1) These dogs are not livestock dogs. They must be family pets that are allowed inside the home.
2) We prefer applicants with experience caring for small breeds and a willingness to feed breed-appropriate food.
3) Secure visible fencing is required.

Applicants must have a clear plan for dog socialization.
Do not ask if a dog is available; if the dog is posted, it is available. However, earlier applications may be in process, and the dog may become unavailable. The quickest way to be considered is to complete the application. Sending an inquiry instead will delay processing. Volunteers manage applications alongside personal commitments. We process as quickly as possible.

Health: All dogs have been spayed/neutered unless they are too young. They are microchipped, current on DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies. All dogs are wormed and flea-treated, tested negative for heartworm and Parvo, and fed a species-specific, human-grade diet for dogs.

Our screening process ensures each dog finds a loving family. We start with an application, then arrange a friendly meet-and-greet, perform reference checks, and conduct a home visit to ensure a perfect match. We find homes for rescued dogs and provide education on nutrition, fear-free training, veterinary care, and vaccination protocols.

Adoption Fees:
The senior adoption fee is $395. Younger dogs adoption fees vary, starting at $450. The fees help cover transport from shelters, vaccines, worming, parasite and flea treatments, wellness exams, special and dental care, and care for sick or injured dogs.

SDFR rescues seniors from local and state shelters, accepts relinquished older pets, and brings in dogs from California and Mexico. Dogs receive veterinary care, including dental attention, before adoption. We rely exclusively on adoption fees and donations, as we receive no grants. We also take in special-needs dogs, using surplus funds from adoptions of healthier dogs to cover high veterinary costs.

Rescue Process
RPR Senior Dogs and Rescue currently works with local Western Washington shelters, a few rescues in need in Eastern WA, Rescue partners in the Fresno area of California, and in Baja Sur, Mexico. Occasionally, we take in locally relinquished or stray dogs.

Owner Surrender Process
In the case of owner relinquishment, the owner must be directly involved; we cannot accept a dog without their explicit permission and a signed relinquishment form authorizing SDFR to take ownership.

After an animal is relinquished to SDFR, it will not be returned to its original owner or location, regardless of any changes. If you come across an animal in distress, newly dumped, or injured, please contact the police or animal control first. If the animal is friendly and can be approached, any local vet can check the dog for a microchip. If the chip is registered, the animal's owner can and should be contacted.