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info@sunshinestatelabrescue.org | 833-FLA-LABS (833-352-5227)

For Volunteers

Labrador Retriever Rescue

Bringing Sunshine to Labradors in Need

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Apply to Adopt

Apply to AdoptCynthia2025-12-30T11:25:54-05:00

Adoption Policies

 

These policies exist to set expectations for your adoption journey.  Many rescue dogs came from bad situations.  We expect our adopters to take great care of their new family member and give them the care, comfort, and safety they deserve.

These policies may be updated, revised, or amended at any time without prior notice at the discretion of the organization.

Last Updated: 10/8/2025

  • 1

    Indoor Only: All adopted dogs must live and sleep inside. No “outside only” homes.

  • 2

    Children: Families with children under 7 may only adopt dogs that have previously lived with young children for over 6 months (wait times may be longer), or the dog’s age is under seven months.

  • 3

    Containment: Many counties in Florida have banned outdoor tethering of dogs because of the cruelty factor.  You agree to use secure fencing or supervised time only.

  • 4

    Puppies: Under seven months require a stay-at-home parent or frequent visits for age-appropriate care.

  • 5

    No Gift Adoptions: We work directly with the applicant, not on behalf of others.

  • 6

    Resident Pets: All current dogs must be spayed/neutered (unless medically excused by a vet) and on regular heartworm and flea preventatives.

  • 7

    Crate training: When necessary, the adopter must be willing to obtain a crate and crate train the new dog or be able to section off an adequate area of the home when the dog is left alone.

  • 8

    Heartworm Prevention: You agree to use year-round heartworm prevention with annual testing.

  • 9

    Routine Care: Adopter must agree to properly maintain the health of the dog by placing it on an annual/semi-annual examination schedule under the direction of a veterinarian.

  • 10

    Household Participation: All family members and pets must be present at the home visit and all family members and dogs must be present at the meet-and-greet.

  • 11

    Housing: Renters/HOA residents must provide written proof that a Labrador is allowed.

  • 12

    References: Vet references required if you’ve had pets before.

  • 13

    Application Fee: A $25 application fee is due at the time of application submission. The application fee is nonrefundable and is applied toward your adoption fees if you adopt a dog from us.  Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or placement.

  • 14

    Service Dogs: We adopt out family pets only. Applications for service dog training purposes will be declined.

  • 15

    Florida Residents Only: We only adopt within Florida where we have volunteer coverage.

Step 1 of 7

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Thank you for considering adoption as your path to welcoming a Labrador Retriever into your life. Our goal is to ensure each animal is matched with a loving, responsible, and suitable home. This application is designed to help us understand more about you, your household, and the type of pet you wish to adopt. Please answer each question as thoroughly and honestly as possible.

This application is 7 pages and may take up to 30 minutes to complete. Please have your veterinarian contact information ready (if applicable) and be prepared to pay a $25 application fee upon submission of the form.

Personal Information

Adopter Name(Required)
Co-Adopter Name
Address(Required)
You must enter your physical home address - not a P.O. Box.

Household Information

Do you own or rent your residence?(Required)
You will be required to provide a copy of your lease demonstrating you are able to have a Labrador Retriever sized dog.
Does your landlord allow pets?(Required)
Are you able to provide a letter from your landlord approving a dog?(Required)
Do you live in an HOA community(Required)
Does your HOA allow you to have a Labrador Retriever sized dog?(Required)
Type of residence(Required)

Household Members

Your Name(Required)
Household Member 2 Name
Household Member 3 Name
Household Member 4 Name
Household Member 5 Name
Are all household members aware of and in agreement with adopting a Labrador?(Required)
Does anyone in your household have allergies to dogs?(Required)

Animal Preferences

Have you had a Labrador Retriever previously?(Required)
Age preference(Required)
Choose all that apply
Size Preference(Required)
Choose all that apply
Color Preference(Required)
Choose all that apply
Energy Level(Required)
Gender Preference(Required)
Are you willing to consider animals with special needs?(Required)
Reason for adopting(Required)

Current and Past Pets

Do you currently own a pet?(Required)

Pet 1

Gender
Spayed Neutered

Pet 2

Gender
Spayed Neutered

Pet 3

Gender
Spayed Neutered

Pet 4

Gender
Spayed Neutered
Have you had pets in the past that are no longer with you?(Required)
If you don't use preventatives, please explain.

Pet Care and Lifestyle

Where will the animal be kept during the day?(Required)
Do you have a fenced yard?(Required)
Do you have a pool? (a pool is not required to adopt)(Required)
Are you prepared for house-training if necessary?(Required)
Are you familiar with local animal regulations, licenses, and leash laws?(Required)
Are you able to commit to the animal’s care for its entire life?(Required)
Are you financially able and willing to provide veterinary care, food, grooming, licensing, and regular exercise?(Required)
Have you ever surrendered a pet to a shelter or rescue organization?(Required)

Emergency Contact

If you were to adopt a Labrador Retriever, who would be your emergency contact? Your emergency contact must not be a co-adopter.
Name(Required)

Veterinary Information

Note: We will contact your veterinarian to verify prior care
Address

Additional Information

How did you hear about Sunshine State Labrador Rescue?(Required)

Agreement and Signature

By signing below, I certify that all information I have provided in this application is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand and agree to the following:

  • - I understand that providing false information may result in the denial of my application.
  • - I authorize the organization to verify veterinary references and other information provided as part of this adoption process.
  • - I understand that this adoption application is not guaranteed to result in the adoption of a dog, or any particular dog, and that by applying to adopt I am signing up to be able to meet available dogs if-and-when they become available. Additionally, I understand that SSLR fosters have the final say in who adopts their foster dog.
Clear Signature
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Sunshine State Labrador Rescue, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in our volunteer, surrender, or adoption processes.
The application fee is nonrefundable but will be applied toward your adoption fees if you adopt a dog from us.
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Supported Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  
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Adoption Counselor
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A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 

  • Adopt
  • Volunteer
  • Donate
  • Surrender
  • Available Dogs
  • Community
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

For Volunteers

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), OR VISITING FDACS.gov. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.  Florida Registration Number: CH80635.

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