How to adopt dogs rescued from puppy mill

May 5, 2010 The pups from a Tennessee puppy mill are being made available for adoption as they clear physical exams and behavioral assessments. Most are poodles and poodle mixes, according to Anti-Cruelty.

Many of the dogs have medical conditions such as heart murmurs and will need extra care throughout their lives. That means owners can expect to spend more than the average annual cost on some of these puppies (Normally, taking care of a dog costs around $1,000 or more a year.). Plus, some dogs may need extra time to socialize since they were not raised in the proper living conditions.

Interested adopters should check out the website www.anticruelty.org or visit the shelter at 510 N. LaSalle in Chicago. Photos of the dogs will be made available online, Anti-Cruelty officials said. They are not taking calls are unable to put any dogs 'on hold.'

Adoptions are open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

More than 80 puppies were rescued from a puppy mill in Tennessee and brought to Chicago to receive care last week.

Anti Cruelty Adoption Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age or older for standard adoptions. 21 years of age for the Bully Buddy program. Seniors 60 and over qualify for the Pets for Seniors Program.

Must have valid ID with current address

Must provide landlord's name and phone number (or copy of current lease)

All members of the household should be present

You must understand that The Anti-Cruelty Society must approve your adoption application

Our adoption fee is $95 for dogs and puppies (except Bully Buddies) & $60 for cats and kittens.

Our adoption fee for Bully Buddies is $140 (INCLUDES 7 week class in our School of Dog Training, part of the Pit Package!)

Each adoption Includes:

Complete veterinary exam

Inoculations against rabies and other diseases

Heartworm test for dogs

Feline leukemia test for cats

Spaying or neutering (it's mandatory)

Collar

Lifetime ID tag (on The Anti-Cruelty Society's registry) and a permanent identification microchip

Dog leash or cat carrier

15 day free post-adoption veterinary care in our clinic for any condition which may have been present but undetectable at the time of adoption

The Adoption Process

Selection Our staff are located in the dog and the cat adoption rooms to assist with selection and answer any questions. Remember, not all animals are appropriate for all household situations, so please allow our staff to assist you in selection.

Application and Counseling Once you have decided on an animal, the room staff will provide you with an application form. Our counselors then review the information on the application. If the adoption is approved, we will provide you with information on training, health, and basic care. We will also answer any questions you may have.