Question 1

How do I foster an animal with RARE?

Accepted Answer

We ALWAYS need fosters! Without fosters, we are not able to save more lives. If you are not able to adopt at this time, please consider fostering! We will provide food, medical, toys, etc. You provide the love! Click here for our Foster Interest Form.

Question 2

How do I start fostering?

Accepted Answer

We have a form on our website so you can submit your information and apply to be a part of our foster program. After we receive your application, we will reach out for next steps!

Question 3

Which dogs and cats need foster homes?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Urgent Foster Needs page to see the dogs and cats currently in greatest need of foster homes. You can also browse all of our adoptable animals—any profile that is not labeled "In Foster" is still looking for a foster home.

Question 4

How do I know which foster is a best fit for me?

Accepted Answer

Fill out a foster application, and we'll help you find the best fit! We'll talk with you about your home, lifestyle, experience, and preferences to match you with a dog or cat that's a great fit for both you and the animal. Our goal is to set everyone up for success, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Question 5

Will fostering cost me money?

Accepted Answer

Nope, it doesn't cost you a thing! We provide and pay for everything. This includes food, toys, harness, collar, leash, crate, medical bills, etc.

Question 6

How long do I need to foster?

Accepted Answer

We ask for a minimum of 2-3 weeks for our fosters, but ideally you foster until adoption.

Question 7

I see a dog I want to adopt, but am not sure. Should I foster first?

Accepted Answer

Every adoption includes a 30 day trial period, so if you're ready to adopt soon, let us find the right fit for you to start a trial!

Question 8

Do I have to find someone to adopt my foster?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't! We post all of our adoptable animals on multiple adoption websites and regularly market them on social media. However, we always encourage our fosters to share their foster pets with friends, family, coworkers, and on their own social media to help them reach even more potential adopters. The more people who see them, the better their chances of finding the perfect forever home!

Question 9

What if I end up wanting to adopt my foster?

Accepted Answer

If you decide you want to adopt your foster, please let us know ASAP! We've had many foster to adopt situations work out wonderfully.

Question 10

I found an adopter! What do I tell them?

Accepted Answer

Please tell them they need to fill out an adoption application!

Question 11

How do I know if a RARE adoptable is still available?

Accepted Answer

We are normally proficient at keeping our list of adoptable animals current. If the adoptable is still listed on our website, they are still available. If an adoptable is "in adoption trial"  or "pending adoption trial", that note will be included in their name field. If the adoptable is no longer on our website in the "Available Dog" or "Available Cats" section, they are not able to be selected on the interest form. However, the "Best Fit Dog or Puppy" or "Best Fit Cat or Kitten" can be selected instead and we can determine if there is another adoptable that may be the best fit.

Question 12

Are all of the RARE adoptable animals posted on the website and/or Petfinder.com?

Accepted Answer

There is always an influx of adoptable animals that come into our program. It is important to know that not all of our adoptable animals are posted at once in order for them to be properly assessed and vetted. This also helps us to prevent a bottleneck of interest forms that would normally reduce our response time.

Question 13

I submitted an interest form over 3 business days ago and I haven't heard back yet.

Accepted Answer

We make every effort to contact every potential adopter, foster, volunteer, etc. that submits an interest form within 3 business days. However, due to the high volume of calls, emails and inquiries, we are often overwhelmed. If you have not received a response to your Interest Form, please email us at info@rarerescue.org with a reminder and we will contact you as soon as possible.
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*You only need to complete ONE interest form, unless your information has changed. Please let us know via email if you see another adoptable of interest or have any questions.

Question 14

How do I adopt an animal from RARE?

Accepted Answer

Finding the best fit for each animal/family is the basis of our adoption process, rather than "first come, first served". We require our quick adoption interest form to be completed first to provide us with information in order to match you/your family with the best fit. 
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Step 1. Read our ADOPTION PROCESS. *Our adoption process includes a 30 day trial period.

Step 2. Complete theDOG ADOPTION INTEREST FORM or CAT ADOPTION INTEREST FORM.

Step 3. Please give us at least 3 business days to contact you by phone or email.

Question 15

I live in an apartment. Can I adopt a dog?

Accepted Answer

We do not require a fenced yard for every dog. Each dog has a different energy level, personality and needs to be happy and healthy. Some may require a fenced yard OR extensive exercise, while others may not. Each adopter has a different lifestyle.  Our priority is to match the needs of the dog with the most appropriate adopter.

Question 16

Are RARE adoptable animals spayed/neutered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our adoptable animals are spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

Question 17

Are RARE adoptable animals microchipped?

