Adoption Application

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Step 1:   Please read 'Is a Coonhound Right for You?' at the bottom of this page before pursuing adoption.

Step 2:  We need to know about you.  

If applying for a Beagle follow this link:
https://ws.ishelters.com/application.php?k=coonhOUnd&t=Beagle%20Adoption 

If applying for a Coonhound, follow this link:

https://ws.ishelters.com/application.php?k=coonhOUnd&t=Coonhound%20Adoption

Step 3:  Let's Talk!  One of our volunteers will contact you.  If you are unfamiliar with the coonhound breeds, we can arrange a meet and greet with a coonhound if you'd like.  You can also expect us to do a home visit, as well as a personal reference check and a vet check if you own other animals.

Step 4:   Our adoption fees are as follows:     
                                          Puppies (up to 1 yr old):       $  450*
                                          Adults 1 to 8                              400
                                          Adults 9 - Senior                       300

                  Adoption fees include:
                  Spay/neuter (for dogs over 6 months)
                  Rabies, Distemper and Kennel cough vaccines
                  Testing for heartworm and tick born diseases (treated if necessary)
                  Examination by a veterinarian
                  Health certificate
                  Micro chip
                  Transport north

                  Mandatory 48 hours in a Massachusetts quarantine

              
                  *There is an additional $300 spay/neuter deposit for  
                   unaltered puppies. It is refundable with proof of spay/neuter.  

Is a Coonhound Right for You?

Please do your research before adopting a coonhound. Like any breed, they have their own distinct qualities and are not right for everybody.

Coonhounds make great family dogs; they're usually very good with kids and other dogs. They're difficult to annoy and can take all the petting an affection you can provide.

Consider your living situation. Containment is the major issue for hounds, who were bred to wander and hunt.  They need a fenced yard or must be taken for a long walk on a leash daily. They cannot be reliably trained in recall.  They are often not good dogs to leave in an apartment or condo if you work all day.

Coonhounds are generally pretty humble and laid back. They don't have much of an 'attitude' and will have you laughing at their clownish antics.

Coonhounds have a loud, low bark. They are usually not incessant barkers like toy breeds and some terriers. They are not necessarily watch dogs, but will warn of intruders by barking. Because they can be loud, they are not the best dogs in dense living situations.

As athletic, outdoorsy dogs, coonhounds are great companions for running, walking and hiking.

Some coonhounds will regard cats or toy breeds of dogs as prey. If you have small animals, you'll need to test out any coonhounds you are considering.

Coonhounds can be difficult to train because of their strong hunting instincts. Patience, and a firm, consistent approach to training is necessary.

Little maintenance is required with the coonhound coat; it's short and an occasional brushing or bath is all that's needed.