FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 

Where does NLOL get their dogs from?

Is it true that all NLOL dogs are obedience trained prior to adoption?

Can I get a dog that has not completed training?  Why does it need training?

Can I come by and see your available pets?

What is your Lend a Paw program?  And are all dogs now being trained for this program?

Where do your dogs live?

Can NLOL take my dog or cat if I'm moving or otherwise can't keep it?

Are NLOL pets already fixed and have they had their shots?

What are your adoption fees?

Do you have cats or kittens for adoption?

Q: Where does NLOL get their dogs from?
A: NLOL rescues from local shelters mainly dogs that are on death row, dogs that have injuries or illnesses. Many of the dogs just need a little TLC, a bath and a good hair cut, and they are as good as new. Others need some antibiotics which clears up kennel cough, runny nose, etc..  Too often, these dogs are overlooked and eventually euthanized. Next time you go to the shelter ... think of the potential a dog could have. Some frogs, once kissed, do turn into handsome princes!  Visit www.laanimalservices.com to find a shelter pet.

Q: Is it true that all NLOL dogs are obedience trained prior to adoption?
A: Yes!  Many New Leash On Life dogs are put through a 3 week training course once they have been rescued from the shelter.  Some special dogs may be chosen for our Lend a Paw program.  The other rescues are placed for adoption after they have completed their training.  The chosen adopters are given instructions on how to work with their new pet once they get him or her home.  2 free follow-up training sessions are given within the first 2 months of adoption.  In some cases, a dog may be put up for adoption without completing the obedience training course.

We've found that the time the dogs spend with our training volunteers is invaluable in both training and socializing with many different people and other dogs.  The dogs love the attention and truly enjoy doing the work and bonding with the volunteers.  And now adopters get a completely trained dog in less time than they would spend if they had to complete training on their own.  Our dogs are happier and so are our adopters!

Q: Can I get a dog that has not completed training?  Why does it need training?
A: In some rare cases, we may have a dog available for adoption that has not been trained.  The majority of our dogs have completed training before they are adopted.  You are welcome to fill out an application while the dog is in training, but we prefer not to send the dog home until training is completed. Why does your dog need training? Communication is essential in any relationship. You don't speak "Dog," and your dog doesn't speak your language. If you want your dog to be a good companion and not just make decisions based on dog mentality but learn what pleases you, then training is essential.  Training offers more than the ability to have your dog Sit on command; it establishes a bond between you and your dog, develops the respect that is needed for a healthy relationship, and increases your dog's confidence and understanding of what is expected of him or her.  Almost all dogs that were returned to New Leash On Life after being adopted were not properly trained by their owners. 
 

Q: Can I come by and see your available pets?
A: Our E.R.A.Center is open by appointment only.  To see one of our animals, you must first fill out an online application.  A New Leash On Life representative will contact you for an interview and to possibly set up an appointment.  You may also come to one of our Mobile Pet Adoptions.

Q:What is your Lend a Paw program? 
A: Our mission with our Lend a Paw program is to rescue dogs from the shelter and train them as therapy and assistance dogs.  Lend a Paw will help us continue education and facilitation of animal rescue, as well as provide a comprehensive program utilizing rescued animals in one-on-one and group therapeutic settings.  A special few will be chosen to be trained as assistance dogs to enhance the quality of life of children with Autism. To learn more about Lend a Paw, click here.
Q: And are all dogs now being trained for this program?
A: No, not all dogs will become Lend a Paw dogs.  Our desire to rescue animals out of the shelter and find them loving homes has not decreased.  As a matter of fact, MOST dogs will be placed for adoption once they have completed their basic obedience course.  A select few will have what it takes to continue on with the Lend a Paw training.

Q: Where do your dogs live?
A: Most of our dogs reside at our E.R.A. Center, although we are constantly looking for foster homes.  We have an isolation trailer for animals that are sick or injured.  Healthy animals are housed in an indoor kennel environment that is temperature controlled.  But unlike other facilities, our dogs get plenty of exercise and free range play time.  Multiple times a day, the dogs are taken out to our pool area/play yard as well as to our 3 1/2 acre private dog park.  Truthfully, we need more volunteers to give these dogs play time.  We have paths and parks and local hiking trails where volunteers are encouraged to spend time with our dogs.  We want to give them as much socialization and play time as possible.  If you are interested in volunteering and helping give the dogs extra play time, click here.

Q: Can NLOL take my dog if I'm moving or otherwise can't keep it?
A: No, New Leash Leash On Life rescues dogs from the shelters that would otherwise be killed.  These dogs take priority over a privately owned dog.  In addition, we receive over 100 requests a week from people wanting us to take in their pet.

If you are moving, we suggest you read our "Moving, but can't take your dog?" article.  We, of course, highly suggest you try to keep your pet... after all, you made the choice to care for the dog or cat for the rest of its life when you chose to buy or adopt it.  It's very difficult on a pet to be separated from its owner.  If you absolutely cannot keep the animal (are you sure?), our suggestion is to place an ad in the paper, hand out flyers to your local veterinarian clinics, ask friends... whatever you can do to find a safe and loving home. 

If you bring your pet to the shelter, another animal may be put to sleep to make room for yours.  The shelter has the right to euthanize an owner turn-in at any time!  Usually, if your dog or cat is not adopted within a short time frame, it will be put to sleep.  There are already thousands upon thousands animals put to sleep in Los Angeles alone each year.  You don't want your pet to be added to that number.

Q: Are NLOL animals already fixed and have they had their shots?
A: NLOL animals are always spayed and neutered before being placed for adoption.  They are also updated on all vaccinations, including rabies.  In the case of very young puppies or kittens, they may not have had their complete set of shots yet. 

Q: What are your adoption fees?
A: We ask for a $200 tax deductible adoption donation.  For dogs that have completed training, an additional $300 training donation is required.  When you adopt a dog from New Leash On Life, you are not buying that pet.  We ask for a tax-deductible donation that allows us to purchase more dogs from the shelter... in essence, you are saving multiple lives! 
Our pets have been completely obedience trained (saving you that cost and time in the future), are updated on all shots, have been spayed or neutered, and in many cases, been given needed medication or surgery.  Without your donation, we would be unable to feed and care for our animals, train our animals or have the funds needed to save more from the shelter.  We accept any donations above the asking amount if you so choose.
 

Q: Do you have cats or kittens for adoption?
A: Unfortunately, at this time, we are not able to rescue kitties.  Try the shelter (www.laanimalservices.com) or www.1800saveapet.com or www.petfinder.com.