FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I want to adopt/learn more about/meet one of your dogs. What do I do?

You can view photos and read about all of our available dogs by visiting our website. When you see a dog that captures your heart, the next step would be to fill out and submit our adoption application (attached). We also have copies of our application available at our center if you'd prefer to meet the dogs in person prior to filling it out. You can visit with our #Vanderpups 7 days a week between the hours of 10am and 5pm.

I submitted my application. What happens next?

Once your application is submitted, it typically takes a day or two for our adoptions team to process and review everything. If your application is approved, someone will then contact you for a homecheck done in the form of a short video tour of your home. Basically, we want to see that it is a dog safe environment! If the home check looks good, the final step before adopting would be to come into our center for an in-person meet up with the dog!

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 that helps cover the cost of the care and veterinary treatment our dogs receive. Adult dogs are $500, puppies from our Nursery Program are $750, under 1 year are $650, and seniors (dogs over 8 years) are $300. Each adoption fee covers the dog's spay/neuter, microchip, and current vaccinations, and is a tax-deductible donation to support the rescue of other dogs!

What is the adoption fee used for?

Adoption fees help cover spay/neuter procedure costs, medical and dental costs, and other expenses we incur while dogs are in our care. All the proceeds from the Vanderpump Dog Center go back into our foundation so that we can continue to care for more animals.

Does the Foundation have a foster-to-adopt program?

Yes, in select cases at the discretion of the Foundation’s Adoption Coordinator and with prior arrangement, a potential adopter may foster a dog in their home for up to 72 hours. If you are interested in fostering before you adopt, please ask to speak with the Adoption Coordinator.

Do you hold dogs? Are dogs first come, first serve? 

A: We cannot “hold” dogs, and will accept several applications for a dog that has a lot of interest. When dogs have multiple applications, we consider each applicant and make the best match based on the particular dog. If you apply for a dog that is approved to a different home, you may use your application toward another available rescue.


I want to adopt a puppy but I don't see any on the website. Is there a waitlist I can be added to?

We often have litters of puppies at our Nursery but do not post them on our website until they are 8 weeks old and ready for adoption. If you are interested in adopting a puppy but don’t see any on the website, please go ahead and submit an application! Just leave question #1 blank and answer question #2 with a description of the type of dog you are looking for (example: female small breed puppy). Please note that we are not breeders and very rarely know the exact breed of the puppies at our Nursery.

I want to adopt a dog of a specific breed/a hypoallergenic dog. Is there a waitlist I can be added to?

We are a small team and due to the number of applications we receive on a daily basis, we are unable to keep a waitlist for dogs of a specific breed. Please continue to check our website to view available rescues and submit an application when you see a dog you would like to adopt!

Do you adopt dogs out of state?

We allow for out of state adoptions on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to adopt from out of state, you will be responsible for coordinating safe travel for the dog. We do not ship dogs. Not every dog is a candidate for out-of-state adoption (for example, it is not always safe for seniors or dogs with health conditions to fly or travel long distances). If you are interested in adopting one of our dogs from out of state, please note that on your application along with your plan to transport, and we will let you know if the dog you are interested in is eligible.

Do you adopt dogs out of the country?

At this time we are unable to rehome dogs from our LA Rescue Center to other countries. Please look into your local shelters and rescues - there are plenty of deserving dogs in need of homes all over the world!

I need to re-home my dog. Can you take them into your rescue?

We take in owner surrenders on a case-by-case basis. If you are looking to rehome your dog, please send us a detailed email with as much information on the dog as you can provide, including any and all medical records. We will get back to you within 48 hours with next steps, or with recommendations of other rescues to reach out to.

I found an "abandoned" or lost dog. What do I do? Can you take it?

Unfortunately, we cannot legally take in strays. If you have found what appears to be a stray dog, take the dog to the nearest animal shelter. While you may think the dog is abandoned or not cared for it may be someone's pet they are looking for. The animal shelter is the FIRST place a distraught owner will look. 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 of 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" 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. You can also share this Animal ID number with local rescue groups who may be able to take in the dog if the owner has not claimed it after 5 days. 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 right thing to do! LA City Shelters LA County Shelters

Do you have a foster program?

We do our best to keep our available dogs at our Rescue Center so they are able to meet with potential adopters, but certain situations do arise where we need to call on reliable foster families for help! For example, dogs in need of special medical care or attention, dogs who do not get along with other dogs, and dogs in need of socialization. If you would like to apply to become a foster, please complete our foster application here.

How can I sign up to volunteer?

Please email us at volunteer@vanderpumpdogs.org to sign-up for our volunteer program! A member from our team will contact you to schedule your first volunteer shift and orientation. For more information on volunteering, visit this page.

I am worried about my dog’s health. Can you help?

If you have an urgent veterinary concern please go to your usual veterinarian or the nearest 24 hour vet. If you would like to speak with a vet, please download the Airvet app and use code VANDERPUMP2021 for a free call. If you are local to LA and looking for a vet, some of the veterinary practices we use for our dogs include Green Dog Dental, Value Vet Inc., Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital and Laurel Pet Hospital.

General Information and Hours of Operation

Vanderpump Dogs is located at 8134 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048. You can reach us by phone at 323-852-3647. Retail and grooming are open between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday-Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. If you are interested in meeting our dogs, please arrive before 4pm. For general inquiries not related to adoption, please email info@vanderpumpdogs.org


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