Frequently Asked Questions
Expand the sections below for answers to some of our most frequently asked questions
+ Adoption
How long does the adoption process take?
Upon receiving your application, our team checks your references and with your landlord, if applicable. This is completed within 3-5 days. Once the reference checks have been completed, you will be assigned to an Adoption Coordinator who will be in touch within 72 hours to schedule a phone interview with you. The final step in the approval process is the home check.
You should expect the approval process to take about 3 weeks. This is when the fun part begins… Looking for your perfect match! This can take anywhere from a month to a few months.
What is included in the adoption fee?
Every dog that comes through the door of Lu’s Labs is spayed/neutered, microchipped, fully vetted, and any known pre-existing medical conditions are treated. In addition, you instantly become part of the Lu’s Labs family which means lifetime support through our alumni page, our medical and trainer team, and sometimes Lu herself!
Why does Lu's Labs require me to select a trainer prior to meeting any dogs?
Lu’s Labs takes training very seriously and by having you choose your trainer prior, it not only highlights how important it is to us but it hopefully helps to cement that mindset for you as well. Training helps to set your pup up for success and helps build a bond that we hope will last a lifetime! Not only is it fun but it helps to pave the way for a long and rewarding relationship between you and your dog.
Why does Lu's Labs only adopt out within a 5-hour radius of Alexandria, VA?
Once a Lu’s Labs dog, always a Lu’s Labs dog… and that means we need to feel comfortable about the distance separating us from our pups. Even though we have a rigorous adoption approval process, not every adopter ends up being who we were led to believe. With that being said, we need to feel confident that we can get to one of our dogs in an emergency. We are their forever safety net and we take that very seriously.
Why does Lu's Labs primarily intake from southern states?
Shelters in the south are overrun, with kill rates ranging from 50 to 95 percent. Whereas the Northeast often has shortages of adoptable dogs. Dog overpopulation in the south has many explanations: less municipal money for animal control, high poverty areas that make it hard to afford spaying and neutering, weak spay/neuter laws, weak or unenforced leash laws, and a culture of keeping dogs outside and allowing dogs (usually unsterilized) to roam outdoors.
What should I consider before adopting?
> Commitment> : Owning a dog is not all fun and games. They can be expensive, energetic, messy, strong-willed and noisy. You need to really consider if you are ready for a long-term commitment. You might be crazy about dogs, but playing with them and looking after one is a whole different ball game. Adopting a dog means that you are committing to be a dog parent. You wouldn’t just give up your baby when it becomes a nuisance, would you? Dogs demand a lot of time and energy from you.
> Time> : You will have to invest lots of time in your dog, for instance setting out time in your schedule for regular walks. Dogs need lots of attention and when they don’t get it, then they become very challenging to manage. Do you have the time to walk your dog two-three times a day? Do you have time to train them? Do you have time to give them the attention they crave? If the answer is no, and you have no one who can perform those essential tasks, you should stop right here and consider a fish or a parakeet as a low-demand animal companion.
> Money> : Owning a dog is also a considerable financial commitment. Know your financial condition. Owning a pet can cost you a lot. Food, grooming, toys, veterinary care and treatment are the expenses you can’t avoid if you own a dog or cat. The average care for one dog, which includes food, supplies, and basic veterinary care, averages $800 – $1,000 a year. Emergency care can range from $500 to $5,000+. Owning a fish is less costly compared to a dog.
> Patience> : Your dog is experiencing a whole new world, in the same way as a human baby. It has a lot of new things to learn and experience. Even with the best training, you will be cleaning up a few bathroom mishaps in the beginning and you might lose a pair of your favorite shoes that you accidentally left on the floor. You have to exercise lots of patience in the beginning. Be patient with the learning curve your new dog will go through. With proper love and care your dog will grow into a great companion. In the end, all the hard work will be worth it.
> Lifestyle> : If you have long working hours, a busy social life and you travel a lot, think twice before you get a dog. Dogs require attention. They need you to play and interact with them constantly. Solitude can lead to serious behavioural problems. Make sure your lifestyle can accommodate a dog.
Why is the Lu's Labs adoption process so rigorous?
Our dogs have already had people let them down; Lu’s Labs is committed to making sure that never happens again. We are their gatekeepers and our mission is to ensure they land in a forever home that will never let them down. In order to make sure that happens, we take not only the approval process but also the matching process very seriously. Our pups trust us to do right by them so every decision we make is with their best interest in mind.
