Questions about out of state adoptions

[FlyingNimbus]

Hey guys, I keep seeing in petfinder that some rescues take dogs from shelters from other states(sometimes countries-- rarely mentioned), and they charge you a fee that's included in the adoption fee...

For example, I've seen some yorkies which were apparently being kept in texas, but the listing is for NJ... and they explained that it was being kept in a foster home in texas.

Is it even possible to adopt a dog that's out of state? Like I don't mean the next state over or so. I mean say like I am in NJ, and I find a dog I really like but it's in Ohio, NC, Georgia, Florida, etc. Do rescues travel with their dogs or? I am just trying to understand how that even works and if it applies to all rescues or what.

I mean some mention tri-state area, some mention a 50-100 mile range distance limit.

Is petfinder the only source to find adoptable animals?

[MissPixi]

I adopted piper from a rescue in Tulsa OK and I'm from California. It's possible. There are more hoops to jump through and it's a lot pricier, But it's possible.

[FlyingNimbus]

Originally Posted by MissPixi

I adopted piper from a rescue in Tulsa OK and I'm from California. It's possible. There are more hoops to jump through and it's a lot pricier, But it's possible.

How would it be done? How much did it cost you? O: and what are the hoops?

[MissPixi]

I had to have extensive vet checks and personal references. Also agreed to send her back on my dime if it didn't work out.
I chartered an escort to drive her from Tulsa to Fresno. It was costly but the flights were so I'd have to be in Tulsa longer than I could stay, so I went that route.
We've had to have multiple surgeries on piper. She had some issues due to her environment and also some teeth maintenance that's to be expected... hopefully (fingers crossed) her last surgery is the first of may and then she will be as right as rain! We are so excited!!!!

[FlyingNimbus]

Originally Posted by MissPixi

I had to have extensive vet checks and personal references. Also agreed to send her back on my dime if it didn't work out.
I chartered an escort to drive her from Tulsa to Fresno. It was costly but the flights were so I'd have to be in Tulsa longer than I could stay, so I went that route.
We've had to have multiple surgeries on piper. She had some issues due to her environment and also some teeth maintenance that's to be expected... hopefully (fingers crossed) her last surgery is the first of may and then she will be as right as rain! We are so excited!!!!

Ow. I lack the extensive stuff. I mean unless they'd count my mom taking her dog to the vet on time for the past 6 years(thats how old she is)

[MissPixi]

I'm sure that each rescue group and organization has different requirements. I would inquire if you feel a connection. Like I always say the worst that will happen is a "no" it's not like they can take away your birthday! )

[FlyingNimbus]

Originally Posted by MissPixi

I'm sure that each rescue group and organization has different requirements. I would inquire if you feel a connection. Like I always say the worst that will happen is a "no" it's not like they can take away your birthday! )

True. There is one that just responded to me but the dogs she has are older, and there is one that I wanted that was young but its got a pending adoption and its only being held because soon itll deliver puppies and when it does theyd keep the mom with the pups for 8 weeks.

There's another one, within the tristate area as well that has a dog with lack of information but they think she was a mom at some point. Id get her if it wasnt for the fact I know nothing of her. But her description is something I like and shes precious.

The other one that I saw which was a yorkie pup just got adopted today. It was only there for a day and it already got adopted...

It's why I was considering looking for a few states far, what I would like is if the place is a 5 hour drive(drive to there, not back and forth together) instead of just driving 5 hours there, that I could meet up half way with the foster parent as I really do not like long car rides(gives me anxiety to be honest, being cooped up in a car for long period of time) but I am not sure if rescues would work around with you like that...

Sadly I just can't go from say NJ, down to florida and adopt a dog there. That would be too much for us, and the dog. The best thing I could think of is like you said, travel by air.

The only down side to any of this is that you can't really see a dogs personality in a far away distance where you only go there to just pick up the dog.


I think rescues should all work with each other and allow all dogs to be adopted from anywhere, so if someone from NYC wants a dog from say texas because he saw it and felt it was a match. Would be nice if there was a simpler way to just have it travel to you without much stress on the dog or the person doing the traveling.

Last year, I saw this beautiful chinese crested dog (the hairless variety) and her name was "Onyx" but she was down in Ontario, and I wanted her so badly but I wouldn't had been able to pick it up, unless it was by plane which I think by then it'd be picked up.

An unplanned airplane ticket usually costs 2-3x as much as original... and with the now a day events that's been going on with american airlines... makes me wonder if traveling is feasible.

All this month, and for the past year I've been looking at dogs in petfinder but usually the really young ones- the ones that you can tell that they're not over a 2-3months of age.. they get picked up very quickly...

That's why I came on here thinking of maybe just going to a breeder.