New Beginnings

We have two routes to adoption, and once your application to adopt is approved, you can choose either route to adoption.

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Fostering to Adopt

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As many of our dogs are located in Greece or elsewhere abroad and require the commitment of a foster home to be able to travel, this is our most popular route to adoption! In a foster-to-adopt arrangement, the adopter chooses a dog that is currently overseas who they are interested in adopting. We then arrange the flight and transport of the dog to the foster-to-adopt home. Given the paperwork and legal requirements involved, it often takes approximately 4-6 weeks between committing a dog to a family and the dog’s arrival in the USA, although it can happen more quickly if flights are already planned and spaces are available.  

 

When the dog arrives in the home, they start out in “Foster” status to allow time for the dog to get a wellness exam and settle into their new home.  During this foster period (typically 2-3 weeks), the adoptive family has the opportunity to evaluate if the dog is a good fit for their family as the dog adjusts to his/her new life during those first few weeks. It is important to realize that this can be a big adjustment for the dog, and it may take some time for their full personality to emerge.  During this time, New Beginnings International pays for all veterinary costs and provides preventative care for each dog. 

 

After the dog has had a chance to settle in, the adoptive family decides if they would like to make their dog officially a permanent member of their family and finalize the adoption. Under the Foster-to-Adopt option, there is no obligation for a family to adopt their foster dog. If a Foster-to-Adopt family decides that the dog is not a good fit for their home after all, we will list that dog as “Available for Adoption” and help find a permanent home for the dog that is a good fit!  A Foster-to-Adopt family always has the first right to adopt their dog if they wish to do so.  The Foster-to-Adopt option is generally only available for dogs who are still located abroad. Dogs that are already in a foster home in the USA are looking for a permanent home through the Direct Adoption option described below.

 

Direct Adoption

 

Some of our applicants decide that they prefer to directly adopt a dog that has already been evaluated and fully vetted by a foster home before the dog arrives into their home. In this case, families can choose from dogs that are already living in a foster home located in the USA and are listed as Available for Adoption. In this option, once the adoptive family’s application is approved, the application is sent to the foster home of the dog the adopter is interested in. The foster family will arrange a call with prospective adopters to decide which family is the best fit for their foster dog.  The fosters will be able to provide detailed information about the personality and needs of the dog, and to answer any questions the prospective adoptive family has about the dog. The foster family will make the final decision regarding which prospective adoptive home they feel is the best fit as a forever home for their foster dog.

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All of our applicants are teamed up with a New Beginnings volunteer “Buddy” who will help you through our entire process, from application through to adoption, so you always have someone to reach out to for support.  They will be happy to answer any questions you may have and will work with you to help find the perfect match!​