will need a copy of a water bill, tax or mortgage statement; we will verify home ownership online if possible.
- If you rent, then a note from your landlord (including contact information) allowing you to have a dog on the premises and any restrictions on breed or size is required.
- The required donation for the specific pet.
- The understanding that taking your new dog to training at an approved facility is required.
Q. How do you ensure that we take our dog to training classes?
A. Classes are given at our parent facility J.M. Pet Resort. A deposit for the classes is required at the time of adoption. If you choose to take your new dog to another "approved" training facility, we require you to leave a check for in the amount of the training class at J.M. Pet Resort. These funds are held until you furnish proof that these classes have been completed usually within 4-5 months of adopting your new dog. If you do not provide this proof, then the Brockton Blue Dog Shelter will cash the check as a donation to the shelter. You will be required to sign an agreement of this upon adoption.
Q. I have always had a dog, why do I need to take a training class?
A. We believe that basic training and obedience will help to make your dog a well behaved member of your family. It is a great way for your family to bond with your new dog, and will help to ensure that your pet stays in your home FOREVER! The national average return rate of dogs back into shelters is almost 50%, but at the Brockton Blue Dog Shelter it is less than 10%. We believe that the required training classes are the foundation to helping prevent future problems such as house soiling, separation anxiety, and aggression problems. We have the best of intentions and hope that you will see what a great difference training will make.
Q. Do you take deposits on dogs available for adoption?
A. Yes we do! We can take a non-refundable $100 deposit that will allow you to see a dog at a designated appointment time. If you do not make your appointment time, or if you change your mind, then you will lose your deposit, and the dog will be put up for adoption immediately. Please keep in mind that our goal is to find a forever home for every dog. For example: Jane puts a deposit on Rover, who is then not shown to three other families who have come in to see him. Then Jane changes her mind, and loses her $100 deposit. So Jane loses $100, but Rover missed out on three families who might have given him a forever home! So who is the biggest loser here? It's Rover for sure. So our best advice is please do not put a deposit on a dog unless you have no question that you want to take him home!
Q Why is the adoption fee so high?
A. The Brockton Blue Dog Shelter is a non-profit shelter. Our operation runs solely on the donations we receive from generous individuals and through fundraising efforts by our volunteers. There are many costs involved with running our shelter, the very least of which include rent, utilities, veterinary care, food and training. All of our dogs are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, all are current on vaccinations appropriate for their age and they are microchipped prior to adoption. Every dog is placed on monthly heartworm preventatives, and flea and tick preventatives. All of our dogs over 6 months old are heartworm tested, and all of our dogs eat high quality holistic dog food, which we believe helps to prevent a large number of health and behavioral issues. Your donation helps to provide care and support for not only the dog you are adopting, but for every dog that has the good luck to come through our doors. The Brockton Blue Dog Shelter is known to take in every dog that has the potential to be adopted. We do not turn away dogs that have health problems, or behavior issues, and we are known to take in dogs that other shelters aren't willing to take. We will house these dogs as long as it takes to find them loving and suitable homes.
Q. I live in Rhode Island, can I still adopt from Blue Dog?
A. Per the regulation of the Rhode Island Department of Agriculture it is required that all dogs entering the state of Rhode Island have a health certificate issued within 10 days of entering the state. Please inform the shelter if you are planning to adopt a dog, and you live in Rhode Island. This will add at least one business day and $35 to the adoption process.
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