How to List a Maltipoo for Adoption in the United States

How do you set adoption criteria for a Maltipoo?

Write down what the dog needs before you list it, so every applicant is judged the same way. With a Maltipoo, think about:

• Company. PetMD lists separation anxiety among Maltipoo problems and advises against the cross for people who are often away. Ask how many hours the dog would be alone.
• Grooming. PetMD advises daily brushing and a groomer every four to six weeks. Applicants should have a plan and a budget.
• Children. A dog of about 5 to 20 pounds is easily hurt; decide whether the dog suits a home with young children based on how it has behaved with them.
• Allergies. The American Kennel Club says no dog or mixed breed is 100% hypoallergenic, so require an allergic family member to meet the dog first.
• Other pets. Note how the dog does with other dogs and cats.

Avoid blanket rules that rule out good homes. An apartment without a yard can suit a Maltipoo well; a house with a yard and nobody home all day may not.

How much should a Maltipoo adoption fee be?

A rescue's fee usually reflects the vet work already done. The AKC estimates spay or neuter at $50 to $300 and a microchip at $25 to $50, before vaccines, dental work or treatment. Publish your fee in the listing, say what it covers, and take payment only after the adoption is approved, with a receipt. Some rescues lower fees for seniors or dogs with known medical needs; you can too.

What should you write when you list a Maltipoo for adoption?

• Basics: name, age, sex, weight in pounds, spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccines up to date.
• Background: surrender, stray or breeder retiree, and what you know of the generation or parents.
• Personality: with children, dogs, cats and strangers, and how it copes alone and with noise.
• Health: dental work, knee or hip trouble, seizures, eye or ear problems, and any medicine. PetMD lists all of these among Maltipoo health problems.
• Grooming: coat type and length, shedding, and how it behaves for brushing, baths and nail trims.
• The right home: for example someone home most of the day, older children only, or another calm dog.
• Process and fee: how to apply, what the fee covers, and that applicants meet the dog before approval.

You can post your Maltipoo adoption listing for free; applicants reply through PetzLover's messages, so keep your phone number out of the ad text. Look at other Maltipoos listed for adoption near you to see how rescues present their dogs and fees.

How do you screen people who want to adopt a Maltipoo?

1. Send every applicant the same application: household, home type and landlord, work schedule, other pets, past dogs and their vet.
2. Call the vet reference, and the landlord if they rent.
3. Talk by phone or video, and notice whether they ask about the dog's needs or only its looks and size.
4. Arrange a meet and greet with everyone in the household; some rescues require it at the foster home.
5. Do a home visit or video tour, checking for gaps in fences, stairs and where the dog will sleep.
6. Take a day to decide, and explain a decline politely.

What should a Maltipoo adoption contract say?

• Both parties' names and addresses, the date, the fee and the dog's description and microchip number.
• A health and behavior disclosure the adopter signs, listing what you told them.
• A return clause: the dog comes back to you, not to a shelter or a new owner, if it does not work out.
• Spay or neuter, or proof it is done, and no breeding or resale.
• Basic care promises, such as regular vet care, grooming and a harness or collar with ID.
• Permission for a follow-up call or visit.

What US rules apply when you place a Maltipoo for adoption?

Most states require dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, and many cities and counties require a dog license, so give the adopter the rabies certificate. Moving a dog to another state can require a certificate of veterinary inspection, depending on the destination state's rules, so check before an out-of-state placement.

Some states license or register animal rescues; check with your state department of agriculture if you place dogs regularly. Groups bringing dogs from abroad must follow the CDC rule that every dog entering the US is at least six months old and microchipped.

How do you follow up after a Maltipoo is adopted?

• Transfer the microchip registration on the day of adoption and confirm it went through.
• Call after a few days and again after a few weeks; many shelters describe a 3-3-3 settling period of three days, three weeks and three months.
• Offer help with time alone and grooming, since PetMD flags separation anxiety and advises frequent grooming for this cross.
• If the placement fails, take the dog back as your contract says.

Adopters will read how to adopt a Maltipoo before they apply. Owners placing their own pet may prefer rehoming a Maltipoo responsibly, and anyone thinking of placing a dog without a fee should read giving away a Maltipoo for free without risk.