Many of our dogs come from a variety of backgrounds—some have never seen livestock, while others may have a strong prey drive or no working instincts at all. Understanding whether a dog will be expected to actively guard livestock, or simply coexist peacefully with animals like chickens, helps us make the best possible match for everyone’s safety and success.

Some dogs thrive in a working environment, while others may find it overwhelming or may not have the temperament to safely interact with small animals. Your honest answers help ensure the dog is set up for success and that your expectations align with their behavior, instincts, and comfort level.

Primarily Indoor: The dog will live inside the home and go outside for potty breaks, walks, and playtime. They’ll sleep indoors and spend most of their time with the family.

Primarily Outdoor: The dog will spend the majority of their time outside (e.g., in a kennel, yard, or pasture), with shelter provided and minimal to no time spent indoors.

Combination (Indoor/Outdoor): : The dog will live indoors but also spend significant time outside with the family—such as hanging out while you work outdoors, joining for hikes, or relaxing in a fenced yard. They would have regular access to both spaces.

Chewing / Destructive Behavior
I’d prefer a dog who doesn’t regularly chew on furniture, shoes, or household items.

Potty Training
I would be more comfortable with a dog who is already house-trained and understands that indoor spaces are not appropriate for potty breaks.

Leash Manners
I’m happy to take a dog on daily walks, but I would prefer one who already has some leash manners or won’t require significant training in this area.

Separation Anxiety
I work outside the home or have other commitments and may not be the best match for a dog who struggles significantly when left alone.

Reactivity (to other dogs, people, bikes, etc.)
I’m looking for a dog who can walk calmly in public spaces and is not easily triggered by other animals, people, or distractions.

Resource Guarding (food, toys, people)
I would prefer a dog who is comfortable sharing resources and does not exhibit guarding behaviors.

Shy / Under-socialized
I’m looking for a dog who is comfortable around people and adjusts relatively quickly to new environments and situations.

Not Good with Kids or Strangers
I need a dog who is tolerant of visitors, children, and a generally social home environment.

Escape Behavior
I’m not in a position to install or upgrade fencing, and I’d prefer a dog who is not likely to attempt escape or require specialized containment.

High Energy / Working Breed Needs
While I’m active, I’m not looking for a dog who needs constant physical and mental stimulation or a working job to stay happy and balanced.

Heavy Shedding / Grooming Needs
I’m comfortable with routine grooming but would prefer a dog without extreme shedding or high-maintenance coat care needs.

Frequent Barking / Vocalization
I’d prefer a dog who does not bark excessively, especially in a neighborhood or shared living environment.

Major Life Changes (Job Change, New Baby, Time Constraints, Relocation)
I’m not currently going through—or anticipating—any major life changes that would impact my ability to care for a dog. If something like a demanding new job, relocation, or family expansion were to occur, I want to be honest that I may not have the capacity to continue meeting a dog’s needs—and returning the dog might become necessary.

(You know, the person who will also be on poop-scooping duty and who claims the dog won’t end up in your bed… but we all know how that goes.)

The Busy Bee: I’m always on the go! Between work, errands, social events, and everything else, my schedule is packed. I’m looking for a dog who can keep up and is okay with some alone time or a bit of independence during the day.

The Adventurer: I’m always planning my next outdoor adventure! Whether it's hiking, biking, or just long walks, I’m looking for a dog who’s energetic and loves to explore the great outdoors.

The Homebody: My couch, my blanket, my dog, and I – that’s the dream! I prefer quiet nights at home and lazy weekends, but I’m ready to take my dog out for daily walks and plenty of cuddles.

The Social Butterfly: I’m out and about, whether it's hanging with friends, at the dog park, or attending community events. I need a dog who’s social, loves meeting new people, and can handle the hustle and bustle.

The Family Centered: Whether it’s kids, cousins, or the whole extended family, my home is always full of people. I need a dog who’s good with children, loves the chaos, and enjoys being part of the family fun.

