Our frequently asked questions page is designed to help you learn more about Low Rider. We recommend that you check our Facebook page regularly for updates and information on these wonderful adoptable Low Rider dogs! Patience is important as most people do NOT get the first dog applied for. We don’t do first come, first served. Those who patiently work with us most often end up with just the right dog.

Where are you located?

The simple answer is FLORIDA! We do not have a shelter building where the dogs are housed. Instead, we use a fabulous network of volunteers and foster homes across the state.


Can I meet a dog I’m interested in?

At this time, we are not able to host meet and greets other than some special events. We do not maintain a shelter building but instead place dogs in foster homes all over the state of Florida.

  • We include as much information as possible about the dogs for adoption. If your application is chosen for a particular dog, we will discuss with you any further information you may need.
  • IF you are chosen as a good match for the dog you WILL hear from us – Our goal is always to find the best possible fit for each dog – Once a final decision has been agreed upon, arrangements can be made by volunteers on the Transportation Team to help deliver your new furry family member to you for adoption, if needed. We always ask the adopter to drive at least part of the way to meet, whenever possible.
  • We have built in a two week trial period in the adoption agreement for both humans and dogs to be certain of the match. We have a high success rate!

Do you have employees?

We are an all volunteer organization. Low Rider has a network of dachshund and dog lovers who transport dogs, foster dogs, deliver dogs to their new homes, complete home checks, process applications, send emails, make phone calls, exchange texts with fosters and chosen adoptees . . . and everything else that goes along with running the rescue. We will do our very best to help you in a timely manner, as you can understand, our first priority must be the dogs. Please be patient with our volunteers as they open their hearts, time, wallets, and homes for the dogs without pay – other than doggie kisses! We are currently expanding, updating our system, and training new volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering Please Go Here!


Can I just call about my application?

Please see above! Unfortunately, we don’t have anyone available to man the phones. We are busy working as hard and as fast as we can on applications and taking care of dogs. If you are chosen for a dog, will be in touch. Those who stick with it patiently most often find their “meant to be” furbaby! If you ARE chosen as a good match for a dog, someone WILL call to discuss with you in detail about the dogs needs and to learn more about you as well.


Important to Understand

We are not a first come, first serve organization. We are seeking the best match for each dog. You may NOT get picked for the dog you apply for as we get MANY WONDERFUL applicants and can only chose one. There are likely details you do not know about a given dog. It doesn’t mean we don’t like you or that we don’t think you are a good dog parent. It’s about the dogs!


How do I KNOW you received my application?

If you miss something on the application, the system will outline it in red. It will not submit properly until the required questions are filled in. ONCE that is DONE, and you hit the submit button – you will be automatically directed to a page titled “We Received Your Application” IF you do NOT land on the “We Received Your Application” page, then it was NOT completed properly and we will not have it in our system. It’s easier for some people to do on a laptop instead of a phone. Scroll up and down to make sure you don’t miss anything before submitting!

You will also find additional information on the We Received Your Application page to help manage expectations about the process. We know it’s hard to wait when you are anxious about getting a dog!


Why is it taking so long?

“I filled out an application over a week ago and still haven’t heard anything. Why is it taking so long?” – We understand! We’re working every single day to get the dogs to their forever homes. Our team of volunteers has hundreds of applications to process. Sometimes we have 20-30 or more foster dogs and foster parents to manage as well as new dogs coming in and applications to process. It takes time. It takes man-power. It isn’t personal if you don’t hear from us. If you are chosen for the dog you apply for, you WILL hear from us.


What exactly is the process?

If you appear to be a good fit for the dog named on your application your app will be forwarded to the foster parents who know the dog best. It’s a tough job when we have so many great people to process! Your references will be checked and any vet references listed once you are identified as a good match and after a processing team member or foster parent calls you for a phone interview to discuss details about the dog as one of the top matches.

IF you are the BEST FIT, you will get another phone call letting you know you are chosen to adopt.


Why can’t I just fill out an application for pre-approval?

We are unable to process applications without a dog listed. Why? Manpower and experience! Our system works if you work with the system.

If you are one of the MANY great people who miss out on the dog they want, keep an eye on our Facebook page, and this website – notify us of any additional dogs who sound like a good fit for your family and we will get your information to the foster family for further processing. Keep in mind, while we care about all of our applicants, we must prioritize the needs of the dogs above all else.

Some of our adoptees have tried quite a few times without success before finding their special dog. Once you do have a match that is right for the dog and right for you – it is ALL worth the effort! Hang in there!


FAQS

Is there more I can do after I send in my application?

We’re sorry it can be difficult. Our volunteers are processing hundreds of applications. Our biggest priority always has to be finding the best possible match for each dog. Currently, there are a lot of people looking to adopt at all the shelters and rescues around the state. Shelters are full of dogs and we are taking in all that we can.

Unfortunately, once you have taken the time to fill out an application – making sure to offer as much information as possible, it becomes a waiting game. Some of our adopters have missed several dogs they applied for, before ever finding the right match.

Some are matched with their dog right away! Others wait weeks, even months. Stick with it, watch your email, check your spam. Tell your references and Vet you are trying to adopt and to please answer the calls when a volunteer is checking. We truly care about you, but MUST prioritize the dogs in our care. We work tirelessly to take care of ALL the details.


Do you check references on everyone?

We check references on everyone whose application is chosen as a good match for a particular dog by the processing team and the foster parent. Before anyone gets to the adoption and home check stage, the vet references have been checked. We don’t check them UNTIL you are chosen. Vet records and a home visit are required.

*If you have dogs that are not spayed or neutered (with no explanation) it is NOT likely that you’ll be chosen. If your dogs do not have up-to-date vaccines (we DO check the VET references) or if your references don’t check out or they don’t respond to our calls – then we will have to move to the next application. Please understand – we are working hard for the dogs in our care. We do home checks for our adoptions!

If your information is all in order – keep your chin up! Those who stick it out, most often find their “meant to be” fur-baby. See below for more information . . . Also, you might consider volunteering as a foster family. Many of our team members found their forever dogs that way, and now continue helping others pass it on!


What happens if I don’t get the dog I applied for?

First of all, we’re sorry! Assuming that you are in the state of Florida, the simple answer is that we can only choose ONE good family for each dog. It’s not an easy job with so many terrific applicants! We do the very best we can (in conjunction with the fosters – who know the dogs best) to pick the best possible match for EACH dog.

If you see a dog that appears to be a good fit in an email, on our Facebook page, or on the website – contact [email protected] and we will immediately forward your application (already on hand) to the foster family. Ultimately, they usually make the final decision as they know each dog best.


How do I volunteer for Low Rider?

We’re all volunteers here at Low Rider Dachshund Rescue Florida. We need foster families, drivers who can help get dogs to vet appointments, trained grant writers, fundraising helpers, organizing, admin, and many other tasks that help keep things moving along. Learn more about volunteering HERE.


Current Growing Pains

Low Rider has grown rapidly over the last couple of years. As a matter of fact, we’ve grown so fast that our system is continually evolving. We are seeking and working to train and manage volunteers to help. Guess what? Our volunteer program is also in a state of growth and change. While we work to improve the system, we are diligently taking care of dogs and continually finding them forever homes. We aren’t perfect, but the hundreds of dogs who have been saved and those who continue to be, drive us, inspire us, and we press on. We’re training new people every week. We appreciate your desire to volunteer and will get to you as quickly as possible. We are making progress! Thank you sincerely for your support, understanding, and willingness to help!