Frequently Asked Questions
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- Paper Towels, 55 gallon Contractor Trash Bags
- Used or new fleece and wool blankets, towels, sheets and small comforters
- Canned dog food
- Harris Teeter Gift cards (because dogs like their medications best when they’re hidden in hot dogs or cheese!)
- Additional items are listed online and updated regularly. They are delivered directly to us.
- Saving Grace Supply Company – Covering unique and critical needs such as goat milk for puppies, heartworm medication, medical procedures and more
- Amazon Wish List – This list covers important basics, including pet food, medicated shampoo, collars, harnesses, cleaning products and more
- Walmart Spark Good Registry – This includes an extensive list of much needed supplies available to order. You also can choose Saving Grace as your charity of choice so your purchases will be rounded up to the nearest dollar, and the remainder benefits Saving Grace.
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- Mattresses, pillows, cushions, foam, rugs, carpets shower curtains
- Any clothing
- Homemade dog toys
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Yes. All dogs have all required vaccines and boosters and are started on preventative treatment for fleas/ticks and heartworm upon coming on site and into our program.
Some of our dogs on site are being treated for upper respiratory infection with antibiotics, which is common in a shelter environment. We recommend all homes fostering/hosting a shelter pet have all resident pets up to date on vaccinations (particularly Bordetella) and contact your vet for specific questions. We want to ensure the well-being and health of all animals including residents in the foster homes.
Although we do start all dogs on preventatives once they come to us, they have not had any regular medical care until arriving at Saving Grace. It can take a couple of rounds for the preventative meds to help with any current health situations in some cases.
Dogs are treated further with other medications as needed once we become aware of issues.
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Yes. Donation receipts for tax purposes are available on the inside of the shed’s door.
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Saving Grace offers the option for owners to bring their current family dog(s) to their appointment to view the interaction between potential new additions. Saving Grace does not have an off-leash meeting area, so all interactions are done safely on leash. If your current dog has a preference in their type of friend this is always helpful to our team. There will always be a transition period for both the current dog and new addition once an adoption has taken place. For tips on helping dogs become acclimated to others click here.
Saving Grace also has a permanent resident cat that assists us in helping determine if a dog may be a potential match with an adopter’s current cat. This is a large indoor house cat that is very dog savvy, used to meeting a large number of dogs, and has learned to not run making itself a target of chase. This helps our team to rule out dogs with a high prey drive or those that are overly cat aggressive. We ask adopters to remain aware that every cat is different, a dog’s behavior and activity level can change when better established and comfortable, and that it is always ultimately an owners responsibility to monitor all interactions not only initially but throughout their animals coexistence.
SG does not guarantee compatibility with small animals of any kind or fowl as dogs have a natural and instinctual pretty drive. It is always important to keep dogs separate at all times if small animals or birds are present.
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Yes, the animals need care every day! We work and need volunteer help every day of the year, even major holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, etc) and even in inclement weather (rain, snow/ice or heat).
Adoptions and other areas like the clinic may be closed, volunteers are needed 365 days a year.
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The Saving Grace program strives to assist any animal with a wonderful temperament find a forever home despite possible medical barriers. Of course, we cannot help in every instance which is heartbreaking but if a dog can be saved, we work to find a way. We help to see dogs through specialized orthopedic surgeries and if repair is not possible – amputations, eye surgeries and if repair is not possible – enucleation (eye removal), mass removals, hernia repairs, and other specialized surgeries based on a dogs’ particular need or injury. We are thankful to our community of donors and fundraisers that make these surgeries and repairs possible so that deserving dogs receive the care needed to make adoption possible. You can help by making a donation!
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The person who will be caring for the pet should be the one to sign the contract and adopt. This is in the best interest of both the pet and the adopter. If you really want to make the adoption a “gift,” we recommend attending the appointment with the person you would like to assist with payment and let us work with you in person.
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Adopters may adopt more than 1 dog at their visit, although in most cases it is not recommended. Saving Grace at times will have bonded animals that would be happiest to go to the same home. A heavy transition period is always to be expected when a dog enters their new home and environment. This will be a learning period between the new dog and their family as you get to know and understand one another. Every dog’s transition period is different, and it is for this reason Saving Grace recommends adopting one dog at a time to aid with this transition. You can ALWAYS come back for another once your newest friend is settled – they may even help you get that 2nd pet better settled too!
Saving Grace does not permit the adoption of siblings.