The Work-from-Home Pro: I’m living the dream with a remote job, so my dog will always have company! I’m looking for a dog who likes to hang out while I work but is also up for a break when I’m ready to play.

The Fitness Buff : My workouts are non-negotiable, and I need a dog who can join in on my runs, jogs, or hikes. Let’s make fitness a team effort!

The Chill & Go: I’ve got a laid-back schedule with a few flexible work hours, and I’m looking for a dog who’s okay with hanging out at home, but also down to go for walks or explore new places when the mood strikes.

This helps us ensure the dog will be a good fit for your family and that everyone, including the kids, can have a positive and safe experience together.

We’re Good! No Dog Allergies Here.
Our noses are clear, our eyes are dry, and we’re ready for all the fur and fluff.

Mild Allergy, Managed with a Box of Tissues and Determination.
We might sneeze a little or reach for the allergy meds, but we’re prepared to handle it without giving up our new pup.

Allergy Roulette – One of Us Might React, But We’re Hopeful.
Not 100% sure how things will go, but we’re ready to try and will plan accordingly if someone gets sneezy.

Severe Allergy – We’d Love a Dog That’s Basically Made of Clouds and Hypoallergenic Dreams.
If we’re being honest, we’re only able to consider dogs with very minimal shedding/dander. One sneeze and it’s an ER situation.

We’ve Got a Plan, Even If It Gets Hairy.
We’ve talked to a doctor, have a HEPA filter army, and are committed to making it work—even if someone ends up bonding with their allergy meds more than the dog at first.

Severe Allergy – We’ll Try, But May Have to Rehome If It Becomes Unmanageable.
We love dogs, but health comes first. If symptoms become too severe despite our best efforts, we would have to make the difficult decision to return or rehome the dog for everyone’s well-being.

We know life can be complicated, and sometimes things don’t work out as planned. If you’ve ever had to rehome or return a pet in the past, we need to know. Please be honest – we're not here to judge, and your application won't be tossed out just because you made a difficult decision in the past. But, if you don’t share this information and we find out later, we might have to reconsider your application.

Remember, transparency helps us understand your experience as a pet parent and ensures that we’re making the best match for both you and the dog. So, feel free to share any context or reasons – we appreciate your honesty!

Basically Never (0–2 hours): I’m their full-time entourage. Where I go, they go—even to the bathroom.

Workday Wiggles (3–5 hours): I’m in and out, and they’ll have a solid midday break with cuddles.

The 9-to-5 (6–8 hours): They’ll hold down the fort while I bring home the kibble.

Marathon Alone Time (8+ hours): My schedule’s full, but I’ll make it up to them with walks, toys, and unconditional love.

It Depends on the Day: Some days we’re inseparable, other days they get the house to themselves and full remote control privileges.

We ask because many of our rescue pups have known hunger in their past lives—and while they’re now safe and loved, that history can stick with them. Some may be a little food-obsessed, try to eat everyone’s dinner, or even guard food if it’s left out all day. Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) can unintentionally lead to resource guarding, overeating, or even mealtime scuffles. Feeding separately and keeping mealtime structured helps make sure everyone gets their fair share and keeps the peace at the bowl.

(Because, let’s face it, dogs often think the litter box is a treasure chest, see the cat’s food as an all-you-can-eat buffet, or have no clue that the cat might not be ready to sign a friendship contract just yet!)

Rabbits
Guinea pigs
Hamsters
Gerbils
Birds (parrots, canaries, budgies, etc.)
Reptiles (geckos, turtles, snakes, etc.)
Fish (aquarium fish, goldfish, bettas, etc.)
Ferrets
Chickens
Horses
Farm animals (pigs, goats, sheep, etc.)
Exotic pets (hedgehogs, tarantulas, lizards, etc.)
Amphibians (frogs, salamanders, etc.)
Small rodents (mice, rats)
Small exotic animals (degus, sugar gliders)