Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer effort to save abandoned and mistreated basset hounds for the love of the breed. Our rescue effort began in 1991, and we have rescued over 3,000 bassets since then. Initially, only two volunteers privately funded Basset Hound Rescue. Today, BHRG is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, which exists solely on donations. BHRG is not a kennel, nor do we have a facility. Our basset hounds are located in foster homes and at BHRG veterinary & boarding partners in the metro-Atlanta area. We do not have a paid staff. All of our workers are volunteers who have full-time jobs and personal responsibilities.
The first step in our adoption process is to receive a completed application from the interested adopters. An incomplete application will result in the delay of the adoption. Upon acceptance of the completed application, a review of the information will be conducted. Any references given may be contacted to verify disclosures on any past or present animal the party was responsible for. In the event of a renting situation, the landlord will be contacted and required to submit verbal and written confirmation allowing the pet to live in the household. A phone call will be made or an e-mail will be sent to the applicant to confirm the application has been received. Please be patient. You will be contacted as soon as possible. We are all volunteers with jobs and personal responsibilities, and we do our best to get in touch with you as soon as possible. BHRG reserves the right to approve or deny any candidate for adoption. We will notify the applicant upon final decision. If you are applying from outside the metro-Atlanta area, a PRE-adoption home visit is required. BHRG reserves the right to request a pre-adoption home visit of any applicant as deemed appropriate by a BHRG representative. NOTE: A post-adoption home visit is conducted for any adoption that did not include a pre-adoption home visit. Home visits typically last 20-30 minutes, and BHRG requires a home visit with every adoption per the Adoption Agreement which is a legal and binding contract. Refusal of the home visit will result in BHRG taking steps necessary to reclaim the adopted basset. If you choose to attend one of our Adoption Events, please bring a copy of your Adoption Application with you. We encourage applicants to attend an adoption event since it allows an opportunity to meet several of the dogs. However, sometimes the Adoption Coordinator will put the foster family in touch with the applicant prior to the adoption so that more details about a specific dog can be discussed. Once the basset is selected, the Adoption Coordinator will facilitate the adoption between the applicant and the foster home of the specifically agreed upon basset. Once the applicant and a BHRG respresentative have selected a basset for adoption, there are several pieces of paperwork required to facilitate the adoption. At this time, an Adoption Agreement is completed and signed. This Agreement is a contractual obligation regarding the care of the adopted basset. A Disclosure Statement is also required which states that the adopting party understands the financial obligations associated with adopting a pet. A Spay/Neuter Agreement is required for all puppies who have not yet been altered. A tax-deductible donation (see below) is required upon adoption. Copies of all agreements will be included in the Adoption Folder at the time of the adoption. Hounds under 9 years of age require a $250 donation, while those 9 years of age and over require a $100 donation. Puppies who have not yet been altered require a $300 donation; however, per the spay/neuter agreement, $50 is refunded upon receipt of the vet signed portion of the agreement. Why does BHRG need an adoption donation from the adopting family? The adoption donation reflects the adopter's ability to financially care for the adopted basset and contributes to covering expenses the basset incurred while in foster care. The following is a breakdown of some discounted vet expenses incurred by a typical basset in foster care. It does not include unusual surgeries needed - orthopedic surgeries, tumor removal, etc.