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We recommend that first meetings are on neutral territory like a neighbor’s yard or down the street away from your home on a walk. Have both dogs on straight (not retractable) leashes, keeping the leashes somewhat loose since tension on the leash might communicate to the dogs you are fearful or anxious about their meeting which can make the dog anxious.
Take the dogs for a walk together, keeping 10 feet between them so that they can’t greet each other or stare. Then, cross paths (still maintaining distance) and allow the dogs to smell where the other has walked. The idea is to acclimate them to each other’s presence without causing tension.
We do not recommend having them greet each other on leash nose to nose. This type of meeting can be very stressful for many dogs and can cause fear or reactions to being scared and defensive.
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For reasons of privacy we can’t give out contact information. We encourage our adopters, however, to submit “Happy Tails” stories and pictures.
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Yes – but only if the dog has not recently (within the last 10 days) had surgery. The incision must remain dry to heal properly. In some cases, sponge baths are ok as well if the site stays dry.
For grooming by a professional, you will need to contact us to get a copy of their current rabies certificate.
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Yes, you will still need to go through orientation and mentoring, as they will teach you where supplies are kept and dog safety.
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Yes, but we do ask that you are within 1 hour driving time to our location in case any emergencies arise with you or the dog.
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Sometimes, we will extend weekend hosts for special week long events. These will be communicated timely and by the Host team and they typically occur around the holidays.
The drop off time for weekend fostering is generally starts Sunday around 6:45pm or Monday around 1:00PM. Specific times will be emailed to you once you confirm based on your desired return date.
We must know when you pick up the dog on Friday what time you plan to drop the dog back off. Occasionally, we have different pick up or drop off times if it is a holiday weekend or special host event. We will state this in the email we send if different time options are available.
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Your requests for size/age/energy level and compatibility with resident pets and family will be considered and your dog will be assigned to match those needs. We cannot guarantee a specific dog request, breed, gender or size as we have adoption appointments right up until pick up and never know who will still be available for host until that time.
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You can create a lasting legacy and make an impact for decades to come with planned gifts that support Saving Grace in its mission to rescue and find loving homes for animals in need. Planned gift options typically involve donations of cash, property or life insurance benefits. They can be structured in a will or estate plan, or through a trust agreement that also may provide you with tax advantages.
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Dogs owned by Saving Grace need to stay in the area in case something comes up and they need to be returned onsite.
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The Saving Grace program is a combination of foster homes and an adoption facility located at a private residence. In order to focus on adoptions, adoption appointments are scheduled by appointment during hours when adoption counselors are available.
To best care for the dogs, trained volunteers are scheduled ahead of time to ensure the dogs and other volunteers will receive the care and support they need. Multiple orientations are offered each month and we welcome anyone to sign up for these orientations to receive an overview of volunteer opportunities and have a tour.
Saving Grace hosts open houses throughout the year to welcome our community. At this time, there are volunteers available to answer questions about volunteering and provide more information as needed.
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Volunteers need to be 18 years or older to participate in shift and most on-site activities. If our younger generations want to participate in Saving Grace activities, we recommend they lead donation initiatives and supply drives for us or organize group volunteer events overseen by adult leaders.
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Whenever you are unable to supervise the dog, it should be crated.
Many of the dogs are not used to living in a home and will be anxious at first. They are crated while at Saving Grace and the crate is a consistent, comfortable place for them.
Crate training is recommended because it helps the dog learn behaviors that will make him/her more adoptable. Some adult dogs are already housebroken, but the crate helps reinforce good behavior and creates the dog’s own special space.
If you do not have a crate we are happy to loan you one for the weekend.
If there are other pets in the home, you MUST feed your host dog in their crate. Take up and dispose of any uneaten food before allowing dogs in the same area. This also goes for treats and bones. Even the most well-mannered/well socialized dogs will guard food from other dogs. Please remember to set your dog up for success and prevent any potential unsafe situations before they arise.
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Saving Grace is always looking for volunteers with any level of experience if they love dogs and are willing to work hard and be part of a team! You will have training and mentorship when you first come on board and the SG Community will support you as you learn how the program runs. Once you complete mentorship, lots of other volunteer opportunities become available including other tasks off site that are necessary to the program (such as events, administrative tasks, etc.).
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Yes, everyone must attend the mentoring session, no matter what type of volunteering you will be doing,
The mentor session will go over where supplies are kept, dog safety/handling, and give you a better understanding of our mission and rescue organization.
You won’t be bored…it’s a fascinating peek into who we are, what we do, and why!
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Yes, proof of current tetanus is required by all volunteers, as we have crates, fencing, etc that can be a hazard if cut on.
