Adopt
Why Saving Grace?
Saving Grace strives to provide a very different shelter experience for everyone. We specifically rescue dogs from rural shelters with limited resources to provide them with more opportunities for medical care and adoption. North Carolina has one of the highest euthanasia rates in the country and we hope to improve that with our spay/neuter and adoption program. We make sure our dogs are ready for adoption, having received the medical care they need, and have the opportunity to find a loving, happy home.
What is the adoption process?
The process starts with an online adoption request. Once your request has been received, it will be reviewed by our adoption team. If approved, you’ll be invited to self-schedule an appointment through our adoption portal to come on site to meet our dogs and work with an adoption counselor who can make recommendations based on your life preferences. As a potential adopter, you have the unique opportunity to interact with available dogs in an open environment where they have time to socialize with people and other dogs.
Am I ready?
Choosing to add a pet to your household takes careful research and planning. Having a pet is a life long commitment.
Adoption Stories
I often say, “My therapist has a wet nose,” and it couldn’t be truer.
Just a week ago, we welcomed York into our home for what we thought would be a simple “weekend sleepover.” The plan was to give him a little break from the rescue—a few cozy days before he returned to the farm. But York had other plans.
I adopted my dog from Saving Grace over two years ago. He came from an abusive hoarding situation—terrified, shaking, and unwilling to eat or go outside.
FAQs About Adoption
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Our adoption fee is $395 for each dog unless designated differently within their bio. This adoption fee covers spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccines, preventatives, and beginning medical care. We accept cash or credit and expect payment at time of adoption.
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Ever thought about how much it costs to care for a dog?
Proper care is more than just feeding and providing shelter for an animal; it also includes medical care, housing, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, grounds upkeep, etc.
To address all these costs, we do charge an adoption fee of $395. Even though we are a 501-C3(b) organization (which makes your donation tax deductible), we do not receive state assistance or regular, substantial donations like other local animal shelters. Saving Grace depends 100% on private donations to keep our doors opened.
The adoption fee only covers a fraction of the cost to care for the dogs in the manner they deserve, so we need your donations to help us continue our work.
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Saving Grace offers adopters two options if they meet and select a dog infected with heartworms. Saving Grace strives to offer these dogs the same opportunities for adoption..
Saving Grace uses a basic treatment plan that includes an antibiotic and 3-injection protocol. This protocol has proven in most cases safe and effective for those in need of treatment. Click here for more information on the options Saving Grace offers. As with any major treatment it does come with associated risks and aftercare protocols. More information about caring for a heartworm-positive dog.
Saving Grace understands that this is a more involved adoption process and that there are always risks involved with major treatments of any kind and as a result this type of adoption may not be for everyone. We rely on sponsors tto make this special program possible for the many heartworm-positive dogs we see through our program — you can make a donation to help us treat more heartworm positive dogs..
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If you need copies of your records after Adoption has already taken place, we charge a $25 Administrative Fee that must be paid by credit card prior to the records being pulled from archives and copies sent.
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If you are sure you want to adopt your host dog, you will need to submit an adoption request . Once the application is submitted, please let our host team know so they can coordinate with the adoption team and get back to you on next steps.
This process allows for your application to be seen and attended to more promptly.
Adoption is not guaranteed but we will do our very best to make the adoption possible.
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Returns are appointment only and must be set up ahead of time.
Please begin communicating with the adoptions team at Adoptions@savinggracenc.org as soon as you are considering a return to begin the conversation.
We do try to assist our adopters first, as surrenders are not ideal for our dogs but ultimately, we do take our dogs back.
In order to begin the return process, please have your microchip information, adoption dates, and Saving Grace name available to give.
You will need to complete a relinquish form (which we provide) and we must have the original med sheet and updated vet records to move forward.
If you return within 7 days, we issue the $295 refundable portion back to you, and it can take up to 48 hrs. for processing.
Please note: if you plan to return a dog that is showing signs of aggression to other animals or people, he/she will undergo a behavioral observation period in order to determine if he/she can reacclimate successfully back into our program. Please note: Once you relinquish your dog, you give up your rights to any further contact or updates regarding your previous pet.
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Saving Grace is in partnership with Boehringer-Ingelheim (BI) and participates in their free preventatives program. Upon adoption, BI receives your contact information and will reach out about future services. You will have the opportunity to opt out of communications at that time.
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As a non-profit, SG does not receive government funding and relies soley on donations and adoption fees to operate.The average expenses for an animal at Saving Grace are approximately $600 – 1000. We make sure we adopt out dogs that have received all medical care and vetting necessary for a successful start. Each animal is given a routine physical, spayed/neutered, microchipped, dewormed and given needed vaccines, and intake medication. They are tested for heartworms and treated if necessary and we monitor other possible issues and treat as necessary.
You’ll find that if you call any veterinarian’s office, typical vet fees for similar services would far surpass the adoption fees. Once you learn more about Saving Grace Animals for Adoption – you’ll not only understand why … you may even choose to get involved!
