Frequently Asked Questions
How Can We Help?
Answers to the most common questions about adopting, fostering, volunteering, donating, and more. Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out to us directly.
Adopting & Fostering a Dog
How can I see your adoptable dogs?
You can view the profiles of our adoptable dogs on our website or on Petfinder. Please read their descriptions carefully, as some dogs may have special needs or may need a home that's just the right fit for them.
What is your adoption process?
Browse our available dogs, then fill out an adoption application with your top three picks. Once your application is submitted, we will contact you within 7–10 days. Due to holidays, adoption events, and unforeseen circumstances, some applications may take up to 10 days to receive a response.
From there, we will conduct a phone interview, schedule a home check, and assess the dog's fit with your family and other pets. When you pass a home check, we bring the dog to your home for a meet & greet. If it's a match, you'll be offered an adoption contract. Congratulations!
Dogs are not placed on a first come, first served basis. We take special care placing dogs into families where they will be able to thrive.
Can I come to the shelter to see and adopt a dog?
Unfortunately, we are not set up for in-house adoptions. Many of the dogs ready for adoption are enrolled in our foster program. Our shelter is a safe space for dogs needing rehabilitation or training. Please browse available dogs on our website or Petfinder and fill out an application so we can set up a meet & greet at your home.
What is the fee to adopt?
- $375 — Small dogs
- $300 — Puppies
- $250 — Medium to large adult dogs
- $200 — Senior medium to large dogs
The average dog costs Detroit Dog Rescue $753 or more in basic care, including spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, heartworm testing, training, and full medical clearance. Puppies adopted out under 12 weeks include a spay/neuter contract. Contact an adoption coordinator for more information.
Do you adopt out of state?
For some dogs and special arrangements, yes. We urge everyone to fill out an application.
Due to BSL laws in Canada, we are unable to adopt Pitbull-type dogs across the border.
How can I foster a dog?
By fostering, you are helping save more lives and giving a dog a chance to train and learn in a home environment. Fosters are essential to our rescue and we would be lost without you.
Fosters must live in the state of Michigan. Puppy fosters must live in the metro Detroit area, close to our veterinarians. The first step is to fill out a foster application on our website. Once we have a match, our foster associates will be in touch.
Detroit Dog Rescue provides all medical care, supplies, toys, and food you will need for your foster dog. All you need to provide is love and occasional transportation to medical appointments and adoption events.
Donating & Volunteering
How do I volunteer?
Volunteers are essential to Detroit Dog Rescue's mission. We can't thank you enough for wanting to donate your time.
All volunteers must be 18 years or older. Kennel attendants must commit to one shift per week for 12 consecutive weeks, be in good health, able to lift over 40 lbs, and willing to work with large breeds, especially bully breeds. Prior experience handling large breed dogs is preferred; veterinary or kennel experience is a plus.
Fill out a volunteer application on our website. Weekday volunteers are especially needed and your application will be chosen based on availability.
To volunteer at adoption events, you must first complete 12 consecutive weeks in our kennels.
How can I make a donation?
Donating is easy, safe, and secure. You can donate online as a one-time gift or click "recurring donation" to automatically give each month. Every amount helps — because every dollar counts.
Prefer to give by check? Make checks payable to Detroit Dog Rescue and mail to:
Detroit Dog Rescue
P.O. Box 806119
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
What supplies do you need and where can I drop them off?
You can find our wishlist and drop-off locations on our Donate page. We do not allow donations to be dropped off at our shelter due to limited storage space and to avoid interrupting training and feeding times. Thank you for understanding.
My business would like to become a drop-off location.
Thank you for wanting to help the dogs of Detroit! Please email us at detroitdogrescue@gmail.com to express your interest.
How can I throw a fundraiser for Detroit Dog Rescue?
We are always honored when the community wants to help. You can create an online fundraising campaign anytime.
To host a third-party fundraising event, send a proposal to detroitdogrescue@gmail.com at least 60 days prior to the event. Include the date, location, and what you expect from Detroit Dog Rescue. You will hear back within 14 days.
Outreach & Dog Well-Being
How can I report or surrender a dog?
To report a stray dog or a dog in danger within Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park city limits, please fill out our Help Line form or call (313) 458-8014. Provide the exact location, cross streets, closest landmarks, and a description of the dog.
Stray dogs move quickly — the best chance of helping is when our team is already in the field. We log every report but cannot guarantee we will locate the dog.
If your life is in danger due to a stray dog, call 911 immediately.
If you need assistance for your own pet, please fill out an Outreach Assistance Application.
WE DO NOT ACCEPT SURRENDERED DOGS AT ANY LOCATION WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL. Leaving any animal without approval is considered abandonment — a misdemeanor.
How do I receive food assistance for my pet?
We're here to help responsible dog owners in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. Fill out an Outreach Assistance form to inquire about availability.
To qualify, you must: be a Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park resident; qualify as low income or have had a recent large decrease in income; provide proper ID upon delivery. Your dog must be healthy, in good condition, and spayed or neutered — or you must be willing to work with us toward spay/neuter.
Who do I call to report a deceased dog?
For deceased animals on city roads: call Detroit Department of Sanitation at (313) 628-4268.
For freeways and interstates: call the Wayne County Road Commission at (313) 875-9444.
What advice can you give me about training my own dog?
We recommend having your dog evaluated by your veterinarian first. Dogs may react or act out for multiple reasons, some of which may be health related. From there, your vet can recommend appropriate training resources. We also recommend having your dog assessed by a CPDT-KA certified trainer to better understand your dog's needs.
General Questions
How long will my merchandise order take to arrive?
Our merchandise is stocked and fulfilled by our dedicated volunteers, so please allow 7–14 days for your order to arrive. Thank you for your patience and for supporting the dogs of Detroit!
I bought the wrong size or color — can I exchange, return, or get a refund?
Unfortunately, we are unable to process refunds, returns, or exchanges at this time. Please review sizing information carefully before placing your order.
What are your hours?
Detroit Dog Rescue works 7 days a week inside our kennels and with our community partners.
However, our office hours are:
Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue, Sat & Sun
Closed
We are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to support our shelter staff and municipal partners.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help. Reach out via phone or email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.