The Gingerbread House is a Pekingese and similar small-breed sanctuary and rescue located in northern New Jersey. We welcome all small-breed pups that need a new home, and we are passionate about saving senior and hospice pups that have special needs due to their age or medical conditions and that would likely be put down if left in a shelter.
1. READ DOG’S BIOGRAPHY. Please read the dog’s entire biography. We list specifics about their age, size, temperament, health, special needs, and living requirements so you can determine if the dog is a good fit for your lifestyle, home, and personality. 2.SUBMIT APPLICATION. A fully completed application will start the process - we will NOT process incomplete applications. 3. REVIEW APPLICATION. We review the entire application to assess general compatibility with desired dog. If most requirements are met, then we proceed with reference checks. 4. SPEAK WITH VET(S). We speak with all of your vet references and confirm satisfactory medical care history. 5. SPEAK WITH PERSONAL REFERENCES. We then speak with your personal references provided. 6. SPEAK WITH ADOPTER. We then speak with you to learn more about your situation and to discuss the dog’s temperament, medical needs, and/or special needs. 7. CONDUCT SKYPE. Depending on the location of the adopter, we may request a preliminary home check via Skype/Zoom. 8. CONDUCT MEET & GREET. We then schedule a meet and greet with the desired dog for all household members and pets. We prefer this to be at the adopter’s home so we can conduct a home check at that time, but sometimes we will conduct it at the dog’s foster home in New Jersey (especially for out-of-state adopters). It depends on what is best for the dog. The meet and greet does not guarantee that you will be able to adopt the dog of your choice. 9. SLEEP ON IT. After meeting the pup, we recommend you take a day or so to consider if this pup is a good fit for your home and lifestyle. We will also be considering what we have learned and if we feel the pup will have long-term success with your family. 10. DISCUSS OUTCOME. We then reach out to see if we mutually agree the pup is a good fit, and if so, we schedule the adoption either at your home or the foster’s home. For out-of-state adopters, you will need to come to New Jersey to pick up your new family member and it is your responsibility to know your state’s requirements for bringing a companion animal across state lines including obtaining any necessary health certificates or documentation.