HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT TAP?
Here at The Animal Pad, we are a volunteer-based team working around the clock to rescue dogs. To save our time (and yours), please read through our frequently asked questions and only contact our team if your question is not covered below.
FAQ
I need to re-home my dog. Can you take them into your rescue?
Though we truly wish we could help every single dog, our main focus is the street dogs of Baja and unfortunately our current resources do not allow us to take in surrendered pets. We encourage you to check out the websites below, which help owners list and re-home their pups to potential adopters, as well as additional resources listed on the San Diego Humane Society website. We are also happy to courtesy-list your dog and provide tips to help you.
https://www.sdhumane.org/services/support-services/
https://www.sdhumane.org/services/give-up-a-pet/
https://www.adoptapet.com/
I want to adopt/learn more about/meet one of your dogs. What do I do?
You must start by filling out an adoption application. We will not be able to speak to you or set up any meetings until this is complete. Please note, you must personally meet the dog you are interested in adopting. We do not transport dogs or allow other people to adopt on your behalf and transport the dogs.
How much is it to adopt one of your dogs?
Our dogs are not for “sale”, as we are a 501c3 Non Profit Rescue. We ask for an adoption donation for each dog, which helps cover some of the cost of the vetting we do. We spend thousands of dollars rehabilitating most of our dogs, as the streets of Mexico are not kind to these sweet, resilient souls. Our fees typically range from $200-800 and are dependent on the specific dog. All of our dogs receive their first year of vaccinations, a microchip, spay/neuter, and are medically cleared prior to adoption – all of which is included in the adoption fee.
Do you have adoption events where I can meet your dogs?
Yes. Please follow our Instagram for regular event updates or check out the events section of our website.
I found an “abandoned” or lost dog. What do I do? Can you take it?
No, we cannot take the dog. Please take the dog to the nearest animal shelter. While you may think the dog is abandoned or not cared for, it may very likely be someone’s pet. You cannot always tell by how a dog looks. The animal shelter is the FIRST place a distraught owner will look for their missing family member. The shelters are full of lovely, hard working staff and volunteers who care about the animals. It is not a bad place to take the dog, and they will take care for them and keep them safe!
The dog will be placed on a 5 day stray hold to give the owner time to find them, and if the dog is chipped and/or licensed the owner will be contacted immediately. You can put yourself down for “first rights” by asking for a finder’s hold, so that you can be there to adopt the dog as soon as it becomes available. You can ask the shelter staff for the Animal ID so you can keep track of the animal, either on the shelter website or by calling. Dogs are not euthanized immediately upon availability. This is a myth. All dogs leave the shelter spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Taking a lost dog to the shelter is the best thing you can do!
We love our dog but cannot afford the medical care they need and may need to surrender them to the shelter. Can you help?
We will try our best to help, always, but this is case-by-case! Please send us an email to contact@theanimalpad.com and let us know what is going on. Also, please consider alternatives such as gofundme.com or Waggle for alternative fundraising.
We are struggling with our dog’s behavior. Can you help?
We partner with some awesome San Diego based trainers and would love to recommend one specifically to fit your pup’s needs. Please check out some of our recommended training resources at https://theanimalpad.org/training-resources/
Can you recommend any doggy day care or boarding services?
We work closely with the facilities below, and trust them with our own pups!
Have more specific questions about adopting with TAP?
Please see our Adoption FAQ page!