Because we believe there is a home for every dog 

Adoption & Placement

The ultimate goal of all of the work that Mayday does is to find a loving, forever home for every dog in its care.  Since its inception, Mayday has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed over 350 dogs that were considered unplaceable. 

Potential adopters come to Mayday through maydaypitbullrescue.org, Adopt a Pet, Petfinder and adoption events.  Interested adopters fill out a detailed application and meet the dog in person. If a potential match is made, a home visit (or multiple) are conducted, as well as reference checks.  If those go well a trial adoption period of 1-2 weeks commences. 

The primary purpose of home visits is to ensure safety.  Fence heights and location of locks are inspected, and an assessment is made as to whether the particular dog is a good fit for the home/family situation based on its needs. 

Adoption Success Factors

Mayday dogs are different from dogs that might be adopted elsewhere.  They come from challenging backgrounds and will not fit into every household.  They require structure, effort, and follow-through on training. There will be work involved.  In return, they will give back a different kind of love - the love of a rescue dog for the family that saved it. 

The best adopters have fallen in love with a particular dog and stick with Mayday through the necessarily lengthy adoption process. They understand that these dogs require more than love to heal - things like structure, training, and understanding.  They feel that their dogs are equal members of the family.  Ideal adopters also have a willingness to learn and are open to guidance from those with decades of experience working with dogs in this situation. 

The ideal home environment for Mayday is filled with patience and occupied by owners who are observant, attuned to behavior and willing to make necessary adjustments.   

Mayday's Lifelong Commitment

Mayday is committed to offering support for the lifetime of the adopted dog, so if issues are encountered after adoption, Mayday will work with the owners in any way possible to address the needs of the dog (medical, training, etc.)  For this reason, owner commitment and communication are essential. Owners who stay in contact with Mayday and ask questions will find they have an incredible resource and support network to lean on. 

Some shelters are considered “no kill” in spite of the fact that they euthanize dogs they consider to be unadoptable or if the shelter doesn’t feel they can treat them.  Due to great care taken during the adoption process, most Mayday placements are successful, but even if placement doesn’t work out for a Mayday dog it is considered a sanctuary dog - and it will have a home with Mayday.  Forever.