MLRR does not adopt to families that want an "outside only" dog. All dogs adopted from MLRR will live and sleep inside the home. The dog will not be left outside unsupervised.

The adopter must agree to never let the dog off-leash in an unfenced area. NO EXCEPTIONS.

An electric/"invisible" fence system is not acceptable for outside containment of a rescued MLRR Labrador Retriever.

A 'tie-out' (a long rope or chain attached to a stake or other fixed object) is not an acceptable method of containing a dog to the adopter's property.

We will only adopt a puppy under 9 months old to a home with a completely fenced yard.

MLRR will not adopt a dog to a household with a child age 3 or younger (in other words, the child must be at least 4 years old), or to anyone who is expecting a child at this time. However, we will waive this policy for applicants who currently own at least one dog.

We will not place a rescued Lab with someone who currently owns a dog that is not spayed or neutered.

The dog may not be adopted as a 'surprise' or a gift for someone else. MLRR will work directly with the adoption applicant only (not family members, neighbors, etc.)

The adopter must agree to enroll the dog in an obedience class, or with a private trainer, within 30 days of adoption. It is the adopter's responsibility to research and locate a trainer. The trainer's name and phone number must be provided on the adoption application, or the application will not be considered.

The adopter must be willing to obtain a crate and crate train the dog, if necessary. This is especially important when a young dog is adopted. Crates are also helpful when potty training a dog and as tools to keep dogs safe when the owner is not present to supervise the dog.

The Adopter must agree to properly maintain the health of the dog by placing him/her on an annual vaccination schedule under the direction of a veterinarian. The adopter must agree to have the dog tested annually for heartworm, and he/she will receive heartworm preventative by prescription from a veterinarian. Illinois has one of the highest incidence rates for heartworm in the country. As such, MLRR strongly recommends that adopters consult with their veterinarian and place the dog on year-round heartworm preventative.

When an unmarried couple or roommates want to adopt a dog, the dog may only be adopted in one person's name, and only that person may sign the contract. This helps to ensure that in the event that they split up, the dog will stay with the adopter.

All family members, including any other household pets, must be present during the home visit and when meeting a prospective "adoptee" Labrador to be sure of a good match.

Adoption applicants residing in a townhouse, condominium, apartment or rental property must provide written documentation stating that they have permission from the landlord/homeowner's association to add a dog (the size of a Labrador) to their household. This letter/documentation should be given to the MLRR volunteer at the time of the home visit.

For approved adopters residing in an apartment building or condominium, dogs aged nine months and older will be possible considerations for adoption (no puppies).

MLRR reserves the right to contact any references or veterinarians named by the adopter on the application form. Family members cannot be listed as references.

Incomplete adoption applications will not be processed.

The MLRR Board of Directors reserves the right to change these policies at any time.