Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where are you located?
Columbus Pet Rescue is a foster-based rescue in Columbus, Ohio. Our adoptable animals are currently living in the homes of our volunteers throughout Central Ohio. We hope to raise enough money for a shelter location in the future. Learn more about how you can help make this possible here.
Columbus Pet Rescue is a foster-based rescue in Columbus, Ohio. Our adoptable animals are currently living in the homes of our volunteers throughout Central Ohio. We hope to raise enough money for a shelter location in the future. Learn more about how you can help make this possible here.
2. Why don't you list a telephone number online?
As a foster-based rescue, we have several volunteers who take calls. The large volume of inquiries we receive would be too overwhelming for any one of our volunteers so we instead ask that you contact us via email and provide your phone number so that we can arrange for the appropriate volunteer to speak with you. We value your patience and understanding.
3. How do I meet with an animal I like?
If you find an animal online or have talked with our volunteers about an animal that fits what you are looking for, we are happy to schedule an appointment with you to meet them at PetSmart in Grove City. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate appointments for the large volume of inquiries we receive, so we require an approved adoption application prior to scheduling an appointment. Learn more about the application and our adoption process here.
4. Why does the adoption application ask for my drivers license number?
We are dedicated to finding safe and loving homes for our rescued animals. As part of our adoption process, we run a standard background check on all applicants.
5. What if more than one person applies for the same animal?
We have a first-come, first-serve adoption policy for approved applicants. In the case that more than one party has applied and been approved for the same animal, we will make our decision based on whichever application was submitted earliest. Please keep in mind that in some cases, the earliest approved applicant declines the adoption and we will move on to the next approved applicant.
6. Is there an adoption fee, how much is it, and why do you charge one?
We do charge an adoption fee for all of our animals. The price range can vary, however dogs are typically $300 - $450, cats are generally $175, and kittens start at $200. All of our animals receive standard veterinary care prior to adoption. As part of our adoption agreement, we will not release an animal to you unless, to the best of our knowledge, it is healthy. Standard care includes flea & tick treatment, dewormer, spay/neuter surgery, blood work, and antibiotics. Some animals come to us in good health, while others will require hundreds of dollars in veterinary care. Please note that we are a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, so all incoming funds are spent on animal-related costs.
7. How long will it take to review my adoption application?
The time it takes to review adoption applications depends on a number of variables. We will contact your references as well as your veterinarian if one is listed, which can delay the process if they are difficult to reach. Background checks are run by a third-party and may take anywhere from two hours to several days before receiving the results. In some cases, we receive an overwhelming number of applications, such as for a litter of puppies. It can take our volunteers several days to get through these applications, as we do not have any paid staff. We appreciate your patience throughout this process and are happy to answer your questions if you have not heard from us- just send us an email at [email protected].
8. I have an animal that I found, must surrender, or need help with. Can you help me?
It is our goal to help as many animals in need as possible. Unfortunately, as a foster-based not-for-profit organization we are working with limited space and resources but will do our best to assist you. If you have an animal and need help, please visit our home page and submit the form at the bottom of the page with as much detail as possible. If you are looking to surrender an animal you own, we will need copies of all veterinary records. We will also require a photo of the animal. Both of these can be submitted to our email, [email protected]. If you have found a stray cat and are unable to take it in, try to leave a box full of straw or blankets out for it to sleep in during cold weather. Cats and kittens should not be given milk, simply cat/kitten food and clean water. We are unable to provide financial assistance for personal pets. For more information regarding stray animals, please visit our Public Resources page.
9. I adopted an animal with a 30-day spay/neuter addendum. How do I schedule their surgery?
If you have adopted an animal through Columbus Pet Rescue with this addendum, the surgery will be scheduled and paid for by the rescue. Please contact us at [email protected] so that we can set up an appointment that works with your schedule. Because the procedure is done under the rescue's name, we must make the reservation for you.