Accepted Answer

All dogs, cats, and rabbits are microchipped prior to adoption.

Question 18

How much are the adoption fees to adopt from RARE?

Accepted Answer

Adoption fees vary, depending on the adoptability of each animal and other factors. Some animals may require several hundreds of dollars or more in medical care but may be a senior, a less desirable breed, have special behavioral or medical needs. In this case, their adoption fees would be lower to increase their adoptability and help offset their expenses for future medical or training needs. On the other hand, some animals may be highly adoptable, due to their breed, color, size, temperament etc. and will have adoption fees to reflect those attributes and help to  offset the higher number of cases that result in a deficit for our organization.

Question 19

There is an animal(s) that is being abused and/or neglected that I know about. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If you know of an animal that is being neglected, abused or abandoned, please:

Contact your local authorities: 
Animal Control for city or county depending on location.
Local police department.
Sheriff's department.
You can also contact us to find out if we are able to help in any way or refer you to the appropriate agency.
You can also contact your congressmen and congresswomen to urge them to continue to improve upon Animal laws in Tennessee, or the state in which you reside.

Question 20

Does RARE take "owner surrenders"?

Accepted Answer

We occasionally accept animals surrendered by their owners, depending on space and foster home availability, and it is by appointment ONLY.

Question 21

Can RARE help to spay/neuter ("fix") my own dog or cat?

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in our RARE "FIX" Spay/Neuter Program, please call (615) 330-4769 for more information and to find out if there is a participating clinic in your area.  You can also visit spaytennessee.org to find the closest spay/neuter program to you.

Question 22

Will RARE adopt to me if my current animals are not fixed and/or not on heartworm prevention?

Accepted Answer

No. Unless there is a medical reason why your animal(s) cannot be spayed/neutered and kept on heartworm prevention documented by a licensed Veterinarian. There countless animals that are homeless and heartworm positive. Our rescue efforts are necessary because of these reasons. Not even all of the rescue organizations in the world right now can save them all. Please do your part to not contribute to overpopulation and the spread of fatal diseases that can be prevented.

Question 23

What is provided by RARE for puppies in adoption program?

Accepted Answer

All core puppy vaccines series by our tech:
4 parvo/distemper (DAPP)
1 Bordetella (kennel cough)
2 Lepto (L4)
Heartworm & Flea/tick prevention until DAPPL4 series is complete

Through one if our veterinary partners:
Rabies at 16 weeks (or reimburse up to $20 at vet of their choice)
Spay/neuter at 6-7 months old (or reimburse up to $120 at vet of their choice)

Question 24

What is provided by RARE for kittens in adoption program?

Accepted Answer

All core kitten vaccines series by our tech:
4 FVRCP or FVRCPch

Through one if our veterinary partners:
Rabies at 12-16 weeks (or reimburse up to $20 at vet of their choice)
Spay/neuter at 4-6 months old (or reimburse up to $100 at vet of their choice)

Question 25

Why is there a fee to adopt an animal?

Accepted Answer

Not all animals that enter our program are in perfect health. Medical costs vary depending on the condition in which we find them. These ailments can include but are not limited to, heart-worm disease, broken limbs, urinary tract infections, luxating patellas, or any other injury that may require medical intervention. In addition to medical expenses, each animal receives spay/neuter, vaccines, de-worming, and is placed on heart-worm and flea and tick prevention if applicable. These adoption fees help ALL the animals in our program and aren't specific to each animal.

Question 26

Why are adoption fees different for some animals?

Accepted Answer

Adoption fees vary depending on the animal's age, size, temperament, etc. The adoption fees make it possible for our organization continue to save more lives while providing care for ALL of the animals in our current programs.

Question 27

Why are shelter fees often lower than rescue fees?

Accepted Answer

We rescue from the most rural areas. This can include hoarding cases, animal neglect and cruelty, abandonment, rural municipal shelters with lack of space, and puppy mills. Often times these animals not only need medical care, but socialization and behavioral training which takes time and resources.We receive no government funding. Additionally, we provide extensive veterinary care, including multiple vaccines, spay/neuter, microchipping, dentals (if needed), preventative treatments, and emergency medical care that many shelters are unable to provide. These fees help cover a portion of those costs and allow us to continue saving more animals.

Question 28

Is my adoption fee refundable?

Accepted Answer

If within the 30 day trial period, the adoptable is returned, you have the option of meeting and starting a trial with a different adoptable OR In the event of a return, the adoption fee will be either considered a donation, transferred to another adoptable or half of the adoption fee is refunded upon request.