NEARR

1. The Intakes Coordinator receives a request to consider the dog. This request can come in many forms:
   • A message left on the NEARR hotline, which is then forwarded to surrender@nearr.com.
   • A Dog Placement Form has been filled out and sent in.
   • An email has been sent from a shelter to surrender@nearr.com
2. The Intakes Coordinator contacts the individual or shelter. For owner surrenders, the Coordinator evaluates the situation to determine if the problem is short term (which can be addressed by education and resources) or long term. In both owner surrender and shelter situations, the Intakes Coordinator gets as many initial details on the dog as possible (such as any history of aggression, dog bites, behavior, and temperament) to determine if NEARR may be able to bring the dog into our program.
3. If the dog sounds OK in the initial review, the dog is scheduled to be evaluated by a volunteer from the evaluators group.
4. The evaluator schedules and performs an evaluation using NEARR's temperament evaluation form and presents the completed evaluation form to the Intakes Coordinator for review.
5. The Intakes Coordinator studies the evaluation form and determines if the dog fits the NEARR criteria and might be adoptable through NEARR.
6. If the Intakes Coordinator sees the dog as a candidate, she sends the evaluation report to the Foster Coordinator to determine if a foster home is available for this type of dog.
7. The Foster Coordinator works with the foster group to determine if a foster home might be available. The foster home may or may not be contacted at this point, as many dogs who are evaluated do not come to NEARR (as owners change their minds, shelters adopt the dog themselves, or owners find alternatives to surrender).
8. If a foster home is available, the Intakes Coordinator begins the final surrender process: she verifies the dog is up-to-date with shots, the owner understands the surrender contract and surrender donation, the dog is available for transport/pick-up, and so on.
9. The foster home is contacted, given the evaluation report and background, and determines whether they can take the dog. If not, another suitable foster home is contacted.
10. The Volunteer Coordinator is contacted to schedule a transport:
    • A transport plan is created based on finite legs on major highways (wherever possible) between the dog's original location and the foster home.
    • A request for drivers is sent to NEARR's volunteer email list.
    • As volunteers come forward, the Volunteer Coordinator pools the contact and vehicle information, determines exact meeting locations, and posts the final transport information to participating drivers to facilitate transport.
11. Surrender contracts, medical history, special care instructions, and surrender donation are received.
12. The dog is picked up from its original location, given a NEARR dog ID, and is transported to its foster home.
13. The Web site group adds most new dogs to Available Dogs section of the NEARR web page (unless it's an incredibly popular type of dog).
14. The foster family integrates the dog into their family. During this time, the Foster Coordinator is available via telephone and email for any issues that may arise.
15. While in foster care, any special needs (including weight issues, medical problems, behavioral concerns) are addressed.
16. After one week, the foster family writes a summary of dog for the adoptions group which is for internal use only. You cannot request a copy.
17. During the duration of the foster stay, the foster home continues to update the Foster Coordinator with information about the dog and also works closely with the adoption team to clarify the unique features of the dog and schedule meetings with potential adopters.
18. Whenever possible, the dog attends a Meet The Dogs event. 
19. Once an adoptive home is chosen, the dog meets as many family members as possible.
20. If the adoption is approved (see Placement Process for details), the foster home fills out an "All About Your New Dog" form for the new owners, describing feeding, exercise requirements, favorite toys, special tricks, and things like that. The form is received by the Adoptions Coordinator, who sends copies to the Post Adoption Coordinator, the Foster Coordinator, and the new owner.
21. The dog is picked up and brought to its forever home.
22. The dog has a new life with his forever family. Over the next year, it will have its picture taken and sent to the Post Adoption Coordinator for inclusion in NEARR's Happy Tails section.