Mary's Dogs - Rescue & Adoption

Through cooperation with our close-knit rescue partners in the south, Mary's Dogs Rescue & Adoption staff, volunteers, Board members, and adoptive families in New England effect a three-fold mission:

1.    We actively support the efforts of our rescue partners who work to reduce the number of homeless dogs by rescuing dogs off the streets and from shelters, and who raise awareness of canine health issues, and spay and neuter programs.

2.    We find forever homes for dogs when they arrive at our New Hampshire facility and receive all necessary health certificates.

3.    We ensure excellent supportive and medical care of rescued dogs throughout the adoption process and follow up with families after dogs are placed in their homes. Through every step of the rescue and adoption, connections are made between people, cultures, and dogs. Our community is extremely grateful for the supportive network that embraces us.

Thank you to our partners in the south, our team, and all our adoptive families for being​ the Hero in a dog’s life.

Why adopt a Mary's Dog? ​ All dogs deserve a chance to find a loving and caring home. Many are abandoned or neglected or never given the chance of a good life. As soon as our dogs are in the care of our southern partners, they are treated as family members while awaiting transport to New Hampshire. Our professional team begins caring for the dogs as soon as they arrive at our state-licensed facility to ensure the dogs successfully transition into forever homes. We provide specialty collars and leashes, yummy treats, toys and even homemade chicken stew.​ ​The dogs are examined by our veterinarian and then microchipped.

Once they are granted a NH Health Certificate and observed by our dog savvy rescue team, they are ready to be loved by you! We know our dogs. It’s important you find the right dog for you and your family. We want all our adoptions to be successful and are available to answer your questions before and after you’ve brought your dog home. Please keep in touch! Join our growing community of dog parents and best friends. Come to one of our events, ​learn about dogs, buy a dog a gift ,​ ​— ​share photos!​

We love every dog we rescue. Good dogs make best friends. Will you be the Hero in a Mary’s Dog’s life?

What is my dog's history?

In most cases, we do not know their history. Many dogs are picked up as strays. Others are surrendered by an owner with minimal explanation. In the southern rescue organization, our dogs are evaluated by staff and examined by a veterinarian; in New Hampshire, by our quarantine team and veterinarian.

Will I receive medical documentation for my dog?

All of Mary’s Dogs have all of the required vaccines according to their age, are spayed or neutered, have been given flea preventatives, heartworm medication, have been wormed, have had a negative heartworm test (when age appropriate) and have been micro-chipped. All of our dogs go to the vet within 7 days prior to transport and are thoroughly checked before they are individually given a Health Certificate in order to travel on transport.

By State Law, once they arrive in New Hampshire, they are in quarantine for at least 48 hours. Before being released to you, our vet performs a medical exam on your dog and issues a NH Health Certificate. So, unless there is a medical emergency, your pup does not need to see your veterinarian immediately, but should soon after going home to continue heartworm prevention on schedule and to update any vaccines (puppies who are adopted at less than 16 weeks).

You will receive the Health Certificate. Your pup’s microchip information will be part of that document. You will have to call the company (ex. AKC Reunite ® ) listed on your medical form and transfer the microchip information to your name. You will also receive a signed copy of your contract and a printed copy of your questionnaire.

When can I pick-up my new dog?

At the time that you are approved and have chosen a certain dog, you will be given their arrival date.

Your dog will arrive at the quarantine facility where they stay for at least 48 hours (typical schedule is Friday to Tuesday). Our vet will examine your dog. Once your dog has arrived, we will send an email to let you know how they are doing and to update you on pickup. Though we hope that all dogs will go home after a typical quarantine period, our main concern is sending home HEALTHY dogs so if your dog is positive for a parasite or has a cough, they may have to stay in quarantine until they have been treated and are granted a NH Health Certificate.

Can I change my dog's name?

Your dog can learn a new name. But we need help! Please remember their rescue name and include that when contacting us in the future.

Is Crate Training a good idea?

Most of our dogs are introduced to crates in their southern foster homes, however, crate training is a work in progress for some. They ride in crates during transport and spend time in crates during quarantine. Regardless of their age, we do recommend purchasing a crate. Most of our puppies have been with their litter mates until they are placed on the transport vehicle and sent to us, so they may need to adjust to sleeping alone in a crate.

What should I feed my dog?

The rescues and shelters in the south rely on donations of food. These dogs eat several kinds of foods (dry kibble) in the south and have been doing so for several weeks. Our experience is that a slow introduction to a grain-free diet is best. While grain-free is typically recommended, the healthier foods are much higher in protein so tummies need time to adjust to the new diet.