What if my adoption doesnt work out?
Should circumstances change and you are unable to continue to care for your Lu’s Labs rescue, you must > contact Lu’s Labs> and return your pup to Lu’s Labs. We under no circumstances want a Lu’s Labs pup to ever see the inside of a shelter again.
If you are having trouble acclimating your new rescue to your home, or have encountered a training or medical issue, we are here to help. Owner give back procedures should always be your last resort.
Why does Lu's Labs sometimes do follow-up home checks after adoption?
A follow up home check may occur if we have reason to be concerned about the dog’s welfare (e.g. someone reached out to us to report a concern), if the adopters are first time dog owners and we want to check in to verify all is going well and to see if additional support is needed, or if the dog is experiencing transition or behavior issues and we need eyes on the dog.
Are all dogs tested with other dogs, cats, and children?
Dogs, yes. Cats and children depend on whether the dog was an owner surrender and came with that information or if the foster(s) have cats or children.
What is a bonded pair?
In the world of canine adoption, the term "bonded pair" indicates a duo of doggies that for whatever reason are strongly attached and need to be adopted into the same home together. Separating a bonded pair may lead to anxiety issues in one dog or both.
How long are dogs in foster homes prior to being adopted out?
4+ weeks. Generally, our pups are in foster homes in the south for about 3 weeks before transporting north. They then spend a week in a northern foster home before an adoption takes place. This time frame can be longer if we feel the dog needs more time in the foster home.
Does Lu's Labs breed or buy dogs?
NEVER.
Do you adopt out to homes without a fence?
Fences are great… but they often make for lazy dog owners… Lu herself admits to being guilty of that at times! So do not fret if you do not have a fence. Generally, we only require a fence if:
The dog is too overwhelmed/fearful of outside stimuli and needs time to adjust in a safer/quieter environment before tackling the neighborhood streets.
The dog is not a good candidate for dog parks or doggie daycare but needs off leash exercise.
The dog needs work with leash reactivity before being safely walked in the outside world on long walks but still needs additional exercise for activity level.
Why do some dogs have different adoption requirements (e.g. must go to a home with other dogs, must have a fenced yard, etc.)?
Meeting a dog's needs is the number one priority for Lu’s Labs. That is one of the reasons we require 2 foster homes so we better understand those needs. If a dog has a specific requirement it is based on their fosters evaluations (along with discussions with Lu and our VP of Fosters, Samantha) and/or a trainer or behaviorists recommendation.
Do you permit adoptions to apartments and townhomes?
Absolutely! Lu, herself, raised her first lab in a 700 square foot condo. The only time we require a single family home is if the dog is a barker or if we see evidence from the 4+ weeks of the dog being in a foster home that the dog needs a quiet single family home. We are aware that many rescues do not allow adoptions to apartments, as they feel rescue dogs from rural environments are not suitable to apartment living and/or urban environments. We have over a 1000 Happy Tails to show the opposite is usually the case. These pups, with patience and understanding, usually acclimate quickly. And many of our foster homes are apartment dwellers or in busy urban areas.
+ Medical
What vetting does Lu's Labs provide?
All of-age Lu’s Labs are spayed or neutered, they receive a full work up by a veterinarian including all vaccinations, and any preexisting medical conditions are treated. Lu’s Labs also tests for any flea and tick borne diseases, worms, etc.and treats accordingly.
Will my lab be microchipped?
Lu’s Labs microchips all our dogs prior to adoption. The adopter will be given the microchip information at time of adoption and will be required to add their information to the chip. > Please note that Lu’s Labs the microchips will remain in Lu’s Labs name with the adopter as the current owner.> This is to ensure that no Lu’s Lab ever ends up in the inside of a shelter again.
Why does Lu's Labs require spay / neuter?
All dogs that are adopted from Lu’s Labs are already spayed/neutered unless they are under 5 months of age (females)/8 months of age (males). We require adopters to spay female puppies at 6 months and male puppies at 9 months. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs. Neutering your male dog prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems. In addition, not neutering or spaying a pet is unethical because it makes the overpopulation problem worse. There are already plenty of dogs that need homes without creating more.
What is heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body.
