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Nonrefundable
Transport & FAQ

NON-REFUNDABLE - (ALL OUR FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE)

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Being a responsible dog rescue requires careful planning, a huge time commitment, and major financial investments. Non-refundable deposits and adoption fees support rescues with all of these things. If you adopt a dog or cat from us and notify us at anytime to surrender that animal back, you are forfeiting all fees paid to the rescue. It is of the utmost importance to rescues that they place their animals with new adopters who are ready for the lifelong commitment of getting that animal. Finding, selecting, and preparing these new adopters takes a large amount of a rescue’s time and energy.

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*NON-REFUNDABLE TRANSPORT -  All adopters must provide rescue with an update of dog / cat when immediately picked up off the transport van. If the animal is sick, or injured in anyway, we can try to discuss with the TRANSPORT about a partial refund, or full refund (on their end). **YOU MUST NOTIFY US IMMEIDATELY** FAILURE TO UPDATE US OF THE CONDITION OF OUR PET RESULTS IN AUTOMATIC FORFIET OF POTENTIAL REFUND OF FEES**

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Why are non-refundable deposits and adoption fees important?

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Non-refundable deposits also serve as a screening tool for rescues to use when evaluating potential adopters. Payment of a non-refundable deposit indicates to a rescue that a potential adopter is serious and not just “window-shopping,” putting their names down on a waitlist or multiple waitlists without any intention of actually getting a pet. Adopters who are willing to pay non-refundable deposits are typically adopters who believe they have found the right rescue for them and are committed to following through with purchasing a new pet. This means that non-refundable deposits protect rescues from a situation where an adopter backs out for whatever reason and a rescue must then dedicate unexpected time and energy finding new homes, while also caring for the remaining animals in their care.

 

It is essential that rescues are able to give all newly received animals their full attention, making this a difficult time to review puppy / kitty applications, interview potential animal adopters, and select suitable homes for our animals. We prefer to have all of our animals committed to prior to or soon after the animals arrival to have enough needed communication between us and the adopter prior to transport and so accept non-refundable deposits and full fees in advance to ensure this.

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Advanced non-refundable deposits also give new adopters sufficient time to prepare for the commitment of getting a dog or cat Not only does this give new adopted time to become educated and informed, but also to make critical preparations for the arrival of a new pet, such as finding a local veterinarian and purchasing essentials for the new pet. This preparation time is enormously valuable in helping to ensure a smooth transition for the pup to his or her new home and in setting a new puppy owner and pet up for success.

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PET CARE PRIOR TO TRANSPORT – During their time in the INTERSTATE program, the pet will receive all appropriate vaccinations, vetting, parasite treatment/prevention and care appropriate to its age and condition. INTERSTATE is a foster-based program and litters are placed with a foster where they receive rehab, vetting, and socialization in a family setting until the time of transport. INTERSTATE believes that the spay/neuter of a puppy at too young of an age can be detrimental to its health and development long term. Therefore, only pets over 6 months of age will be spayed/neutered prior to transport, unless noted. (Depending on their breed / health throughout rehab and preparing for their new homes!)

 


TRANSPORTING OF PET – ADOPTER understands that the pet will be released to the transport company only after receiving a health certificate issued following an examination by a licensed Veterinarian assuring the health of the pet. Once the pet boards the transport (airplane, vehicle), INTERSTATE is no longer liable as the pet is now in the care of the third party.

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Our transports we hire meet at legal locations throughout approved states. Once adopted, we will handle logistics of transport. We give the transport companies our locations of our adopters and they average out the locations for drops based of all those who hired them and where they are located. Once the route is set, the transport lets us know, then we let the adopter know and keep them updated every step of the way. You are also free to choose your own transport, but we do have the right to deny. 

