Adoption Information
About Adopting & the Process
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Colonial Newfoundland Rescue adopters must live within DC, MD, VA, and parts of WV. (Or in a location we have a volunteer available to do a home visit)
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Only adopters with completed applications will be considered.
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All potential adopters must complete a an initial phone interview, complete reference checks, and a home inspection with a CNR representative.
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CNR does not adopt to homes with invisible fences.
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A secure fenced-in yard (fence attached to home and 4ft high) is required. (Apartment/condo residents will be considered.)
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Research this wonderful breed. We are partial to Newfoundlands but want you to be sure a Newf is right for you.
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Foster families are given adoption priority.
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Rescued Newfs are placed based on "best fit" for the dog and adoptive family.
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Sometimes a rescue comes in that is a perfect fit for an already-approved adopter. If you are interested in adopting, don't wait to apply! Your best-fit could be the next one who comes to CNR.
Please Note: Both the Adoption and Foster applications ask a lot of questions, but you are able to save your progress.
Please give yourself plenty of time and FULLY answer ALL of the questions. We prefer more information. Responding with just "Yes" and/or "No" answers will delay the approval process. Please adopt.
Please alter your pets. Please own responsibly.
Why so many questions?
Why so many personal questions?
If you’ve ever filled out an adoption application, you’ve probably thought: Why do they need to know all this?
The truth is, every question has a purpose—protecting the dog and making sure you find the best match for your home and lifestyle.
Most dogs don’t end up in rescue because they were “bad.” They end up here because humans failed them—through poor training, lack of planning, or unrealistic expectations. Our job is to break that cycle and make sure their next home really is forever - no one wants to see a dog taken out of what was supposed to be their forever home - AGAIN.
Why ask about kids in the home?
Because not every dog is right for every age group. Knowing who lives in your household helps us place dogs safely.
Why ask where the dog will be at night or when you’re gone?
Because many dogs are surrendered for nuisance behaviors like barking or destruction when left alone. Planning ahead prevents heartbreak later.
Why care about training?
Because untrained dogs often end up back in rescue. Training sets dogs—and families—up for success.
Why ask about your past pets?
Because history matters. If previous dogs were given up due to moves, babies, or accidents in the house, we need to understand what might happen again.
The Bigger Picture
The questions, phone calls, and home visit are designed to find exceptional homes. Not perfect—but thoughtful, safe, and committed.
Why exceptional?
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Because these dogs have already been through a lot.
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Because they deserve stability and love, not another move.
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Because rescue space is limited, and every adoption needs to last.
What It Means for You
So when you’re applying:
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Expect a detailed application.
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Expect a volunteer to call and chat.
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Expect a home visit.
Don’t see it as a burden—see it as proof that someone cares enough about these dogs to ask the hard questions.
Our dogs aren’t sitting in lonely cages; they’re in loving foster homes while we search for their forever family. Rushing them into the wrong situation doesn’t help. Waiting for the right match does.
Because for us, “any home” isn’t good enough.
The right home is the only home.
Available
Female
Bella
5 yrs
Age:
Available
Male
Obie
4 yrs
Age:
Available
Male
Maverick
4 yrs
Age:
Available
Female
Daisy
4 yrs
Age: