Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where does All Creatures Rescue obtain the pets for adoption?
A: Most of our adoptable pets are rescued from local shelters. The shelters in our area
are area almost always full and are "High-Kill", meaning they euthanize weekly or even
daily. Sadly, many pets that are relinquished to our southern shelters never make it out,
as we can only help a small percentage. We also help our veterinary clinic and other
rescue groups to place pets that come into their facilities when needed.

Q: Why are these pets turned into the shelter? What is wrong with him/her?
A: Nothing is wrong with these wonderful pets! Pets are NOT turned into shelters because
they are "BAD" pets! This is the most common misconception about shelters pets. Pets
are given up for many reasons but the most frequent reasons we hear are: 1) moving; 2)
new baby or significant other; 3) pet is too much work and I do not have time for him/her;
4) cannot afford the pet; and the most recent 5) Hurricane related issues that does not
allow the family to continue to care for the pet. We temperament test every pet that comes
into our organization, and if there are any undesirable characteristics, they will be
corrected or the pet will not be offered for adoption.

Q: I need to find a home for my pet, will All Creatures Rescue take him/her?
A: We normally do not accept pets from owners, we have under special circumstances but
do not make a habit of this. Most owners want to surrender pets due to circumstances
that we feel could be avoided and the pet can stay in the home he/she is comfortable.
Most people who contact us say that they do not have time for the pet, this is most hurtful
when the pet is a senior. Trust us, your pet would rather stay in the home it has always
known with a little less attention that he/she used to receive than having to start a new life!
Our focus is on the pets in the shelters because their lives are in danger. Most pets in the
shelters we work with have 3-5 days to get out or they will be euthanized by means of the
Gas Chamber.

Q: If my pet was turned into a "High-Kill" shelter, would All Creatures Rescue
accept my pet into the adoptions program?
A: First of all, NEVER place your pet in a shelter (high kill or not) thinking that a rescue is
going to rush in and save your pet's life! Rescues are almost always full and do not have
a set schedule for saving pets from the shelters, we only take in as others are adopted.
We simply do not have the room, time, vet staff or funds to help every pet that enters the
shelters. For every 5 pets we rescue there are literally hundreds that die, we simply
cannot keep up!

Q: Why are there so many pets in the Southern Shelters?
A: Spay/neuter laws are not strictly enforced (and many residents believe a dog loses
his/her instinct and aptitude for hunting/protecting when they are sterilized.) The number
of intact dogs and cats is enormous, and many of them are allowed to run free and mate
indiscriminately. These practices are extremely high in large breed dogs, sadly the most
common in the south is the Labrador Retriever, this produce thousands of unwanted pets
in our region. Because they are so numerous, even purebred dogs are discarded
because they have small physical "flaws". Dogs are abandoned because they have a
small white spot on their chest (which is allowed under most breed standards) or because
their hair is slightly longer/shorter than many local dog fanciers prefer.

Some Southerners hope to supplement their incomes by breeding and selling dogs.
These "breeders" essentially operate small-scale puppy mills and refuse to acknowledge
that the "demand" for their "product" is very low. For example, one rural Arkansas woman
recently decided to supplement her welfare payments by breeding Labradors. She traded
some food stamps for the $10 adoption fee charged by the municipal shelter for a female
Labrador. This woman already had a male dog chained in her front yard, so she expects
this helpless female to produce numerous puppies. Economics 101 teaches that the
outlook for profits is dim when "breeding stock" can be purchased for $10 at the local
"dog pound", but she expects a good return on her "investment" in this new "business
venture".

Q: What are your adoption fees? Why are some higher than others?
A: The standard adoption fee set by All Creatures Rescue is $175.00 per pet. There is a
$175.00 transport fee for dogs adopted out of our area, bringing the adoption fee total to
$350.00. Some fees are lowered due to donations made to the specific pet by individuals
wanting to assist that pet.

Q: What is the adoption fee for? Am I buying a pet?
A: No, we do not "sell" pets. The adoption fee helps to cover the costs associated with vet
care for the pet you are adopting. ALL pets are examined by a licensed veterinarian,
spayed/neutered as young as 12-14 weeks, have all necessary vaccines, de-worming,
treatments for any medical conditions, started on heartworm, flea & tick preventatives. 9
times out of 10, the adoption fee only covers 80% of what we invest into the care of each
pet.

Q: What kind of records or documents will come with my adopted pet?
A: You will receive copies of all veterinary records to show proof of the care that your new
pet has had while he/she was in our care. The records include, but are not limited to:
actual chart copies from our veterinarian to give to your designated veterinarian, rabies
license and tag, any medications (not including heartworm and flea/tick preventatives) you
pet is currently taking, and if your adopted pet is being transported to you, you will
receive a Certificate of Health by our veterinarian which states your pet is healthy for
adoption and travel.

Q: I am in the New England area and wish to adopt a pet from All Creatures
Rescue, how would the pet I am interested in arrive in this area? Do I have to
pay extra for transportation?
A: We have a professional transporter that picks your adopted pet and brings them safely
to you! We have 1 stop in Pennsylvania, 1 stop in New York, 2 stops in Connecticut, 1
stop in New Hampshire and 1 stop in Maine. Even though there is not a drop-off location
for all of the northeastern states, we adopt to every New England state! Our transports
leave every 2 weeks, the transporter leaves Louisiana with your adopted pet on
Thursdays and you pet will arrive at the location you selected on Saturday where you will
pick him/her up and take them home. Pickup times vary and upon adoption you will be
asked which pickup location is best for you. You will NEVER be asked for any
additional funds for transportation! Out of state adopters pay a $350.00 adoption fee,
$175.00 is for All Creatures Rescue and $175.00 covers the cost of transport. We do not
set the transportation fee, this is what the driver charges us to deliver your pet safely to
you.

Q: Are the transports to New England safe?
A: Yes! There are always multiple transporters on each vehicle that are watching for the
safety of each animal on board. The transporters stop in various location along the way to
allow pets to be walked, fed and watered. Due to the extreme heat the south gets in the
summers, transporters are very careful and monitor the pets closely during the journey.
The transporters that deliver your adopted pet do this as their living and are always aware
of the needs of every pet in their care. Our transporter carries pets not only for All
Creatures Rescue but also assist in the transportation of dogs for Labs4Rescue in New
England as well. Your new pet is placed in the most capable and caring hands.

Q: Will the transport traumatize or effect my adopted pet in any way?
A: No. The only side effect usually occurring after the transport that you will notice is that
your pet may be tired for a day or so, after all, they have traveled a long way to get to
their new home with you. Some pets are nervous of vehicles for various reasons, these
pets may be a little more upset than others. Some other common effects you may see are
watery eyes which a result from the climate change during the journey, this will usually
clear up within 24-48 hours after arrival.
Got Questions? We've got the answers!
Listed below are the most common questions we receive from both our Southern and New England
Adopters, please EMAIL US if this page is not helpful in answering your questions.