  • Where are you located?
    We originated in Texas, but are located with fosters and other sister rescues through out the south, up the east coast, New England
  • Where can I find your animals for adoption?
    We have albums here on our website, or you can also search Interstate K9 on Facebook, find photos, and check out all the albums.
  • Are you a rescue or a shelter?
    We rescue all kinds of animals, kittens, cats, puppies, dogs, horses, livestock. We always try to step in only as a last resort when other rescues are unable to help them. We actually end up taking in quite a bit of animals from other rescues who seem to get too overwhelmed with what they take in. We do our very best to rehab, retrain, and rehome them all. The majority of our animals get to hang out in foster families homes while they wait for their new homes. If our animals need extra care, training, and rehab, they remain with "Interstate K9" for extra care.
  • Can I meet the dog prior to adoption?
    The majority of our dogs are located in Texas, and the majority are adopted PRIOR to when transport is made. After discussing closely with our director, she can match you perfectly with a pup that is in our program if you don't already have one in mind. It is much easier to match you with a puppy after conversing back and forth about your life style, family, and home setting, and other pets. If you decide that the puppy / dog that we have is perfect for your family, we would send you a contract, and discuss fees, and schedule transport. We are very confident with matching our dogs with new families, but if for whatever reason at any time, our dog needs to come back to us, we will do whatever it takes to make that happen. We also have animals in foster, and if that is the case, yes you can meet them prior but you must be preapproved, meaning - you must do the application in full, and we must discuss if the dog in foster is right for you.
  • Do you ever get in purebred dogs or cats?
    All the time! Sadly all breeds need rescued. Of course we also try to guess best for what breed everyone is. The best way to know your breed of dog is through a DNA test. We recommend only Embark. We end up with a lot of purebred animals due to backyard breeders, hoarders, and anyone else just wanting to dump a dog.
  • I am looking for a service, or ESA (Emotional Support Animal) do you have any that would make a good fit?"
    Yes! Dogs are known for their unconditional love, which is a major trait for ESA. We have several that we could match you up with if this is something you are looking for. As for the service dog, the director has trained service and search and rescue dogs for several yeras and can help place you with a top canidate for this.
  • I live in such and such state, can we adopt from you?
    You can adopt, or purchase from us from anywhere and we can help with transporting to only those registered states that our transport we decide to use is allowed. If you handle the transport on your own, you can do whatever you want, that is not on us. There are certain protocols and regulations that must be abided by us as the rescue if we are in charge of everything.
  • What are the fees and what is included?
    A non-refundable application fee of $25 is required before your application is processed. We receive $22 of this fee through our website (after taxes.) An adoption fee (also non-refundable) is required and goes towards vet work, medication, treatment, food, and pet supplies related to your animal as well as a microchip and health certificate. For dog/puppies a typical adoption fee is around $400-600 (depending on vetting that has been done), depending on the needs of the animal. For cats/kittens a typical adoption fee w/ transport ranges around $200-$400 (depending on what vetting has been done) Adoption fees help donate towards rehab of the cat / kitten. Medical - fiv / felk testing on the mom, or kitten of the litter. If 1 kitten is tested positive, or if mom is tested positive, all kittens of the litter are tested. We do not send a positive fiv / felk tested kitten on transport to other states. Even when there is a chance of a false positive. We will keep, and retest at proper age. (6 months of age) We keep our kitties in our care until at least 2 if not 3 combo vaccines have been given for higher immunity. Our cats are put on a routine dewormer and parasite prevention and heartworm, flea and tick prevention. All cats are microchipped. All cats are given a routine thorough exam and health certificate. A transport fee is also required ON ALL ANIMALS (even if they are in foster and already transported) and covers the animal's journey to you via private transport. A typical transport fee for a dog/puppy ranges between $300-$600, depending on crate size needed and destination location. For cats/kittens, depending on how many will share a crate, and destination but most times we do include this in the original adoption fee.
  • Do you offer discounts on adoption fees or ever lower your fees?
    All the time - we have many dogs that just need a great family and home to call their own! Several of our dogs are discounted all the time! Our adoption fees do not cover the entire cost of the vetting of course, nor does it even touch anywhere close to the rehab of the majority of the dogs we get in. We are not a fundraising "rescue" but we do it all out of our own pocket, but we do use the adoption fees to help put as much money towards the rehab and vetting as we can to help us out. All adoption fees are nonrefundable for whatever reason.
  • What do I need to bring when I pick up my new dog?
