The Maine Dog Rescue is a foster-based rescue, which means we don’t have a physical shelter. All of our dogs stay in loving foster homes across Maine until they’re adopted. If you’re interested in adopting, the first step is filling out an application—getting pre-approved is highly recommended!

Our adoption process includes personal references, a veterinary check, landlord approval (if applicable), and a virtual home visit to ensure our dogs are placed in safe, loving homes. We do require that resident pets are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and on monthly flea/tick/heartworm prevention—unless a veterinarian provides a documented medical reason.

We match dogs based on best fit, not first come, first served.

If you are selected for a meet-and-greet, please be prepared to adopt within 24–48 hours. We are unable to hold dogs beyond that timeframe, as foster homes need to remain available for incoming dogs. Fosters are not required to travel for meet-and-greets—any travel is at their discretion.

We do not adopt out sibling dogs together, and we reserve the right to deny any application at any time.

Please ensure your application is filled out thoroughly, including accurate vet and landlord information, so we can process it efficiently. We do not accept deposits or place holds on dogs. Payment is only collected at the time of adoption, and all adoption fees are non-refundable.

Ready to Adopt? Here are your next steps:

1. Submit an Application
Please complete an adoption application. Within 48 hours, a team member will reach out to your personal and veterinary references—be sure to give them a heads up and grant your vet permission to speak with us.

2. Reference Check & Virtual Home Visit
Once your references are completed, we’ll contact you to schedule a virtual home visit via Google Meet or FaceTime.

3. Meet & Learn More
During the home visit, we’ll chat about what you’re looking for, your experience with rescue dogs, decompression expectations, and answer any questions you may have.

4. Approval, Pre-Approval & Meet-and-Greet
If approved, you’ll either be matched with a specific dog or placed on our pre-approved list. If you are pre-approved, you’re welcome to reach out to us at 207-458-1193 or adopt@mainedogrescue.org to inquire about available or upcoming dogs and see if you’re the best fit.

For a specific match, we’ll connect you with the dog’s foster so you can learn more and schedule a meet-and-greet. If it’s a great match, you’ll complete the adoption fee (via online donation, Venmo, or PayPal)… and just like that—congratulations on your new family member! 🐾

Please note: we require dogs to be picked up within 24–48 hours following the meet-and-greet if you choose not to take them home that same day. This allows us to free up foster homes and help each dog settle into their forever home as quickly as possible.

The adoption fee covers spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, deworming, microchip, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, and transport. Puppies under 6 months may still have parasites despite deworming, so we recommend a fecal test after adoption. Dogs over 6 months are tested and negative for Heartworm, Lyme, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis.

Adoption Fees:

Dogs up to 7 years old $525

Dogs over 7 years old $400

For more information, please reach out to our Adoption Coordinator at adopt@mainedogrescue.org