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Yes, we have limited dates for group/corporate team building days. This is a very popular program and our dates fill up quickly each year. All groups selected commit to a $1,000 donation toward the medical needs of our dogs. We require 6-10 people for 4 hours for each team building date. The tasks typically include deep cleaning, grounds maintenance, power washing and painting. Email savinggrace@savinggracenc.org if you are interested.
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While we appreciate those that would like to use Saving Grace as their place to complete required service hours, we are really looking for more long term committed volunteers since training and mentorship is required.
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Our Saving Grace team is a small group of volunteers dedicated to helping our current group of available animals find their forever homes. Our team does not have the manpower, beyond caring for this current group, to keep a running list of adopters’ specific requests. We do our best to keep our website as up to date as possible so interested adopters may view what types of dogs and other animals are currently available at any time. If you are looking for low shed or extremely popular mixes, please understand that there are many others searching for this as well, and our team does the best that we are able with high demand for these dogs and puppies. We recommend checking our website often if you’re looking for a specific type of dog.
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While we appreciate your desire to adopt, Saving Grace is not able to provide this service and cannot guarantee that our dogs would be successful as emotional support animals.
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We need foster homes from 2-10 weeks depending on the dog’s needs. Newborn puppies will need a foster home for about 10 weeks; whereas a dog recovering from a surgery may need 2-3 weeks. Each dog’s situation is unique, and their fostering needs will be as well.
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Our adoption fee is $395 for each dog unless designated differently within their bio. This adoption fee covers spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccines, preventatives, and beginning medical care. We accept cash or credit and expect payment at time of adoption.
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Ever thought about how much it costs to care for a dog?
Proper care is more than just feeding and providing shelter for an animal; it also includes medical care, housing, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, grounds upkeep, etc.
To address all these costs, we do charge an adoption fee of $395. Even though we are a 501-C3(b) organization (which makes your donation tax deductible), we do not receive state assistance or regular, substantial donations like other local animal shelters. Saving Grace depends 100% on private donations to keep our doors opened.
The adoption fee only covers a fraction of the cost to care for the dogs in the manner they deserve, so we need your donations to help us continue our work.
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Every animal brought into the Saving Grace Program requires some level of medical care. Whether its general intake fees or a procedure requiring long term care, we try to provide to as many as possible. The reality of the countless who are left behind holds true. Our wonderful shelter partners are limited to what medical care, if any, they can provide. Unfortunately, the expense of medical care may dictate the animals future. Help us save more!
These are some of the average medical costs we routinely face. Consider what a difference any amount makes to some who may otherwise never get a chance and give!
New Dog Intake ($145.00)
Every Dog that comes to Saving Grace is met by our Intake Team. They provide a warm welcome, a Heartworm test, treatment for parasites, and vaccines to prevent further illness.
Heartworm Treatment ($1,000.00)
Saving Grace is able to provide life saving care to dogs who test heartworm positive. This is an expensive medical treatment but dogs can recover successful with proper care.
Amputation Surgery ($800.00)
Sometimes dogs come to us with trauma or other conditions that make amputation the best option for a full, happy life. “Tripods” quickly learn to adapt to their new situation and make wonderful companions.
Eye Removal or Repair Surgery ($400.00)
Dogs sometimes arrive at Saving Grace with conditions impacting their eyes. These can be very painful conditions that need to be treated through surgery.
Spay/Neuter ($125.00 – $200.00)
North Carolina is one of the top three states in the nation for euthanasia from over population. Saving Grace works directly with the counties with the highest intake and greatest needs for spay/neuter and adoption. Consider the difference you can make in helping reduce our overpopulation.
Dental Cleaning ($225.00)
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Absolutely! As long as your pets are up to date on their vaccines and preventatives you can foster for us.
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- Look for the bright blue Donation Station shed located just outside the parking lot entryway at 13400 Old Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
- The Donation Station is available at all times for your convenience. We ask you do not drop supplies anywhere else on the property.
13400 Old Creedmoor Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587
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Yes! Saving Grace is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
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Thank you for considering adoption through Saving Grace where we always have great dogs waiting for homes!
We are happy to help out-of-state adopters and want to provide appropriate expectations for long distance adoption. We do not ship or offer transport for adopted dogs. Each adopter must visit with an animal in person and commit to following through with adoption.
To give the most dogs an opportunity for a forever family, dogs are not placed on hold. This means a dog you are considering may be adopted before your visit. It is best to visit with an open mind and choose a dog in person that best fits what you are looking for rather than be set on adopting a specific dog on the website.
