Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you adopt to?
We adopt our REBEL pups to homes within a 6 hour driving radius of Hamilton or Niagara, Ontario. All adopters must reside in Canada. The reason for this is because we want to ensure that we can provide adequate post-adoption support to our adopters.
Where do the dogs come from?
The majority of our dogs come directly from high-kill shelters in Texas, while some of our dogs are saved directly off the streets. We partner with rescues down south to help with placing rescued dogs into forever homes in Canada. All RDR dogs come from dire situations, whether it be that they are on the euthanasia list, they are strays, or are in situations of homelessness, abuse or neglect.
RDR also rescues locally (within Ontario), and from Northern Canada.
Why do you rescue dogs from outside of Ontario?
There are a number of reasons, but ultimately we believe that rescue knows no borders and all lives are worthy of being saved. This is why we rescue from Texas, Manitoba and Ontario. As a non-profit with limited resources, we rescue who we can when we can.
How do the dogs from Texas get to Ontario?
R.E.B.E.L Dog Rescue pays a dog rescue licensed transport company to drive the dogs from Texas to Ontario. The trip is approximately 3 days long. They remain crated while on the road, with fresh water available to them at all times. The van is temperature controlled and the dogs are let out every 4-5 hours for a potty break and fresh air.
How do the dogs get from Northern Canada to Ontario?
The dogs are flown from Northern Canada to Winnpeg, Manitoba. They are later flown from Winnipeg to Ontario.
Where is RDR located?
We do not have a facility. We are a foster-based rescue, which means that all our dogs are fostered in private homes. In the case that a foster home is not available, the dog goes to a partnering boarding facility. We are based in Southern Ontario, primarily within the Hamilton and the Niagara regions.
What is your approval process?
Read about out approval process here.
Do you do a foster-to-adopt program?
No, however each adopter will be given a 15-day probation period. Read more here.
Do you do Meet & Greets?
We do our very best to place our Texas dogs into adoptive homes before they arrive into Canada. This ensures that they have a safe and loving place to go after their long journey up to Ontario. Read more about our adoption probation period.
Dogs located in Ontario: To minimize the disruption to the lives of the dogs and our foster families, and to ensure safety, virtual Meet & Greets may be offered to eligible applicants for dogs fostered in Ontario only. Occasionally we will host adoption events, in which anybody is welcome to come by and meet the dogs. Dog-dog introductions will not be allowed at these events. All adoptions have a 15 day probation period.
Dogs located in the USA: All dogs are adopted with an adoption probation. This means that the adoptive family has 15 days to determine that dog is a good fit for them. Although it may feel scary to not meet the dog before adopting, the 15 day probation period allows you to get to know the dog within your home. If you buy a dog off of Kijiji or even adopt at a local shelter you may be given a couple hours to meet the dog. We believe that our program's 15 day probation provides much more insight into how he or she will fit into your home, rather than a brief meet and greet.
We are very proud to say that we have a 97% adoption success rate, with over 900 adoptions!
Will the dog be trained?
All of our rescue dogs come from dire situations, where they have received little to no formal training. At the very least they will require their owner to teach them basic obedience, how to walk on a leash, and manners. We ask that adopters commit to working with a reputable trainer who has experience with rescue dogs to learn how to help your new rescue dog be the best they can be.
Will the dog be house trained?
Most Texas dogs are in foster homes before coming to Ontario to meet their forever families, and tend to establish bathroom routines. However, accidents in the home while the dog is transitioning is to be expected. We cannot completely guarantee that the dog will be 100% house broken upon adoption.
What vetting do the dogs receive?
RDR receives as much information as possible on the dog’s health and does everything that we can to ensure that the dog is healthy prior to adoption. The dogs will receive a minimum of 1 physical examination, they will have their core age-appropriate vaccines, plus the non-core bordatella vaccine (kennel cough), and they will be microchipped. Dogs 6 months of age and older will be spayed or neutered. Spaying/neutering is mandated for all puppies by 7 months of age., and a reimbursement will be provided with proof of sterilization. Sterilization mandate is outlined in the Adoption Agreement.
Does Rebel offer post-adoption support?
Absolutely! Rebel has a dedicated team whose sole purpose is to keep in touch with our alumni. Adopters will receive a follow-up touch base after 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months and 1 year. Rebel has training consultant on 'staff', who is always happy to assist with any issues that may arise. If further intervention is needed, Rebel works directly with behavioural trainers who offer discounted rates for Rebel alumni.
Is Rebel a Registered Charity?
Rebel Dog Rescue is a registered not-for-profit incorporation, however it is not a Registered Charity and therefore cannot administer tax receipts. We hope to apply in the near future!