Does Lu's Labs adopt out heartworm positive dogs?
Due to the limited number of foster homes, Lu’s Labs does adopt out heartworm positive dogs. Lu’s Labs covers the cost of heartworm treatment with a Lu’s Labs partner vet. All adopters of heartworm positive dogs will work with our medical team who will be with them throughout the heartworm process.
Why is heartworm prevention so important?
Heartworms can > kill your dog> , if not treated. Treatment is costly and painful, whereas the preventive is a tasty treat for your dog and only costs around $10 a month. If your dog is not on a monthly heartworm preventative, the risks of contracting this potentially fatal disease are significantly increased. It takes only one heartworm-carrying mosquito to infect your pup.
Why is flea / tick prevention so important?
Flea and tick infestations can impact the health of your dog. Fleas and ticks can transmit a number of different diseases to your dog, including Lyme Disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. In addition, a flea infestation can cause skin infection and anemia.
Prevention is the key to keeping your dog healthy and happy (and you too!). There are a variety of different options for preventing fleas and ticks. These can include oral medications, topical treatments, and collars. The best way to determine which flea and tick prevention option is right for your pet is to consult your veterinarian.
When and why should I consider pet insurance?
We encourage applicants to research pet insurance companies prior to adoption. If not before adoption, it should be considered as soon as possible after adoption. Pet insurance has come a long way, and most are very affordable. One surgery could cost thousands of dollars. Pet insurance is typically under $50 a month. Here is a great article to help you decide if pet insurance is right for you: > pet insurance
Why are some available labs listed with an age range, instead of a specific age?
Unless we know the exact age of a dog (typically an owner surrender) Lu’s Labs relies on the treating veterinarian(s) to give an estimate on age. Since vets typically vary on their estimates, we go with an age range to best determine the average age.
+ Training
What is force-free, positive-reinforcement training, and why does Lu's require it?
The best method of dog training is called force-free dog training. Many professional trainers practice only force-free training and discourage the use of force and punishment-based correction methods. Force-free dog training uses humane techniques to instill positive behaviors and routines. This rules out any methods that use tactics to scare, startle, intimidate or inflict pain on a dog. Tools like bark collars, chain or prong collars, slip leads, e-collars and citronella sprays are all designed to punish, not reward.
The force-free training method has been backed by the support of dog psychologists and certified animal behaviorists that understand how your dog processes different types of reinforcement.
Lu's requires all approved training partners to be force-free in the best interest of your dog's physical and mental welfare as well as your relationship with your dog.
Do Lu's Labs Foster Families train the rescues prior to adoption?
Our foster families work hard on preparing our dogs for their forever family. Most of our dogs are housebroken and crate trained when adopted. Our foster families also work on leash walking skills and basic obedience and manners.
Should I crate train my lab?
YES! Many people refuse to crate their dogs because they feel that it is cruel. However, a crate can give dogs a sense of security. If a dog is taught through positive reinforcement to love the crate, the crate becomes their safe place, where the dog can go and not be bothered. Remember that dogs have a natural instinct to be in a den and many dogs take to a crate very easily. In addition, crate training helps with housebreaking, preventing destructive behavior, and teaching a dog to settle and relax.
Lu's recommends > crate training guidance> published by the Humane Society of the United States
What is teathering, and how do I do it?
Tethering is where an animal is fastened by a chain to a central anchor point, causing it to be confined to a specific area. It is sometimes used as a method of confining dogs in conditions which may otherwise endanger them in some way or permit them to stray, like in a car.
View Lu's Labs' > Tethering Video Demonstration
Why does Lu's Labs require that adopters not use retractable leashes / leads?
There are many reasons to avoid or reconsider use of a retractable leash, starting with the fact that on this type of leash, your dog can get far enough away from you to either get into trouble or into harm’s way.
Retractable leashes are also responsible for many injuries to both dogs and dog walkers – from superficial burns and cuts to horrific amputations.
In most cases, these devices are also wholly counterproductive to training a dog to walk politely on lead. The very nature of retractables trains dogs to pull on the leash to extend the lead. Needless to say, this pulling behavior will be repeated whenever the dog is on a standard leash.
> Read more about the dangers of retractable leashes.
+ Fostering and Transport
What does it mean to be a foster-based rescue?
