Adopt a Lab
All of our Labs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to love you unconditionally.
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Already an Approved Adopter? Approved adopters can inquire about any Lab/Lab mix on our Petfinder site by emailing adoptions@LELRR.org.
Not an Approved Adopter? Only fill out an application IF:
- ✓ You meet the Adoption Requirements (see below "Adoption Requirements") AND
- ✓ The Petfinder profile for a dog you are interested in has a complete bio.
⚠️ In other words, do NOT In other words, do NOT fill out an application if the Petfinder dog is marked "Not Accepting Applications Yet"! (Applications submitted before this time are NOT reviewed.)
The Full LELRR Adoption Process
We appreciate your interest in adopting a Labrador Retriever from LELRR. A lot of time, love, and funds (average $1,000/dog) go into preparing these rescued Labs/Lab mixes for their Forever homes!
Labs are posted on Facebook and Instagram at intake, and listed on Petfinder with a picture and very basic information; however, little is known about them at that time.
The majority of our Labs go into foster homes to prepare them for life in their forever home. This can be for a few weeks or longer.
Petfinder information is updated when the dog is available for adoption.
"Foster to Adopt"
You may notice "foster to adopt" next to a dog's name. This means that the dog has not been in a foster home during our care. You will meet the dog at the kennel we use, and while we can share what we know about its behavior and temperament in that environment, we cannot guarantee how the dog will behave in a home setting. By choosing to participate in the "foster to adopt" program, you are bringing the dog into your home to help it adjust to family life.
If you find that the dog is a good match for your family, we can finalize the adoption. However, if it's not a suitable fit, you have the option to either return the dog to the kennel or continue fostering it while we search for a permanent home.
If you would like more information about the "foster to adopt" program, please contact us at foster@lelrr.org.
General Adopting Requirements
(Email application@lelrr.org with questions)
- •You are within 150 driving miles of Medina, Ohio, and in the US. Exceptions may be made for specific dogs, but the foster makes the final decision on who adopts the dog.
- •Children in the home are 6 or older.
- •If you rent and are a first-time dog owner, you are not eligible.
- •You must be at least 21 years old.
- •If you are renting, we need to speak with your landlord or see your lease, which must show that you are permitted to have large dogs.
- •Current pets must be spayed or neutered unless your vet provides a medical reason for not doing so.
- •Current/recent dogs must be up to date on vaccinations, heartworm testing, and taking heartworm prevention year-round, unless your vet has advised otherwise.
- •The dog is indoor only and has NO access to the outside when no one is home or at night.
- •You will take the dog to the vet during the 2-week trial adoption to establish a relationship and purchase heartworm preventative medication.
What's next?
Do you meet these requirements? And, is your dog of interest available for adoption?
If so, complete the adoption application.
Do you meet these requirements, but do not have a specific dog of interest, or your dog of interest is not available?
Do NOT submit an application until a full bio is on Petfinder and the "NOT Accepting Applications Yet" is removed. (Applications submitted before this time are NOT reviewed.)
Do you meet these requirements and see "foster to adopt" listed next to the name of the dog you are interested in?
If so, complete an adoption application for that dog.
Once Approved:
- 1You will be able to express interest in any of our adoptable Labs.
- 2Get updates on the status of those not yet ready for adoption.
- 3Work with the foster/adoption liaison who can help you find the right dog for your home.
- 4Once you've found a potential match, you'll be able to talk with the foster to learn more about the Lab and set up any meet & greets.
- 5Before finalizing any adoption, we require a two-week trial period to make sure it's a good match for both you and the dog.
- 6All LELRR dogs have a health record that goes with them for their 2-week trial.
- 7A "Trial Period and Adoption Agreement" is signed by the foster and the adopter prior to the dog leaving the foster for the Trial Adoption. We urge you to read and understand the terms.
Note: Some Labs may "disappear" from Petfinder
There are a few reasons for this:
- •There was a medical issue.
- •A foster decided to adopt their foster dog.
I'm Approved - Why Can't I Adopt My Dog of Interest?
We cannot guarantee you will be able to adopt a specific Lab you are interested in once your application has been approved. If the Lab you originally applied for is adopted by someone else, or if you were told it is not a good match, please do not take it personally!
Remember, new Labs in need are always arriving - one of them may very well be the perfect fit for your home.
Our role, and especially that of our fosters, is to place their Labs with adopters who, in their opinion, will offer them a good chance of success.
ADOPTION FEES
As of June 1, 2025, adoption fees will be:
$500
Puppies 0–6 months
$475
7 months to 3 years
$375
4 years to 7 years
$275
8 years and up
Fees are set based on dog's age at time of adoption. Adoption fees paid in cash or check; $35 returned check fee applies.
Final Notes
You will need to provide 2 personal references. They cannot be a relative, 2 people who live together, or someone you live with. Notify them to expect a call from one of our volunteers. We will be unable to approve your application until we speak with them.
Please contact your veterinarian and authorize them to release your pet's medical records. Alternatively, you can obtain the records for your current and recent dogs, which should include the date of their most recent vaccinations, the due dates for upcoming vaccinations, the date of their latest heartworm test, and proof of year-round heartworm preventive medication usage. We will not be able to approve your application until we receive this information.
IF FOR ANY REASON YOU CAN NO LONGER CARE FOR YOUR ADOPTED DOG, WE REQUIRE THAT YOU NOTIFY LELRR AS STATED IN THE ADOPTION CONTRACT. AFTER THE TWO-WEEK TRIAL PERIOD, THE ADOPTION FEE IS NOT REFUNDED.
Your patience and understanding of our process are very much appreciated. Thank you!
— The LELRR Team
LELRR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DECLINE ANY APPLICANT WE BELIEVE IN OUR SOLE OPINION DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARDS OF OUR ORGANIZATION. THE FINAL DECISION IF NEEDED IS UP TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF LELRR.