Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a shelter?
Yes, we announced the exciting news in 2016, that we purchased an animal shelter. We will continue our foster program as well and operate both the shelter and foster homes in conjunction. Click to read more about Our Shelter.
How much is the adoption fee?
The adoption fee ranges per animal. Click on the animal’s profile to see that animal’s fee. The fee ranges based on how much we paid for their vetting. The adoption fee helps reimburse the rescue for a portion of what we spend in vetting costs.
When can I meet the animal?
We hold pet adoption events as much as possible for anyone interested in our animals. It is a great chance for you to come down and meet a bunch of dogs/cats before deciding who is a good fit for you. If you are coming to an adoption event to see a certain dog/cat, please email ahead of time to make sure that dog/cat will be there that day. Please email 1-2 days before the event, as some animals are placed during the week and our list is constantly changing. Individual meet and greets with specific animals are by appointment only. An approved application must be on file prior to scheduling of a meet and greet.
Why isn’t the shelter open for walk-through visits? Why do I have to make an appointment to see animals?
At OSCAR, one of our highest priorities is the health and well-being of the animals in our care. Unlike city shelters or pounds, whose residents are in place for a short time, as a no-kill shelter, our pets are often with us for weeks, months or even years. The shelter is the only safe place and home they know. When strangers, even well-meaning ones looking to adopt, walk through the shelter, it stresses our animals. We make appointments for potential adopters to meet our dogs either in our BarkYard or one of our meeting rooms. We’ll spend as much time as you need and introduce you to as many animals as you�d like to meet in order to make the best match and help you find the perfect new family member!
How long is the adoption process?
The adoption process is normally less than a week. It takes us 3-4 business days to make the appropriate calls and reference checks. If any lines on the application are left blank or the applicant doesn’t call to give their current vet permission to speak with us, the process can be delayed. This takes some time, normally a few days. The process is rarely over a week long unless there was a reason for it.
Can O.S.C.A.R. hold an animal for an adopter?
No. We are unable to hold dogs for prospective adopters. All of the animals we rescue come from shelters where they are going to be put to sleep. If we hold an animal, that could mean the life of another animal. If that animal has the chance to be adopted, then we do the adoption. If the animal is still available when you are ready to adopt, then the normal adoption process applies.
Where do O.S.C.A.R.’s animals come from?
Loving animals turn up every day in shelters, as owners turn them in or they’re found roaming the streets after being abandoned. We rescue from shelters in New Jersey as well as shelters in other states. We do our best to save as many as we can. Our rescue always stays full.
Is the dog I’m interested in still available?
We try to keep our website current. We do not remove animals from our site until they are physically adopted. While they are in our care they remain on the website.
Is the dog I’m interested housebroken, good with kids, good with other dogs, good with cats, etc?
We try our best to provide all the information we know about a particular dog on the dog’s profile page. If the dog’s profile does not have this information it means we are still learning the animal’s personality. As soon as we’re able, we provide a good description in the profile.
Do you adopt outside of the Sparta area?
We do NOT ship our animals. All adoptive families must travel to us to meet their adoptive dog/cat.
If the adoption isn’t working out, can I give the dog back?
Yes, you can. Our contract (which you sign at the time of the adoption) states that if for any reason you can no longer keep the animal, the animal must be returned to our rescue.
Is One Step Closer Animal Rescue a “no kill” rescue?
Yes. We do not put to sleep the animals in our care. We go to shelters and rescue animals that are scheduled to be put to sleep due to space issues.
How can our community end euthanasia?
We can reduce euthanasia if the entire community makes responsible choices to:
- Spay and neuter our companion animals
- Only get pets that we can commit to for their lifetimes
- And adopt pets from shelters or rescues rather than buying them.
What if the pet I am interested in is not fixed due to being to young?
We are approved with the State of New Jersey for their low cost spay and neuter program. You may be eligible to have your pet spayed or neutered at a discounted price at one of the participating veterinary hospitals.
Spay or Neuter your adopted dog or cat for $20.00 if you:
- Are a New Jersey Resident
- Adopted your pet from an eligible licensed NJ shelter; municipal, county, or regional pound; NJ holding or impoundment facility that contracts with NJ municipalities; or a non-profit NJ animal adoption referral agency.
- License the dog in your municipality (licensing for cats is not required).
For more information: State of NJ Spay/Neuter