If a dog has not completed their veterinary care, an additional trip may be necessary at a later date to complete the adoption and pick up the dog. This process will vary with each animal and their medical needs.
It is best to check with your veterinarian in your state of residence regarding health certificates/licensing required when bringing a new animal into your state.
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After completing the required mentoring, there are many areas of opportunity to help the rescue run. You can sign up for transportation, laundry, spa\neuter clinic help, adoptions, host weekend, photos, bio writing, grant writing, events, and various administration duties.
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Saving Grace makes all efforts to make sure that a good match is made between adopters and dogs before adoption. Most of the dogs at Saving Grace have been in transit from being stray, to a shelter, to Saving Grace and are eager for a permanent home that will provide them with consistency. When they are returned, they have to once again acclimate to Saving Grace and then another home. Due to this, we do not offer a trial period.
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Saving Grace offers adopters two options if they meet and select a dog infected with heartworms. Saving Grace strives to offer these dogs the same opportunities for adoption..
Saving Grace uses a basic treatment plan that includes an antibiotic and 3-injection protocol. This protocol has proven in most cases safe and effective for those in need of treatment. Click here for more information on the options Saving Grace offers. As with any major treatment it does come with associated risks and aftercare protocols. More information about caring for a heartworm-positive dog.
Saving Grace understands that this is a more involved adoption process and that there are always risks involved with major treatments of any kind and as a result this type of adoption may not be for everyone. We rely on sponsors tto make this special program possible for the many heartworm-positive dogs we see through our program — you can make a donation to help us treat more heartworm positive dogs..
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Let’s be honest – there’s gonna be poop.
Daily care includes tasks such as cleaning crates, feeding, scooping poop, and doing dishes.
We recommend our volunteers wear work boots, bring a change of clothes to go home in, and understand that it can be noisy, messy, and smelly.
If this doesn’t suit you, there are plenty of other opportunities to volunteer (that don’t involve so much physical effort) once you complete your orientation.
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The time you spend teaching your dog to sit, greet others politely and walk on a leash is invaluable to the dog’s adoptability. Some dogs may need help and patience with other things such as consistent potty training or nervousness. Positive, human interactions, praise and love will increase the confidence of your shelter dog.
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- A crate and leash are available if needed. If you have a straight leash at home, please bring it along.Dogs will be fitted for harnesses at pick up. Harnesses must be kept on for all outdoor walks and be connected to a straight leash.
- Food: Because we depend 100% on donations for all food we have at Saving Grace, our supply is almost always limited.If you are able to supply food for your dog during their stay, we would greatly appreciate it.If you are in a position where you cannot supply food, please let us know and we will absolutely send you with some!
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he dogs in the foster program are puppies under six months, everything from single pups, pairs all the way up to large litters. We have moms with nursing pups who need time to nurse and raise their puppies. And we also have older dogs in need of extra TLC before or after surgery or just needing a little recovery time before continuing on their journey to their forever home.
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If you need copies of your records after Adoption has already taken place, we charge a $25 Administrative Fee that must be paid by credit card prior to the records being pulled from archives and copies sent.
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As much as we would like to give discounts, especially to our wonderful weekend hosts, we can’t do this and cover costs for spaying/neutering, heartworm treatments, monthly preventions and medications, housing and food for all the dogs in the program.
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If you are sure you want to adopt your host dog, you will need to submit an adoption request . Once the application is submitted, please let our host team know so they can coordinate with the adoption team and get back to you on next steps.
This process allows for your application to be seen and attended to more promptly.
Adoption is not guaranteed but we will do our very best to make the adoption possible.
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Please be in touch with the host team as soon as you feel something isn’t right with your dog. They will advise you on next best steps for getting your host dog back to us for treatment. Please do not go to your own vet unless you are willing to cover costs yourself.
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Our Foster program is for very young puppies, sometimes with their moms; and older dogs that need extra TLC after surgery or illness. Foster periods vary but range from 2 to 10 weeks while we work to get these fosters ready for adoption.
Our Hosting program (also known as “Sleepovers”) is for healthy dogs who are already available for adoption and the Host period is one weekend, or a week during our special holiday host events.
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- Spark Good offers two ways to support Saving Grace:
- Donate change by rounding up your purchase at checkout on Walmart.com, and
- Donate products from the Saving Grace Spark Good Registry & have the items shipped straight to us.
