What is Best Match?
The Hill Country SPCA is different from your traditional shelter in many ways. One of those ways is that we take in bottle babies, pregnant animals, and nursing moms and their babies. We then care for them until they are old enough for adoption. Doing so has created a unique adoption process for these little ones. Our goal with every litters is that each puppy has a home lined up on their available date, and none have to spend a night in shelter alone without their siblings.
We have also found that when placing purebred, or "highly desirable" dogs we receive an overwhelming amount of interest, and the first application isn't always the best match for that particular dog. Therefore we accept multiple applications on any animal who is not able to leave the shelter yet due to age, observation hold(first 10 days), or medical problems.
We have also found that when placing purebred, or "highly desirable" dogs we receive an overwhelming amount of interest, and the first application isn't always the best match for that particular dog. Therefore we accept multiple applications on any animal who is not able to leave the shelter yet due to age, observation hold(first 10 days), or medical problems.
Best Match puppies are generally listed at about 5-6 weeks old, and cannot be visited with in shelter at this time. Adopters would need to feel comfortable adopting a puppy they have not had the opportunity to meet in person. Our Website & Facebook page are the best places to watch for puppies/litters to be listed as adoptable, as we do not accept applications before they are listed.
Best Match adult dogs are generally listed upon intake and are normally available 10 days after intake. We accept multiple applications during this time and then schedule a meet and greet with their adopter on the day they are available to leave. Meet & Greets are not available before this time, and is only scheduled with their adopter.
Best Match adult dogs are generally listed upon intake and are normally available 10 days after intake. We accept multiple applications during this time and then schedule a meet and greet with their adopter on the day they are available to leave. Meet & Greets are not available before this time, and is only scheduled with their adopter.
Pre-Adoption/ Best Match Process
The Pre-Adoption/Best Match process can be a little confusing, so let us try to explain it a bit better here.
All Best Match/Pre-Adopted animals must be picked up on their available date, we are unable to hold past that date. If you are unable to pickup on that day your hold will be released, and your adoption fee is non-refundable. All puppies must be Spayed/Neutered before adoption.
If you cannot make it on the day the animal is available we recommend calling to see if they are still available the day before you are able to visit.
- Visit our website or shelter and see an animal or litter you are interested in.
- Fill out an adoption application on our website. (You will list which pupp(ies)/dog you are interested in)
- Staff will process the adoption application.
- You will receive a call and/or email either requesting additional information or approving the application. Please realize that an approved application DOES NOT guarantee adoption, as we accept and approve multiple applications, but make final adoption decisions based on the home that best matches each animals needs.
- Depending on how Early/Late in the application window you apply there may be some wait time before you hear from us again after application approval. Do not worry, Once your application is approved it is placed in consideration for the puppy(s)/dog you are interested in.
- Adoption decisions are generally made about 3-7 days before the puppies release date if looking at a litter, and about 2-3 days before adult animals release dates
- Potential adopters are called and give the option to Pre-Adopt, For young puppies that would mean the adopters are comfortable adopting a puppy they have not met in person. They would sign the adoption contract and pay the non-refundable adoption fee. (*At this time, due to COVID we are not able to offer meet and greets with Puppies.) For adult dogs, or those with behavioral problems, meet and greets must be scheduled within 24hours of the animals available date.
- Once a puppy/dog is Pre-Adopted it is taken off the website and listing sites, the animal is then on a permanent adoption hold until they are available to leave, which is the day after their Spay/Neuter surgery.
All Best Match/Pre-Adopted animals must be picked up on their available date, we are unable to hold past that date. If you are unable to pickup on that day your hold will be released, and your adoption fee is non-refundable. All puppies must be Spayed/Neutered before adoption.
If you cannot make it on the day the animal is available we recommend calling to see if they are still available the day before you are able to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I increase my chances of being chosen?
1. Make sure to fill out the application thoroughly. Questions left blank, or not answered completely cause delays in application processing time.
2. BE OPEN!
While we understand some adopters are looking for a very specific "Look" for their new companion, the more open you are the better your chances of being chosen.
