Before Applying
Adopting a rescue dog is a wonderful decision, but it is also a serious commitment. HALO dogs often come from commercial breeding facilities where they may have had little human kindness, limited veterinary care, and no experience living as beloved family pets.
Before you apply, please take time to think carefully about whether this is the right time, the right fit, and the right commitment for you and your family.
Is everyone in your home ready for a dog?
A dog should be wanted by the adults in the home, not just by children. Children may love the idea of a dog, but adults are ultimately responsible for the dog’s care, training, safety, expenses, and lifelong wellbeing.
HALO dogs need patience, consistency, and understanding. Please be sure everyone in your household is prepared to support the dog as they adjust.
Do you have the time a rescue dog needs?
Dogs need daily care, attention, exercise, companionship, grooming, veterinary care, and supervision. They cannot be set aside when life becomes busy.
Many HALO dogs need extra time as they learn about household sounds, leash walking, stairs, grooming, touch, visitors, and basic routines. Some adjust quickly, while others need months of patient support.
Are you prepared for the cost of caring for a dog?
Adoption is only the beginning. Dogs require food, grooming, veterinary care, preventives, dental care, medications when needed, supplies, training, licensing, boarding or pet sitting, and emergency care.
Before applying, please be sure you are financially prepared to provide lifelong care.
Are you comfortable with a dog who may need time to adjust?
Many HALO dogs are not fully housetrained when adopted. Even dogs who are doing well in foster care may regress after moving to a new home. Accidents, fearfulness, barking, pacing, hiding, reluctance to be touched, and anxiety can all be part of the adjustment process.
These challenges are not failures. They are signs that a dog needs time, patience, structure, and reassurance.
Is your home safe for a flight-risk dog?
Our rescues remain flight risks throughout their lives. They may startle easily and bolt through an open door, slip out of a collar, or panic in unfamiliar situations.
HALO dogs must be kept safely leashed or in a securely fenced area at all times. Adopters must be prepared to use caution with doors, gates, visitors, travel, and outdoor time.
Does your housing allow dogs?
Before applying, please confirm that you are allowed to have a dog where you live. This includes rental agreements, HOA rules, community restrictions, breed or size limits, and pet deposits or fees.
Is this the right time in your life?
A rescue dog may not be the right fit during a major transition, frequent travel, a demanding work schedule, a move, major family stress, or a time when young children require most of your attention.
HALO dogs need stability. The best time to adopt is when your home and schedule allow you to give a dog the patience and consistency they need.
Who will care for your dog when you are away?
Please think ahead about vacations, emergencies, work travel, family obligations, and unexpected events. You will need reliable care from family, friends, a pet sitter, or a boarding provider who understands the needs of a rescue dog.
Are you ready for lifelong responsibility?
Responsible dog ownership includes love, safety, companionship, exercise, grooming, proper identification, regular veterinary care, and following local leash and licensing laws.
When you adopt a HALO dog, you are making a commitment to care for that dog for their lifetime. If circumstances ever change and you cannot keep your HALO dog, the dog must be returned to HALO.
The commitment you make
Some of these questions may feel serious, but they matter. Our dogs have already been through enough change and uncertainty. We want each adoption to be thoughtful, prepared, and lasting.
When you adopt from HALO, you are giving a rescued Havanese the chance to feel safe, loved, and home. That is a beautiful commitment — and one that should be made with care.
