Thank you for considering adopting a Labrador Retriever through Lab Rescue!

We are a volunteer-run, foster-based rescue dedicated to finding loving, responsible homes for Labrador Retrievers and Lab mixes in need. Our goal is to make thoughtful, lasting matches between our dogs and their new families.

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Is a Labrador Retriever Right for You?

Labradors are affectionate, intelligent and social dogs who thrive on companionship and being part of family life.

They are also an active, often large breed that requires daily exercise, mental stimulation, training and plenty of interaction with their people.

Each Lab is an individual. Some are energetic and adventurous, while others prefer a quieter lifestyle. We carefully consider each dog's personality, needs and temperament when selecting a suitable home.

Before applying, we encourage you to consider whether you have the time, commitment and resources to welcome a Lab into your family.

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Our Adoption Process

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1. Submit an Adoption Application

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Complete our online adoption application as accurately and thoroughly as possible. This helps us understand your lifestyle, experience, expectations and the type of dog that may be the best match for your home.

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2. Application Review and Interview

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Our adoption team reviews applications and contacts selected applicants to arrange an interview. This is an opportunity to learn more about your household, answer questions and discuss our adoption process.

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3. Finding Your Match

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Once approved, you will be considered for Labs entering our adoption program.

Our team may contact you when we identify a suitable match. You are also welcome to follow the dogs available on our website and let us know if one catches your interest.

There is no need to submit a new application for each dog. Your application remains in our database.

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4. Meet and Greet

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When a potential match is identified, we arrange an in-person meeting with the dog and a Lab Rescue representative.

The vast majority of adoption meetings take place in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with the specific location determined by where the dog is being fostered.

If everyone agrees the match is a good fit, the adoption can be completed that day and your new family member can head home with you!

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Adoption Fees

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Our adoption fees help offset the substantial cost of rescuing, caring for and preparing each Lab for adoption.

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• Standard Adoption Fee: $750 (adults and puppies)

• Senior Adoption Fee: $500 (over 8 years)

• Bonded Pair: $1,300

• International Adoption Fee: $1,000

• Super Seniors and Special Circumstances: Fees determined individually

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Adoption fees are non-refundable, including in circumstances where an adopted dog is subsequently returned to Lab Rescue.

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Veterinary Care at Lab Rescue

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The health and well-being of every Lab entering our care is a priority.

Each dog receives veterinary care appropriate to their individual needs, including a veterinary examination, necessary vaccinations, diagnostic testing, parasite prevention and microchipping.

Some dogs require additional treatment, medication, dental care or surgery.

The average cost of caring for a dog through our rescue program is approximately $1,800, significantly more than our standard adoption fee of $750. Donations and fundraising help us provide the additional care our dogs need.

Prospective adopters are provided with available veterinary information, including known medical conditions and ongoing treatment requirements, before adoption.

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Spaying and Neutering

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Lab Rescue endeavours to have all dogs spayed or neutered prior to adoption. However, there may be circumstances where this is not possible due to veterinary scheduling or medical considerations.

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Dogs Six Months of Age and Older

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When a dog is adopted before being spayed or neutered, the adopter is required to have the procedure completed within one month of adoption, unless there is a medical reason for postponement.

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Lab Rescue will assist with the cost as follows:

• 100% of the surgery cost when performed at one of our veterinary partner clinics.

• 50% of the surgery cost, up to a maximum reimbursement of $800, when the adopter chooses to use their own veterinarian. Reimbursement is provided upon receipt of the paid veterinary invoice.

 

Puppies Under Six Months of Age

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When a puppy under six months of age is adopted before being spayed or neutered, the adopter is responsible for the full cost of the procedure. Spaying or neutering is mandatory and must be completed before the puppy reaches eight months of age, unless a veterinarian determines that a medical postponement is necessary. All spay/neuter requirements and arrangements form part of the adoption agreement and will be discussed with the adopter prior to adoption.

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Our Adoption Requirements

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Every Lab is unique, and adoption homes are carefully selected based on the individual dog's personality, needs and lifestyle.

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Our goal is to find the best possible match for both the dog and the adopting family.

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A Safe and Suitable Home

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Adopters must provide a safe, secure and comfortable home environment. A properly secured yard or appropriate outdoor area is generally expected unless an exemption is approved.

Tethering a dog outside is not an acceptable alternative to a secure exercise area.

Living arrangements, including apartments and condominiums, are assessed based on the individual dog's needs and the adopter's ability to provide appropriate exercise and care.

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Part of the Family

Our Labs are companion animals and must live indoors as valued members of the household.

We do not adopt dogs to homes where they will be kept outside or routinely separated from family life.

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Time and Companionship

Labs thrive on human companionship and should not routinely be left alone for extended periods.

Our adoption guidelines require that dogs not be left alone for more than six hours without suitable arrangements for care, such as a family member, dog walker or other approved support.

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Responsible Ownership

Adopters are responsible for providing appropriate nutrition, exercise, enrichment, training and veterinary care throughout their dog's life.

This includes regular veterinary examinations, preventative care and vaccinations as recommended by their veterinarian.

 

Training and Continued Learning

We strongly encourage all adopters to participate in positive reinforcement training, even when adopting a dog with existing skills.

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Training helps build communication, confidence and a strong relationship between you and your new Lab.

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Welcoming a rescue dog is the beginning of a new chapter, and your ongoing involvement plays an important role in helping your dog thrive.

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Our Commitment to Every Lab

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Each dog in our program is special to us, and we take great care in finding the right home.

Adopted dogs must never be sold, transferred or privately rehomed, including to family members or friends.

If circumstances change and you are no longer able to care for your adopted Lab, you must contact Lab Rescue to discuss the appropriate next steps.

Lab Rescue reserves the right to decline an application when we believe a home is not an appropriate match for a dog in our care.

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A Few Things to Know Before Applying

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Lab Rescue is a volunteer-run organization. While we do our best to respond to inquiries, our priority is reviewing applications and finding suitable matches for the dogs in our care.

Not every applicant will be contacted regarding every dog. We encourage approved applicants to continue watching our website for new arrivals.

We do not arrange adoptions requiring dogs to be crated and flown to their new homes.

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Ready to Welcome a Lab Into Your Life?

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Adopting a rescue Lab is a rewarding commitment, and we're delighted that you're considering making a difference in a dog's life.

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We look forward to learning more about you and helping you find a wonderful new companion!

Apply to Adopt a Lab

www.lab-rescue.ca
info@lab-rescue.ca

 

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