ADOPTION PROCEDURES:
What does Hounds Haven look for in an adoptive family?
- A family or individual who will spend time each day interacting with the basset;
- A family or individual who allows the basset hound to live inside with the family;
- A family or individual who allows their dogs to sleep indoors;
- A family where every member is fully committed to adopting and caring for a basset hound
Some of the REQUIREMENTS HHBR has for adopters:
- We will NOT place a Basset into a Home which has current un-altered pets(dogs or cats)
- ALL current pets in the home HAVE to be Current on vaccinations. Dogs needs to have a negative HW test on file in the past year and cats must be UTD as well(even if they are inside only animals)
- All current pets in the home MUST be indoor animals...we will NOT adopt to homes with dogs or cats that are left outdoors during any long length of time(ie they have a "run"/"pen" and a dog house)
- If you rent you MUST get prior approval to have a dog in your rental home. Please try and do this BEFORE you fill out an application, we WILL be in contact with your landlord! We find this communication goes much smoother if you speak with them in advance & a HHBR volunteer doesn't surprise them with a phone call!
What does an adopting family need to know about bassets?
Many people are surprised to find out that basset hounds are large breed dogs. For their height, bassets have the densest bone mass compared to all other breeds. On average, bassets can weigh between 45 and 65 pounds.
Bassets are not lazy—Bassets are hunting dogs. They have been bred for endurance. Many will run circles around you! Additionally, puppies are puppies regardless of their breed. Bassets puppies are curious and often into everything. Rarely are they lazy!
Drool—Bassets are famous for flinging drool onto ceilings, cabinets and furniture. They also tend to be very messy drinkers, leaving more water on the floor than what they actually consume.
Hound scent—Most bassets have a particular odor about them. Basset owners often describe the odor as smelling vaguely like corn chips or popcorn. The odor is most noticeable on their feet.
Stubborn personality—Many people mistake stubbornness for stupidity. HHBR wants to dispel this common misconception. Bassets are very intelligent highly evolved thinkers that can learn basic obedience. However, if you want a dog that will obey your every command, the basset hound is probably NOT for you. When asked to perform a command, bassets often require a little “persuasion.”
Need for attention/Barking when left alone—Most basset hounds are very affectionate dogs and firmly insist, despite their size, on being lap dogs. Basset hounds do not like to be separated from their pack for long periods. They will show their displeasure by barking or howling. Moreover, for a short dog, their barks and howls are very LOUD!
Sensitivity to heat—It can get very hot in Iowa and Surrounding states. Because bassets are very low to the ground, they feel the heat (especially on pavement) reflected off the ground more intensely than humans do. Moreover, you should never leave an unattended dog in a car during the summer months. It may be 80 degrees outside, but in the car, it is more like 100! Your dog can die!
Shedding—Yes, bassets are short haired dogs. Despite this, bassets shed like crazy. During the spring and fall, many bassets have a “molting” period where they shed even more than normal.
Bassets do get lost—Bassets are notorious for catching a scent, wandering off from their homes but not being able to find their way back. Bassets should always be on a leash when out in public.
Health Concerns—There are health concerns specific to every breed of dog. Common ailments in basset hounds include ear infections, development of cysts, glaucoma, and disk disease.
So, you've read this far...now what?
Are you prepared to be responsible for these types of behavior issues and health concerns? If your answer is yes, then you need to fill out an adoption application. Adoption donations are required and the minimum donation amounts are as follows:
- 10 weeks to 1 year-$200.00
- 1 years to 7 years-$175.00
- 8 years and older-$150.00
- Bonded pairs-$200.00
**PLEASE NOTE THESE ADOPTION FEES ARE A GENERAL IDEA, HOUNDS THAT REQUIRE EXTENSIVE VET CARE WILL HAVE HIGHER ADOPTION FEES**
After you have submitted an adoption application and completed a phone interview with the Adoption Coordinator, a home visit will be scheduled. Hounds Haven looks for answers to following questions during the home visit:
- Would I allow my basset hound to live in this home? (We are not looking at housekeeping skills; rather, we want to know about the family’s lifestyle, and whether there is room for a basset hound in their lives.)
- Does the applicant have time to spend with the basset?
- Do all the family members want a basset hound?
- Is the housing arrangement basset friendly? Is there a fenced yard?
- Is anyone allergic to dogs?
After Hounds Haven has received your application and approved you for adoption, it is simply a matter of finding the best match between you and the basset hounds we have available. This may be a quick process or it may take some time, depending on the age, sex, or personality you desire. Younger bassets and females usually necessitate a longer wait. When the perfect basset hound becomes available, the Adoption Coordinator will refer the applicant to the foster family for meeting time arrangements. So long as the meeting is successful, the foster family will review any special advice or suggestions for your new basset and you will sign the Adoption Contract and take your new basset hound home.
Please remember Every animal for adoption through an Hounds Haven is fully vetted for their age and only needs routine preventive care. Dogs older then 6 months of age are heart worm tested! All dogs are kept on heart worm preventative. Every hound is vaccinated (age appropriate), and de-wormed, mico chipped in addition to being spayed/neutered. We also offer each adopted hound a 30 day free of charge pet health guarantee through our affiliation with 24 HR Petwatch Microchips and Shelter Care Pet Insurance!
What does the ~CL~ mean behind the dogs name!! These hounds are what we at Hounds Haven call "Courtesy Listings"......they are in still with their current owners needing to find new forever homes or with temporary placement while looking for their forever homes. We are a very small based, with few foster homes, rescue. We love and rely on these temporary homes to help us with the homeless hounds throughout the state's of NE, MO, KS & IA. In most cases, of course not all, Courtesy Listing (CL) animals are not in our Rescue program and have not been evaluated by Hounds Haven. They are listed as a courtesy to someone in need of re-homing an animal. Hounds Haven makes no representations and expressly disclaims any and all liability as to the temperament, health, or other trait of Courtesy Listing animals and will only relay their contact information to you. Courtesy Listings are private adoptions processed through current owners, shelters, etc., although Hounds Haven will often assist in the process.
