Ask the experts.

"Cream & Sugar" have been around and have digested all the news & facts about Karmana Farm you may need to know....and they want to tell you about some of their favorite links.

How long does the adoption process take?

From the time you e-mail your non-binding application to the actual meeting and adoption, the process usually takes about 2 weeks. All of our work is completed by volunteers. Occasionally, there is a delay due to being unable to quickly schedule the home visit or complete the veterinary reference check, so we have found it helpful for applicants to notify the veterinarian and personal references that a volunteer from Karmana Farm Rescue will be calling.

What is the purpose of such a long and detailed application?

There are easier ways to adopt a pet than working with a rescue, and we appreciate that so many families will work with us even though it takes a bit more time than some other types of adoptions. The benefit to the adopter is that completing the application provides an opportunity to 'paws' and consider most of the important aspects of bringing a new pet into the home in advance of adopting.  Since Karmana Farm adoptable pets live in a Foster Home and not in a kennel or shelter, there is generally quite a bit known about each animal's needs, health and behavior. The application allows Karmana Farm to find a good match between pets and adopters based on the information provided. 

Do all of Karmana Farm's adoptable dogs have Special Needs? 

No, many are dogs who simply had no other options for rescue and they are healthy and 'ready to go'. You will notice that dogs with Special Needs have a Green Heart symbol on the page with their photo and biography. 

If I have never used natural or holistic care for my pets does that mean I cannot adopt from Karmana Farm?

Karmana Farm uses both conventional and alternative/ holistic treatments. We consider ALL applications in order to find the best possible match for each pet and regularly adopt to families who use conventional veterinary care exclusively. For select cases when an adoptable animal has benefitted from an alternative therapy and has been unable to benefit from conventional care, Karmana Farm will require that the adopter be familiar with alternative care options. Karmana Farm can assist with referrals to qualified holistic providers and/ or conventional veterinarians in the adopter's community if needed.

What does the Adoption Donation cover?

The adoption donation covers veterinary care. All of the animals coming into rescue require a veterinary examination. Most require testing for heart worm & Lyme disease, vaccination and spay/neutering. Unless they are being adopted immediately, dogs are started on heart worm preventative. An alarming number of rescued dogs and cats have never been seen by a veterinarian until they come into our care and they often require more extensive treatment. Occasionally there are emergencies, surgeries or serious illnesses. Your donations help defray these expenses and Karmana Farm usually does not ‘break even’ on adoptions. The web site and the Adoption Contract/Agreement state the requested minimum adoption donation for each pet. The Adoption Contract/Agreement also states the actual veterinary expenses and is part of our commitment to full disclosure of the background of each animal as we know it. Covering the actual veterinary expenses at the time of adoption is a great way to support the cause of rescue without having to get your house muddy and allows Karmana Farm to be able to help more animals in the future. All donations, whatever the amount, are greatly appreciated since all of our financial support comes from donations.

Why does everybody in the household, including our dog, have to meet the new pet?

The purpose of the meeting is to see if everyone, including the current pet, seems accepting of the new animal and to see if the adoptable animal is accepting of the family and current pet. It is difficult to tell from a picture and description just what the 'chemistry' or 'vibes' will be like in person. Most of the time the meetings are perfect and joyful. Sometimes it becomes clear during the meeting that one member of the family is not comfortable with the adoptable pet and that it is necessary to continue to search for a good match for everybody. 

What if the adoption does not work out and we do not want to keep this pet?

The Karmana Farm Adoption Contract/Agreement requires that any pet adopted from our rescue be returned to Karmana Farm. This is a lifelong commitment we make to animals taken into our program. We are available for consultation at all times, throughout the pet’s life, at no charge, to assist your family in solving problems with the adopted pet. We will assist you in finding a trainer or behaviorist if your veterinarian cannot assist you to solve any problems that may have developed requiring professional care. We will make arrangements to come to your home at any time to pick up the pet if the adoption is not working out as expected.

What is a 'Special Needs' pet? Should I consider this kind of pet?

A 'special needs' pet is one who has unusual behaviors or health care needs that may require increased veterinary care or the administration of daily medication. Some require additional training or the intervention of an animal behaviorist. Adoption of these pets is very rewarding but requires careful consideration. These special creatures give love generously in return for the effort and they are exceptional teachers. They usually require an increased daily investment of time and energy and often, but not always, do best as 'only pet' in the family. Special needs pets are noted on the Petfinder listing. A full disclosure of the special care needs at the time of adoption is included on the Special Needs Addendum to the Adoption Contract.

Some of your pets have been on the website for quite a while. What's wrong with them?

Not a thing! They are just patiently waiting for a forever home that meets their needs. Karmana Farm is an all volunteer small rescue and we are a little bit of a drive from the metro areas, so sometimes it takes longer to make the connections we need for a good adoption match. We are also a true 'no kill' program. We do not transfer dogs or have them otherwise 'disappear' if it takes a while to find them a home. Once we accept a dog into our program, we work with him or her for life, no matter what it takes. You may wish to check out the Happy Tails Link to Katie and Charlie's stories. Both of these wonderful dogs waited over a year in rescue and found loving forever homes.

So, what are your favorite links guys?

We would like to thank Central Dawgma/The Dawg Wash and For Pete's Sake for their support of our rescue. The Whole Dog Journal is our favorite source for information about health, behavior and training for dogs. Check in with www.centraldawgma.com and For Pete's Sake for the very best in nutrition for your dogs and cats. Our dogs and cats just love 'em.