All of our dogs live in foster homes. We do not adopt out dogs from boarding or transport. Our foster parents provide temporary care, love, and support for our dogs while they await their forever homes. The best incentive to adopt a dog from a foster-based rescue is that the dog is allowed to get comfortable in a home environment before being adopted. The foster family really gets to know the dog’s personality, the good and bad. This allows for us to make the right match for the dog and for the adopter.
What is the difference between a northern foster and a southern foster?
We pull most of our dogs from the south, mainly from Texas, Mississippi, Louisanna, and Alabama. When a dog comes out of the shelter, they go to a vet and then to a southern foster in the state the shelter was in. The dogs are typically with their southern foster for 2-3 weeks before transporting to their foster in the north. Our northern fosters are located in DE, MD, PA, and VA.
Who can foster, and how do I apply?
In order to foster for Lu’s Labs, you must be 18 years old and go through our foster approval process. We will check references, interview you and do a home check. Once those things are completed, we will then train you so you are ready for your first foster! We need fosters in TX, LA, MS, AL, TN, NC, SC, OH, VA, MD, DE, PA, GA, KY.
+ General
My dog escaped / ran away, what do I do?
If your dog is lost, the first thing you need to do is note the last known location. Create a highly visible flyer with a picture of the dog, the last known location, your name and contact number. Post the flyer around the area. Post on all social media sites: Facebook, Next Door, etc.
> If this is a Lu’s Labs alumni, please call our Lab Line ASAP: (571) 206-1645 and email our VP of Adoptions: jenh.luslabs@gmail.com
Hopefully you have a scent bag (a ziplock bag with hair of your dog). This can be helpful if you have to hire a dog tracker. If you do not have a scent bag with hair, you should find something that belongs to the lost dog (collar, bedding, etc) that only has your dog’s scent on it and put it in a ziplock bag. Dog tracking dogs are amazing, but they are limited if you don’t have your dog’s scent isolated.
I saw a post online about a lab that needs help, how do I let Lu's Labs know?
The most efficient way to notify Lu's Labs about a dog in need is to complete our > Lab in Need> Form, which routes directly to our intake team.
What should I look for when I need to board my dog?
Many pet parents prefer pet sitters or trusted friends and family to watch their extended family member during holiday travel vs. boarding them. But in some instances, pet owners just don’t have a choice. The holidays can be a chaotic time of the year where people are over committed, and pet sitters may fill up quickly. If you find yourself in a position where boarding is your only option, or if boarding is your preferred option, it’s still good to make sure your pet is ready for this experience.
> Find a Reputable Boarding Option> – Word of mouth is one of your best bets on finding a great match for boarding for your dog. It’s always best to get first-hand accounts of how someone else’s dog did at a particular boarding facility. Not only friends and family, but your Veterinarian, groomer, or dog walker may have great recommendations as well. These are people you already trust with your dog, so it stands to reason they may be able to give you reliable recommendations for boarding.
> Check it Out!> - Once you have a boarding recommendation, check online for other pet owner experiences, and book an on-site visit. It’s good to talk with the facility. Find out what their daily routine is with your dog. Is it going to be a lot of play time during the day? What are their surroundings like? What kind of day can your dog expect? Boarding facilities can have anything from crates and kennel runs, to doggy day care like surroundings, some boarding facilities even have private rooms with beds and TVs! Make sure to find the one that will most put your dog at ease while you are away.
What should I look for when I need to hire a dog walker?
Obviously, it’s most important to find someone who will take great care of your dog. Anybody can call herself a dog walker, so it’s up to you to determine whether or not the person is truly qualified. Once you’ve located an individual dog walker or dog-walking business, interview the person who will actually walk your dog. Your dog should be present so you can view how the walker interacts with him and so you can assess how he feels about the walker.
> Read more about choosing a dog walker
What is doggie daycare, and how do I know if my dog is a good fit?
Doggie daycare works a lot like daycare for children. You drop your dog off and while you are gone, your dog will get play time with other pups.
Observe your pup’s personality. Does he/she enjoy the company of other dogs? Does he/she play well with other dogs? Does he/she enjoy the dog park? How active is your pup? Not all dogs are suitable for doggie daycare. It’s a lot of activity and they need to be able to enjoy it. Some dogs are more low key and like to just hang out with other dogs, but not necessarily play a lot.