Adoption Policies

You have already started in the right direction by coming to our web page and taking the opportunity to learn as much about these breeds as possible. We strongly encourage you to link to the Fox Terrier Network site to absorb all the information there, if you are new to the Fox Terrier breeds.

First, please fill out our adoption application form. The more information we have about you and your family, the easier it is for us to match up the right dog with the right home. Fox Terrier Rescue does not operate on a first come, first serve basis - we fit the right dog to the right situation.

After you email your application, we will have a Fox Terrier representative contact you. Part of our process is an interview, a veterinary reference check and a home check. Please do not be offended at the home check. We are primarily interested in checking the fence setup to be sure it is adequate for the dog we may place. These breeds have extraordinary problem solving ability and if there is a way to get out of a fenced yard, they’ll find it.

The following parameters are used/considered when we place dogs:

Fox Terriers are typically animal aggressive and may be dog aggressive. We take great care in evaluating temperament and placing a dog in an appropriate situation. Many of our dogs must be placed as an only pet.
Fox Terriers, particularly the Wire Fox Terrier are very intolerant of unruly children. They also have a low threshold for excitement and their prey drive can be triggered by whirling, waving armed children. Fox Terriers also live to escape, usually just for the fun of it. For these reasons, we seldom place Wire Fox Terriers in homes with children much under the age of 12.
We do not ship dogs out of state, except in very rare circumstances where we have a knowledgeable rescue person in your area that we know personally. Generally, we have a waiting list of people in Colorado and shipment is not necessary. We would be happy to help you locate a rescue person in your area however.
Preference is given to the knowledgeable terrier owner, particularly with the Wire Fox Terrier. The Wire Fox is not an ideal breed for a first time terrier owner.

Adoptions are on a two-week trial basis. If you are not happy with the dog you are adopting, no harm done.

You will be expected to sign an adoption contract. If for any reason you can not keep one of our dogs, the dog must be returned to us.

Our adoption donation fee varies by dog and includes: all vaccinations (except rabies), spay/neuter, dental work if necessary, heartworm check, grooming, blood work if applicable, and any other medical condition that we are aware of attended to. Dogs over the age of 9 are placed at no charge, but donations are always appreciated.