To select Saving Grace as your Round Up charity
- Visit the Saving Grace page on Walmart.com
- Look for “Round Up” and click “Sign in to select this charity”
- Log in, or create an account, so you can Round Up for Saving Grace!
About the Registry
A Spark Good Registry is like a wedding registry or a baby registry. Browse through the list of much needed items and see if there is something you can help with. Anything is appreciated. All purchased items can be shipped directly to us which saves you time and money!
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Returns are appointment only and must be set up ahead of time.
Please begin communicating with the adoptions team at Adoptions@savinggracenc.org as soon as you are considering a return to begin the conversation.
We do try to assist our adopters first, as surrenders are not ideal for our dogs but ultimately, we do take our dogs back.
In order to begin the return process, please have your microchip information, adoption dates, and Saving Grace name available to give.
You will need to complete a relinquish form (which we provide) and we must have the original med sheet and updated vet records to move forward.
If you return within 7 days, we issue the $295 refundable portion back to you, and it can take up to 48 hrs. for processing.
Please note: if you plan to return a dog that is showing signs of aggression to other animals or people, he/she will undergo a behavioral observation period in order to determine if he/she can reacclimate successfully back into our program. Please note: Once you relinquish your dog, you give up your rights to any further contact or updates regarding your previous pet.
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We are happy to provide a crate, leash and will harness the dog before he or she leaves with you. We depend 100% on donations for all food we have at Saving Grace, and with many dogs on site and in long term foster, our supply is almost always limited. If you can supply food for your dog during their stay, we would greatly appreciate it. If you are in a position where you cannot supply food, please let us know and we will absolutely send you with some!
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- Dogs who have been at SG for a while and would most benefit from one on one time in a home
- Dogs who would most benefit from a low key, calm environment
- Dogs who need additional exercise or socialization
- Dogs who need publicity and a chance to get out and about and meet potential adopters or need photos/videos/write ups to boost interest in them from potential adopters
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Saving Grace works with a variety of different Veterinary practices based on the care needed for each particular animal in our program. Saving Grace works to plan in advance the care that will be needed at any particular time. Each of the practices we work with specialize in a certain type of care and assistance with various needs. In most cases Saving Grace has an adequate number of standard appointments, which will cover the majority of dogs and puppies to prepare them for adoption (pediatric and standard spay/neuter). This is affected at times by holidays, each practices regular public appointments, and the number of dogs awaiting surgeries at a given time. Saving Grace strives to offer many dogs with more specialized needs an opportunity at adoption as well. Those dogs needing specialized surgeries require more coordinating and intensive care.
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Saving Grace is in partnership with Boehringer-Ingelheim (BI) and participates in their free preventatives program. Upon adoption, BI receives your contact information and will reach out about future services. You will have the opportunity to opt out of communications at that time.
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As a non-profit, SG does not receive government funding and relies soley on donations and adoption fees to operate.The average expenses for an animal at Saving Grace are approximately $600 – 1000. We make sure we adopt out dogs that have received all medical care and vetting necessary for a successful start. Each animal is given a routine physical, spayed/neutered, microchipped, dewormed and given needed vaccines, and intake medication. They are tested for heartworms and treated if necessary and we monitor other possible issues and treat as necessary.
You’ll find that if you call any veterinarian’s office, typical vet fees for similar services would far surpass the adoption fees. Once you learn more about Saving Grace Animals for Adoption – you’ll not only understand why … you may even choose to get involved!
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Saving Grace is fully manned by volunteers and the animals daily care depends on the consistency and regularity of our volunteer community. Saving Grace is committed to their training and mentorship to ensure that the animals are well taken care of each day. So we look for volunteers interested in a long-term commitment for consistency and efficiency.
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Spaying and neutering helps stem the tide of overpopulation. We spay and neuter all of our animals prior to adoption for a healthier animal and Saving Grace is committed to reducing the population of unwanted animals.
The shelters in North Carolina are overburdened with unwanted animals and many strays are the result of accidental breeding by free-roaming, unaltered pets. The more pets spayed or neutered, the fewer dogs and cats will end up in shelters.
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While there is plenty of opportunity to love on and provide affection to our animals, tasks and chores need to be completed during the shift hours. Dogs are split into play groups and while out for their exercise time, often need supervision. There are balls and toys available and occasionally dogs are on exercise restriction and need a leash walk. There are also other opportunities, such as the transportation or intake teams where you can have opportunities to engage with our residents.
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In accordance with the host agreement you have signed, we can’t be responsible for any damage done by the dog to any personal property. We do try to guide you in best practices to ensure you have a successful host weekend.