Typically, it takes 2-3 days for a counselor to reach out. Happy Life Beagle Rescue is a 100% volunteer rescue. Many of our volunteers have full-time jobs and families so it may take a little longer.

1. Submit an application.

2. Your application will be reviewed and assigned to an Adoption Counselor who will reach out to you via email.

3. A phone interview will be arranged with your Adoption Counselor to discuss your application and answer any questions you may have. Please allow 30-45 minutes for the call.

4. Veterinarian and personal references will be checked.

5. A home visit will be conducted by one of our volunteers. Please note that we require all family members to be present.

No, only approved adopters are allowed to meet our dogs.

• Spay/neuter (for dogs over 6 months)

• Rabies, distemper and kennel cough vaccines

• Testing for heartworm

• Examination by a veterinarian

• Health certificate

• Microchip, including lifetime registration through AKC Reunite

• Transport north & mandatory 48 hours in a Massachusetts quarantine

The State of Massachusetts requires all dogs being imported into the state via a rescue to be quarantined for 48 hours, be examined by a Massachusetts veterinarian and issued a health certificate.

Yes, your dog will have received vaccines for rabies, distemper and kennel cough. However, puppies under 12 weeks will not yet have a rabies vaccine.

Most of our dogs come from Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina.

Most are found stray or have been surrendered to a local southern shelter. Typically, the dogs we take in are from unfortunate circumstances. They are either discarded hunting dogs that are too old or not good enough hunters, or dogs who have been living on their own in rural parts of the south. They take time and patience to adjust to living in a home, but once they do, you will be rewarded with a loyal companion.

Yes, all dogs are microchipped and registered through AKC Reunite. Happy Life Beagle Rescue will register the chip for you within a few days of adoption. All chips are already registered to Happy Life Beagle Rescue prior to being implanted. You may register the chip on your own, however, if you do, there will be a fee from AKC Reunite. Happy Life Beagle Rescue has pre-paid for a lifetime registration so there is no fee to the adopter if registered by Happy Life Beagle Rescue.

During transport and quarantine your dog will be fed multiple different foods. Adoption is the best time to start feeding the food of your choice. To avoid belly issues, add a tablespoon of 100% pumpkin or some white rice into each meal.

Yes, all medical records we have for the dog will be given to you at the time of adoption. In addition, all information we know about the dog’s personality, behavior and medical history will be shared with you prior to adoption. However, please keep in mind that most of our dogs have been found stray. As a result, we may have no information about the dog prior to them coming into the rescue.

No, for most of our dogs, the first time they will live in a home is when they arrive in Massachusetts and are placed in their foster or adoptive home. However, beagles are intelligent and with a little guidance and structure they will catch on quickly.