With every single litter their is always one or two puppies that stand out, or are considered "cuter" than the others, and those puppies can receive 20+ applications that are only interested in them! The vast majority of the time these decisions are based on looks alone, and there is a good chance that their siblings, who are going to be similar in size, breed, and temperament full grown, will have much less and sometimes no interest at all.
We understand some adopter are only interested in one specific puppy, and that is perfectly fine, just be aware that there is only 1 puppy and can be multiple adopters wanting them.
2. BE OPEN!
While we understand some adopters are looking for a very specific "Look" for their new companion, the more open you are the better your chances of being chosen.
With every single litter their is always one or two puppies that stand out, or are considered "cuter" than the others, and those puppies can receive 20+ applications that are only interested in them! The vast majority of the time these decisions are based on looks alone, and there is a good chance that their siblings, who are going to be similar in size, breed, and temperament full grown, will have much less and sometimes no interest at all.
We understand some adopter are only interested in one specific puppy, and that is perfectly fine, just be aware that there is only 1 puppy and can be multiple adopters wanting them.
How do you choose best match homes/What do you look at?
We look at the whole application, but some of the areas we focus on are any previous adoptions from our shelter, Veterinary references, current dogs in home, ownership history, type and area of fencing, and the puppies overall energy, breed, grooming needs, and personality.
When looking at best match homes, we try to take into consideration both the puppies individual behavior, as well as breed characteristics, and overall needs.
When looking at best match homes, we try to take into consideration both the puppies individual behavior, as well as breed characteristics, and overall needs.
Can I visit with all/multiple Puppies before making a decision?
*Please note that due to COVID we are not currently offering meet and greets with puppies before adoption.
Due to the numerous applications received there is a good chance all puppies in the litter will have other serious interest, and in an effort to place all the puppies at the same time we are unable to hold multiple puppies for a family that can only take one home. As that would leave some of them without homes lined up on their release date.
If there are puppies with no other holds you would be welcome to visit with them on release day, however this does not happen often.
At this age they are all extremely similar in personality and seldom have behavioral problems with dogs, cats or, kids. If they do this is noted, and homes that would not be a good match are not considered for those specific puppies, Generally speaking it is up to the adopter to socialize and train them to be wonderful companions.
Due to the numerous applications received there is a good chance all puppies in the litter will have other serious interest, and in an effort to place all the puppies at the same time we are unable to hold multiple puppies for a family that can only take one home. As that would leave some of them without homes lined up on their release date.
If there are puppies with no other holds you would be welcome to visit with them on release day, however this does not happen often.
At this age they are all extremely similar in personality and seldom have behavioral problems with dogs, cats or, kids. If they do this is noted, and homes that would not be a good match are not considered for those specific puppies, Generally speaking it is up to the adopter to socialize and train them to be wonderful companions.
Does this puppy have to be Spayed/Neutered? (before or after adoption)
All puppies are required to be Spayed/Neutered before leaving our care. Staff is unable to make any exceptions to this policy. Any exceptions to this policy are only made at the request of our regular veterinarian if the animal is too small or has other health concerns.
Why/Do I have to put an application in? (Before visiting)
* Please note at this time due to COVID we are NOT doing meet and greets with any puppies.
In order to protect our puppies from exposure to potential diseases we have to limit visits to those with serious interest, that have been approved to adopt. This is also why we schedule meet and greets for puppies on or near their release day, so that they have had multiple vaccinations and, so they only have to have one interaction and can go immediately home! Lastly this step is also to protect the hearts of our adopters, we have found that once a potential adopter visits with a puppy that "seals the deal" so to speak and it can be heartwrencing if another home is chosen as the final adopter. That is why we only schedule meet and greets for those chosen as best match.
In order to protect our puppies from exposure to potential diseases we have to limit visits to those with serious interest, that have been approved to adopt. This is also why we schedule meet and greets for puppies on or near their release day, so that they have had multiple vaccinations and, so they only have to have one interaction and can go immediately home! Lastly this step is also to protect the hearts of our adopters, we have found that once a potential adopter visits with a puppy that "seals the deal" so to speak and it can be heartwrencing if another home is chosen as the final adopter. That is why we only schedule meet and greets for those chosen as best match.
