Frequently Asked Questions
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About FLR Adoption FLR Animals Volunteering FosteringEvents Educational Programs Surrendering Your Animal
About Fierce Love Rescue (FLR)
Can we visit your facility?
We do not have a facility. All of our animals live with foster parents until they are adopted.
Do you require fencing?
FLR does not require a fence for our animals. However, some rescue animals are flight risks. We will help you develop a plan for caring for your animal, should it be considered a flight risk.
Do you take donations of new or gently used items such as crates, blankets, bowls, food, etc.?
Yes we do. The only items we will not accept are open bags of food, open cans of food, open/expired medication, prescription medications, pillows, large comforters, or any item with down filing. Please see Donate Items for more information. Another great way to donate much needed supplies is though our Amazon Wish List.
Do you share the information I provide?
We do not share your information with anyone outside of FLR, per our Privacy Policy.
Do you assist individuals by providing funds for veterinary care or general care of their personal pets?
FLR does not (at this time) provide funds to help with veterinary expenses, food, or other supplies for your personal pets. Our animal-specific funds are allocated to wards of FLR and approved Special Programs: our Special-Needs Animal Program, Educational Programs, and Feed a Feral Cat Colony.
Adoption
Do I have to pay a fee when I submit an adoption application?
No, we do not charge a fee to submit an adoption application.
How much is the adoption fee?
Adoption fees vary by species. Please see Adoption Fees.
How is the adoption fee used?
The fees cover the cost of medical expenses (including spay/neuter for dogs over six months old), food, kenneling, and transportation for all of the FLR animals while they are in our care. Please see two pages on our site for more details: Adoption Fees and Where the Money Goes.
Is the adoption fee tax deductible?
The adoption fee is not a donation and is not tax deductible.
Should I return the animal, will you refund the adoption fee?
Unfortunately, no. We will accept the animal (this is stated in our Adoption Contract), but will not refund the fee.
Do you permit someone in the military to adopt an animal?
We will allow someone in the military to adopt an animal if he/she has someone to care for the animal while away.
Do you adopt out of state?
We are willing to adopt to prospective adopters outside of VA. Out-of-state applicants must be willing to come to meet the animal.
Will you transport an animal to me?
We do not typically transport animals to approved adopters. Depending on the animal's foster parent, you may be able to make arrangements to meet in the middle if the foster parent agrees.
Why do you require a home visit?
FLR wants to meet all individuals living in your home and ensure that your home environment will be safe for our animals. During the home visit, we tour your house and yard, if there is one. We will talk with you about where the animal will eat, sleep, and exercise.
If I am approved why can’t I have the animal I want?
You may not be matched with the animal you want. This can happen for several reasons. First, If we believe that a certain animal would not be a good fit in your situation, then we will ask that you wait until a better match is available. Second, it is possible that the animal will already have been adopted by the time you are approved. And third, individual counties in each state may restrict or ban the ownership of specific species.
Can I contact you after the adoption if I have questions or need advice?
Absolutely - YES! While we will reach out to you periodically after the animal goes home, we absolutely encourage all of our adopters to contact us with ANY issues or concerns (no matter how small the issue or concern may be). We have experience in training and can also refer you to someone in your geographic area. We want to avoid frustration and worry, especially when the animal is adjusting to its new environment. Please do contact us!
FLR Animals
Where do FLR animals come from?
Some FLR animals are strays. Others are transferred to us from other shelters/rescues. Some animals are surrendered by their owners, and some are born in rescue (e.g., when we intake a pregnant female).
Do you ever buy animals and then rehome them through adoptions?
No, FLR does not buy rescue animals. Animals that will be on the Available Animals list are truly rescued. We acquire them from rescues, shelters, individual owner surrenders, etc. Please see the FLR Animal Acquisition Policy for more detail.
How do you determine an animal's age?
Unless an animal's age is provided by a previous owner, a veterinarian will determine (approximate) an animal's age.
How do I meet an animal?
You can meet animals that attend adoption events before and after you have been approved as a prospective adopter. Typically the animals that attend a specific event are fostered closeby. After you have been approved, you may set up an appointment with a foster parent to meet a specific animal.
Are FLR animals always spayed or neutered?
FLR has a requirement that cats, dogs, and bunnies will be spayed or neutered, the FLR Spay/Neuter Policy. The only exception to this rule occurs when a veterinarian provides a written letter to the effect that an animal would not be likely to survive the surgery.
Can I leave my animal tethered outside with a long rope or chain?
FLR does not approve adoptions if an animal will be tethered outside. Tethering an animal can be dangerous for the animal should the animal be approached by other animals.
Can I declaw a cat I adopt?
Declawing is prohibited in the FLR Adoption Contract. Declawing is a surgical procedure in which each "toe" is amputated at the first joint. For additional information on declawing, please see Dr. Christianne Schelling's discussion at Declawing.com. Suggestions for handling cate scratching can be found at CatScratching.com.
Volunteering
How can I become a volunteer?
We have many different opportunities for volunteers. Please see Become a Volunteer for information on volunteering and the online volunteer application form.
Fostering
How can I become a foster parent?
We are always in need of foster parents. Please see Become a Foster for details on the foster parent approval process and the online foster application form.
Can I foster a species with which I am not overly familiar?
Yes. If you are interested in fostering a species other than those with which you have experience, FLR will work with you to help you understand the needs of that species.
As a foster parent, will I have input regarding which adoptive home is best for each animal I foster?
FLR fosters' input is an important part of the approval process.
What is a foster fail?
A foster fail happens when foster parents decide to adopt the animal they are fostering. We strive to find the best match for each animal we intake, and sometimes the best match for an animal is the foster home.
What I have to pay anything if I become a foster?
FLR will pay all expenses related to fostering a dog, e.g., vet bills and medications. If you would like to provide a foster animal with a bed/crate and food/treats, that is certainly okay with us, but we will cover those expenses as well.
Events
Where can I find out about upcoming events?
Upcoming events are listed on the Home page towards the bottom of the page under 'Highlighted Events' and on the Events page.
I'm interested in hosting an event to benefit FLR. Who do I contact?
Please contact our Events Coordinator by emailing events-coordinator@fierceloverescue.org.
Educational Programs
How can I request an educational event/program with FLR?
We would like to talk with you about your ideas and needs regarding animal and rescue education. Please see Educational Programs for more detail.
Surrendering Your Animal
How do I surrender my animal?
Surrendering an animal can be very difficult and we will do our best to ease the transition. Please fill out (and submit) the Owner Surrender Policy/Form. When we receive this form we will contact you as soon as we can.
