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I applied for a dog but never heard back. Why?Some dogs receive a high number of applications, and unfortunately, we aren't able to respond to everyone. We do keep applications on file for one year, so please stay in touch—your perfect match may still be waiting, and we’d love to help you find them.
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Do you adopt outside of Atlanta and Georgia?Yes, we do! Out-of-state adopters are welcome, but you must be able to travel to Georgia to meet and adopt the dog in person. Dogs may fly home with you in-cabin, but we do not allow them to travel in cargo. If the adoption doesn’t work out for any reason, the adopter is responsible for safely transporting the dog back to its foster home.
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How much are the adoption fees?Our adoption fees vary based on each dog’s age, health, temperament, and whether they’re a purebred or mix. We also have what we call “Legacy Dogs”—younger, purebred dachshunds whose higher adoption fees help offset the medical costs of dogs who require more extensive care.
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Isn’t foster-to-adopt a good “trial run”?While it might sound like a safe way to “test the waters,” foster-to-adopt arrangements can actually delay permanent placement. Dogs—especially dachshunds—thrive on stability, and the uncertainty of a trial period can make it harder for them to settle in and build trust. Our experience shows that clearly defined adoptions, paired with education and support, lead to stronger long-term matches. When adopters come in with a full commitment mindset, they’re more likely to work through challenges and succeed. Additionally, dedicated foster homes are incredibly valuable. When those homes are tied up in “maybe” adoptions, it slows down our ability to rescue other dachshunds in need. And if a foster-to-adopt family decides to keep the dog, we may lose that home as a future foster resource—limiting our capacity to respond to urgent intakes.
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What’s the “Rule of 3” in dog adoption?It’s a handy guide to help you understand what your new dachshund is going through as they settle into their forever home: 3 Days to decompress: They might be nervous, quiet, or a little unsure of everything—including you! That’s totally normal. 3 Weeks to get the hang of things: Routines start to click, personalities peek out, and your new buddy might start testing boundaries (hello, sock thief!). 3 Months to feel like family: By now, your dog knows they’re home. Trust builds, bonds form, and they’re likely snuggled up in their favorite spot like they’ve always belonged. Every dog is different, but the Rule of 3 is a great reminder to be patient, kind, and consistent. Good things take time—and the best things have long bodies and little legs.
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Do I need a fenced yard?Not always. It depends on the dog’s needs. Some require a secure yard for exercise or because they pose a flight risk, others do fine with leash walks.
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How are adoption fees used?Every dog adopted through DREAM receives full veterinary care, including spay/neuter, DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines, heartworm testing, and treatment for intestinal parasites. Many also receive dental cleanings and other procedures to treat medical issues that had been previously neglected or left entirely untreated. While our adoption fees help, they rarely cover the full cost of care. The generosity of our adopters and supporters helps us continue rescuing and rehabilitating dachshunds in need.
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How do I adopt a dachshund from your rescue?Start by filling out our online adoption application. Once we’ve reviewed it, a volunteer will reach out for a phone interview and check your references. If it looks like a good fit, we’ll schedule a home visit and a meet-and-greet with the dog.
KNOW A DOG IN NEED OF RESCUE?
DREAM’s mission is to help dachshunds in need, and our priority is to rescue dogs who are in shelters or animal control facilities that euthanize. Every week we receive multiple requests for help. However, in some cases we are able to help a family who can no longer keep their dachshund. Our first step will be to talk with you about what’s going on; sometimes we can mentor you to find help that will solve the problem and allow you to keep your dog. (We’ve seen it all!)
If you need to find a new home for your dachshund, we suggest the following:
1. List the dog yourself on https://rehome.adoptapet.com/. This is a wonderful site for individuals needing to find new homes for their dachshunds, without putting your dog through the stress of rescue or a shelter. Ask for a rehoming fee to discourage individuals with not so noble intentions.
2. Offer to keep the dog while DREAM (or another rescue) helps you to find your dog a home. We can list your dog on petfinder for you, if you can provide proof that it is spayed or neutered.
3. A large limitation in taking in a new dog is funds. If you can take care of any vetting needs your dog has before turning him or her over, that would be extremely helpful. This website is a great source for low-cost vetting options.
4. If DREAM is full, please check with another responsible rescue group. (www.fureverdachshundrescue.org/, www.almosthomerescue.org, www.drna.org, www.c2cdr.org,
www.allamericandachshundrescue.org)
It is important to realize that if you do take your dog to a county animal control facility, the dogs who are turned in by their owners are the first dogs euthanized. (Most facilities have a 3-5 day holding period in case a lost dog’s family comes forward. In the case of an owner surrender, there is no need to wait.)
If you need to request that DREAM take in your dog to its foster program, to find it a PERMANENT new home, contact our intake coordinator at helpmedream@gmail.com
MY DOG NEEDS VETERINARY CARE, BUT I CAN'T AFFORD IT.
The following links provide information on low-cost veterinary programs in the Atlanta area, and on how to get financial help for vet bills:
1. General vet services: www.wellpethumane.com
2. General vet services: http://www.petvetinc.com/
3. Free spay/neuter: http://agr.georgia.gov/dog-cat-sterilization-program.aspx
4. Financial assistance: http://www.carecredit.com/
MY DOG HAS A HURT BACK? IS IT A RUPTURED DISK?
The following links provide informaiton on IVDD and ruptured disks in dogs:
Dodgers List (www.dodgerslist.com)
www.mydachshundismykid.wordpress.com