Can I visit with multiple litters?
Litters have different available dates, and since we are unable to hold puppies without pre-adoption, we can only place applications towards one litter at a time.
How am I supposed to make a decision without meeting them?
*Please note due to COVID-19 we are not able to offer Meet & Greets for puppies at this time. We absolutely understand that some families need to physically meet a puppy in person. In this situation we would recommend checking other area shelters to see if they are currently allowing physical visitations, or check back with us in a month or two!
We do allow adopters to schedule a virtual meet and greet before finalizing pre-adoption, however since our goal is to ensure every puppy has a home lined up, we are unable to hold for more than 48 hours after a home has been chosen.
Most puppies are completely blank slates, that means they are going to be what you make of them. At 8 weeks old they can do just about anything with the right socialization and training. They are entering their second fear period at this time, so sometimes they may be a bit fearful of new people and stimuli, but they quickly get through that and adjust to being in their new homes. If you are looking for a new dog to fulfill a specific role such as the numerous types of working dogs, please let us know in advance and we can talk to you more about this and if any of the puppies have shown specific qualities or traits. However they are still so young that it may be difficult to tell.
We do allow adopters to schedule a virtual meet and greet before finalizing pre-adoption, however since our goal is to ensure every puppy has a home lined up, we are unable to hold for more than 48 hours after a home has been chosen.
Most puppies are completely blank slates, that means they are going to be what you make of them. At 8 weeks old they can do just about anything with the right socialization and training. They are entering their second fear period at this time, so sometimes they may be a bit fearful of new people and stimuli, but they quickly get through that and adjust to being in their new homes. If you are looking for a new dog to fulfill a specific role such as the numerous types of working dogs, please let us know in advance and we can talk to you more about this and if any of the puppies have shown specific qualities or traits. However they are still so young that it may be difficult to tell.
I cannot make it on the Available date, can you hold a puppy?
No, our goal is that every puppy goes into their new homes the earliest they possibly can. If you cannot make it on the available date you are welcome to wait and see who/if any are still available.
*Placing a deposit, or offering to make a donation for us to hold will not change this decision.
*Placing a deposit, or offering to make a donation for us to hold will not change this decision.
Why wasn't I CHOSEN?
Not being chosen as a best match does not in any way reflect on you as an adopter.
We receive an abundance of interest in young puppies and can have 20+ applications we review for adoption. Most of the time when homes are not chosen as a best match it is due to minor things on application like type of fencing, lack of pet history, or veterinary references. If you would like a specific reason a member of our management would be happy to visit with you about that. However please know we would love to have you as an adopter, and we highly recommend looking at any of our animals that are currently available to leave, as they are not processed as pre-adopts and are instead processed as first come first serve and could leave with you IMMEDIATELY! There is never a shortage of dogs or puppies needing homes.
We receive an abundance of interest in young puppies and can have 20+ applications we review for adoption. Most of the time when homes are not chosen as a best match it is due to minor things on application like type of fencing, lack of pet history, or veterinary references. If you would like a specific reason a member of our management would be happy to visit with you about that. However please know we would love to have you as an adopter, and we highly recommend looking at any of our animals that are currently available to leave, as they are not processed as pre-adopts and are instead processed as first come first serve and could leave with you IMMEDIATELY! There is never a shortage of dogs or puppies needing homes.
Can I adopt two puppies?
The Hill Country SPCA no longer promotes sibling adoptions due to the increased return rate we saw when the puppies got older and started exhibiting poor behavior towards each other or towards members of the family. This is mainly due to "Littermate Syndrome" also known as Sibling Bond. We encourage families considering two puppies to do research on this topic, and to understand that when possible we prefer to place siblings separately. This does also apply to adopting two puppies from separate litters, but similar ages. If you are interested in bringing two new family members home at the same time, please reach out and talk to us so we can talk with you more about this!
Do you Adopt out of state/country?
At this time due to COVID we are not adopting out of state, and at no time do we adopt outside of the contiguous United States.