    SLIP LEASH / MARTINGALE COLLAR (for adult dogs) SLIP LEASH (for puppies) CAT CRATE (size small for cats) A lot of times the dogs like to drink a lot of water coming off the transport on solid ground. (It is less stressful.) Bring some blankets, or a towel. Depending on the dog, sometimes we ask that you bring a crate just in case we noticed the dog was stressed on transport. Retractable leashes are a big no no, we do not advise using them, EVER.
  • When do I receive the dogs paperwork (records , vetting , exams , microchip , any meds sent up) ?
    When you pick up the dog / cat, their vetting packet comes with them! In the packet, everything is included that you would need to give to your vet. Your animal is microchipped but not registered, so make sure you register the chip! You can use a handful of websites that offer registration.
  • Can I give my dog a bath after I pick up from transport?
    Most likely your dog will need a good bath!! Just don't forget to use a puppy shampoo, never a human shampoo. (Dog shampoo keeps the oils in the skin of the dog, as human shampoo does the opposite, and strips oils.)Sometimes the dogs (mostly puppies) will have a few little scratches or bite marks on them from rough puppy litter play time, this is normal, and just needs a little extra TLC. We recommend Vetericyn on call (just google it) it is a miracle spray and will really help with any skin issues (minor.)
  • My dog seems to have worms or a runny stool!! What do I do?
    It is very normal for a dog, a puppy, a cat or kitten to have parasites regardless. We start everyone out with a normal worming protocol, but depending on the case and how they were surrendered or seized, the animal needs extra wormings, and medications to be clean of all parasites. There are several stages of a parasite, egg, larvae, worm, so there are several weeks of boosters for wormers that need to take place to have a true negative fecal. Worming should be done every 2 weeks from 4 weeks of age up to 4 months on and off. Sometimes we get puppies or dogs in that have never been wormed, at all different types of ages, so sometimes it just takes more boosters.
  • What should I feed my dog / cat  as soon as I pick up off transport?
    We ONLY feed Victor dog food for dogs, Victor and Iams for cats. Teal, or purple colored bag. Feeding Victor food has been the easiest way to avoid additional gastric upset, specially after transport. *WE suggest you provide steamed / boiled white rice and chicken for at least the first 3 days regardless. This is a bland diet, and helps ease tummies! (just like us humans!) If you do find, however, the stool does not harden or your dog / cat is going too frequently, a trip to the vet for a fecal and medications is a must. Most times we will provide medication in their packet to give to prevent this. You have to remember, a pup or kitten can become much more dehydrated faster than a larger dog or cat if they are losing their fluids through a runny stool.
  • My dog has diarrhea right off transport, or within a day or two after, is this normal?"
    Sadly yes it is! We have learned that transport has been a blessing to rehome so many but at the same time, stress causes an immunity drop and animals can become cursed with extra parasites. Of course the diarrhea could also be due to stress, diet change, a puppy virus (viral or bacterial.) Always give your puppy boiled white rice, and chicken the first 3 days after pick up from transport or at any time you are changing their food, diet. Lay off the the treats for at least a few weeks until they adapt well and have a healthy poo. Remember anytime your puppy is not feeling well, early detection is key. If your puppy is not eating and drinking normally, do not wait. Ring your vet. If your new pet is eating, drinking well, you can give it a few days, and gt a normal appointment to get a check up.
  • Why do you not offer refunds on transport?
    The refund is not something we offer, beause it is not money that goes directly to us. If you want to find your own transport and make all arrangements, you may do so. We just try to offer an easy solution where all you have to do is be at our pick up location waiting for your new baby to arrive. Of course you have to keep in mind that any animal in transport (plane / vehicle) things can happen, which is why we suggest ANIMAL insurance the second you adopt. Most insurances do have a 2 week active period. So asap! Interstate K9 is not liable for any accidents, illnesses, after the animal is loaded up on the transport. **Although depending on the transport we use, if you provide us with an instant negative report upon pick up we might be able to have the transport provide a partial, full refund for the animal, pending proof of injury. We make sure all animals have a valid health certificate within 24-48 hours of transport on all animals. We also makes sure all puppies have at least 2-3 sets of antigen parvo / distemper and puppy combo vaccinations to help with a greater immunity. All puppies receive higher antigen bordetella. Kitties do not transport without 2 -3 sets of fvrcp.
  • Why does my dog still have worms?
    Wormer is to be given every 2 weeks to break up the cycle from egg, to larvae, to adult. This protocol has to be repeated until the dog is clear of all cycles. Depending on the situation of the puppy and where it original came from at time of rescue or surrender, most dogs need extra dewormer boosters to constantly rid from the parasites.
  • What does the adoption fee cover?
    The adoption fee acts as a donation that goes towards testing, vaccinations, microchip, preventions, medications, exams, health certificate, food, proper husbandry of the animal. The adoption fee never covers the cost we have put into these cats and dogs. Your adoption fee pays for what we have done for the animal you are adopting, not for the animal itself.
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