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Adoption Process
Adoption Information
Information for Adopters
Application for Adoption

 



The Adoption Process

Feel free to browse the “Available Danes” page. We get in new danes all the time, so if you don’t see the right dane for your family, I’m sure we’ll get him or her soon. Print and fill out the "Application for Adoption" form and mail it to us.

If you are looking for a specific dog, you will be placed on a waiting list and contacted only after we have a dog that meets your requirements. Many of the danes are living in foster homes, not in one central facility.

If you have specific questions about adopting or anything else, please feel free to contact us. We will do our best to answer your email quickly.

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Adoption Information

WE DO NOT SHIP DOGS.
Great Dane Rescue of Tampa Bay, Inc. places dogs in Florida only.
Please refer to our contact list to locate a Great Dane Rescue Group near you.

Adoption Fee: $175 (spay/neuter included)

 

If you are successful in the adoption of a dog through Great Dane Rescue of Tampa Bay, Inc., the following will apply:

  1. All dogs are spayed or neutered before they leave our facility.
  2. Great Danes are typically affectionate and friendly, and we will not place a dog known to have an unsound temperament. However, no one can predict how any dog will react in a given situation, especially without complete knowledge of its life experiences. Therefore, adoptive owners are strongly urged to exercise prudence and caution in introducing an adoptive dog into a new situation until the Great Dane has become fully adjusted to its new environment and the adoptive owner has had an opportunity to become familiar with that Great Dane's unique personality.
  3. No Great Dane will be placed in a new home which does not provide a fenced yard except under special circumstances, which must be approved by Rescue. A Great Dane must never be allowed to run loose. It must always carry identifying tags or be tattooed with an identifying name or number, or have a microchip implant. Great Danes must be kept as house pets in close companionship with their families. They must be kept in a home where they will not be not left outdoors unsupervised, also to be kept indoors at night.
  4. Adoptive owners must be prepared to demonstrate their ability and willingness to provide proper food, medical care and a loving, safe, healthy and clean environment for the adoptive Great Dane. Even if the dog has already had a basic obedience course, we urge a refresher course to establish respect and a close rapport more rapidly between dog and owner. Always be sure that the trainer is familiar with the Great Dane's temperament.
  5. The ownership and responsibility for the adopted Great Dane belongs solely to the adoptive owners. However, if for some valid reason, the adoption does not work to the advantage of the new owner and the dog, Great Dane Rescue of Tampa Bay, Inc. must be given the option of reacquiring the dog. You agree not to sell, trade, abandon, or dispose of this Great Dane in any way, but to notify Great Dane Rescue of Tampa Bay, Inc. The adoptive owner shall not transfer ownership of the Great Dane unless Rescue elects not to exercise this option within 14 days.
  6. Each prospective adoptive home will be visited by a Great Dane Rescue of Tampa Bay, Inc. representative to evaluate its qualifications as an adoptive home.
  7. You agree to provide veterinary care at once if the dog becomes sick or injured and agree to keep the dog current on all vaccinations and heartworm checks.
  8. You agree to allow a representative of Great Dane Rescue of Tampa Bay to examine the dog and his/her living conditions and you agree to surrender the dog to said representative if the conditions are found to be unsatisfactory.

For more information or to receive and adoption application, please contact us.

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Information for new Dane Parents

So, You've Decided To Adopt A Pony (Great Dane)!

Some things you need to know:

  • Food on the counters is fair game to a Rescue. Even when properly taught they can still revert back when smelling something good.
  • When another animal lives in the home, separate them when feeding. The Rescue will want to eat both bowlfuls. Respect for another dog's food bowl is very important. It is a good idea to get a RAISED water and food bowl for the Rescue. Because Danes are taller, it helps avoid inherent medical problems such as a twisted stomach (which can be fatal).
  • The Rescue might have an accident or two because yours is a new home to them and they are confused and they don't know where the potty place is yet. (Helpful hint: take the dog out very frequently and praise highly if they potty outside. Do not reprimand if they have an accident. This will only create confusion and fear.) By their nature, dogs do not WANT to relieve themselves in their "den" (your house).
  • The Rescue might cry or whimper the first few nights. They don't know where they are or who you are. DO NOT get up during the night to console them. This will only create a bad habit that can last forever. Tell them in a firm voice "quiet" or "no noise."
  • The Rescue may be extremely possessive of things i.e: bones, toys, crate, bed, food, you. Remember they have never had anything that belonged to them before. They are just like a three year old child that has never been taught to share. If any dog argues over an item, it then becomes your toy, hide it from BOTH animals for a period of time.
  • It will take at least two weeks for everyone to get used to the new dog and for everything to settle down.
  • Remember, if this dog does not work out for you, we will not think any less of you. Sometimes personalities are not matched up for any number of reasons. We would rather you return the dog and get the best one for you, than to try to tough it out. Otherwise you are miserable and the dog suffers.

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