Adopt through Black Dog
Are you interested in your very own senior dog? We are completely unique in Sweden as we’re only re-homing senior dogs, 10 years and older. When our seniors are ready for their forever home, they have been evaluated by both a veterinarian and a dog psychologist. In this way, we ensure that each individual gets their needs fulfilled in their future home.
We usually post ads on social media when we’re looking for a new home for a senior, and often we already have potential candidates from earlier. Feel free to submit a non-binding expression of interest. That way you will end up in our register of potential adopters!
We won’t be able to help with private re-homing other than in exceptional cases, since it’s very resource demanding. All requests regarding private re-homing will be reviewed separately.
We have permission from the County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen) for both our shelter and for rehoming dogs. Since we don’t use foster homes and receive all dogs at our shelter in Småland, we have not applied for permission for large numbers of dogs annually. Instead, we focus on rescuing and rehoming those who have the least chance to be chosen by larger organizations, e.g. the old, the disabled, the traumatized, the black dogs.
We have a good safety net in Sweden with strict animal welfare laws, but of course there are dogs that get sick – both in Sweden and in other countries. By adopting a dog you reduce the total amount of suffering of dogs around the world. A dog that is rehomed through us often comes with luggage or disabilities – physical or mental. Our amazing adopters give them a chance, even if they understand that trust takes time to build.
Below you can enjoy a slide show of some of our adopted dogs who have moved on to happy homes.
FAQ Adoption
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ADOPT?
We usually apply cost price. The adoption fee covers i.a. veterinary costs such as vaccines, deworming and health checks, as well as the dogs’ time at the kennel – they are evaluated, rehabilitated and given a chance to evolve before they are ready for their own “forever home”. Since it’s cost price, you as an adopter are welcome to donate a little extra! Generally speaking, the dogs cost us more than what you pay for adopting them, so this is not something we do to make money.
The adoption fee is between SEK 2,500-5,000 depending on age and health status.
WHAT’S THE ADOPTION PROCESS?
When you’ve found a specific dog at our rescue, or if you want to let us decide which dog is right for you, you start by filling in an adoption application. Take your time when you apply!
- We carefully review your submission and ensure that there are no animal bans or other legal obstacles, and we will contact possible references, if any.
- If we consider you a suitable adopter, we will contact you and book a telephone interview.
- After that, we want to visit your home through either a video call or pictures and videos of the environment which could be the dog’s new home.
- If we pick you as an adopter, we will let you know and you will then hopefully choose to move forward by reserving the dog! We then send a contract to be signed.
- Finally, we arrange a time for when the dog is picked up.
- We do follow-ups to ensure that everything works well for the dog in the new home.
DO I NEED PREVIOUS DOG EXPERIENCE?
The short answer is yes, but it depends a lot on how you live, your attitude towards dog ownership and your understanding of the needs of this kind of dog. Some dogs might be easier to adopt, and, in these cases, we don’t necessarily require as much dog experience, but basic dog knowledge is always important, and we also require that you are willing to absorb specific knowledge about the particular dog/dog type or personality you want to adopt.
Many of our dogs are a bit shy, and they grow and develop with the help of time, patience, and a lot of love in their new homes. We don’t rehome dogs to people with animal bans or previous convictions, nor to people who apply aversive dog training and outdated techniques.
We are very knowledgeable about the dogs we rehome, and can give a lot of good advice along the way. We are always here to guide and as long as you are open-minded, humble and handle dogs lovingly, you’re well on your way. If we deny your application, it doesn’t mean we don’t consider you a suitable adopter. However, there might be many applicants for our dogs and we’ll have to pick who we think is the most suitable match. We try to respond to all applications, but if you haven’t heard anything within three weeks, we have probably moved on with another adopter. Your registration will be saved.
WHY ARE TODDLERS AN OBSTACLE WHEN ADOPTING?
Since we rarely have enough background information about the dogs, we cannot guarantee that they work well with children. That’s why we choose not to adopt to families with children aged 12 and younger, strictly due to safety reasons. In exceptional cases we might choose to accept slightly younger children, but regardless, they must be old enough to both understand instructions and be able to read dogs. This is for everyone’s safety.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE ADOPTING?
The decision must be well-considered. Do you have the time, the finances and the energy for a new individual in your life right now? Do you understand the possible burden this entails and what sacrifices will be required in your life to be able to adopt a dog? Do you have enough patience to let the dog confide in you on his/her terms? If the answer is yes to these types of questions – congratulations! You’re well-suited to adopt a buddy for life!
Initially you need to get to know each other, and the dog must be allowed to adjust to its new environment. During this period the dog should not be left alone, hence the importance of having a plan for this before adopting. After that, you also need to have a plan for solitary training if the dog will be left alone at times, or alternatively have a good solution such as a dog sitter.
The Swedish animal welfare act states that you may not leave dogs alone for longer than they can handle without showing stressful behaviors such as vocalization, apathy, breaking things or relieving itself inside.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE ADOPTION FEE?
In addition to a new life buddy, you get:
- A vaccinated, de-wormed and basic health checked dog.
- Lifelong support for the dog from a dog behaviourist.
- Fitted safety harness at cost price (the harness itself is not included in the adoption fee), as well as a leash and necklace for free.
- Dietary supplement (if needed), to ensure a calm transition for the dog.
- Often more things than the above are included but these are the basics.
ADOPT, don't shop!
Getting a dog is something that really makes us happy (it’s even been scientifically proven!) but it also means that we’re signing up for giving the dog the best life we can. Expecting that a dog with this kind of history would immediately become a “normal” family dog can be an unreasonable demand. An adoption requires time and patience, but it will still be the best decision you’ve ever made. Make a secondhand dog your first choice – adopt, don’t shop!
