Frequently asked questions

At this time, Laila’s Legacy has a focus of helping dogs in shelters located in the DMV. We also partner on an as needed / as available basis to pull dogs from shelters in the rural under-served communities . Some of the shelters we will focus on in the DMV include Prince George’s Animal Shelter, Baltimore Animal Rescue Corps, and Montgomery County Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Yes, Laila’s Legacy Animal Rescue is a public charity 501(c)3 organization. We rely solely on donations to save each animal that comes through our rescue. Our EIN number is 92-1665997.

You can donate supplies by emailing info@lailaslegacyanimalrescue.org or you can make a monetary donation through GiveLively. We also have an Amazon Wishlist for you to shop and ship directly to our Executive Director Ashe Anthony. 

Our adoption process starts with our adoption application. If you have a specific dog in mind you can list them on your application - otherwise feel free to leave it blank and we can help make some recommendations on dogs that would be a good fit for your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a furry friend.

Once we receive your application, we’ll perform a background check and a vet reference check (if needed). We’ll then schedule a time to talk to you about our mission, what your lifestyle is like, and any characteristics or traits you’re looking for. From there we’ll work with you to help match you with a dog! Throughout the process - and after adoption - we’ll be here as a resource to help you with any questions you may have. Once you've found the dog for you, we'll set you up to meet them at an adoption event or at the foster's home to finalize your adoption, sign the paperwork, and take your new best friend home!

Our application process requires that adopters are at least 21 years of age at the time of adoption. We will not adopt a dog that is listed as a Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or any breed similar, or any dogs that could be perceived as such to adopters who live in Prince George's County, Maryland due to their active breed ban. In addition to those requirements, we require that adopters are prepared for both the financial and physical commitments it takes to adopt a dog.

We welcome adopters who rent their housing accommodations. We want to alert you that some landlords and management companies have size and/or breed restrictions, limits on the number of pets, and/or require pet deposits or additional fees. Please make sure to check with your landlord or management company on any applicable policies prior to finalizing an adoption.

Our adoption process starts with our adoption application. If you have a specific dog in mind you can list them on your application - otherwise feel free to leave it blank and we can help make some recommendations on dogs that would be a good fit for your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a furry friend.

No! We do not require adopters to have a fenced yard in order to adopt, however do want to ensure that adopters understand the importance of physical exercise in addition to mental stimulation and enrichment activities to fulfill all of a dog’s needs. 

Our adoption fees are broken out by age group below:

• Puppy (8 weeks to 6 months): $425

• Adolescent (7 months to less than 2 years): $400

• Adult (2 years to less than 7 years): $400

• Senior (7 years and older): $350

• Heartworm Positive: $475

• Heartworm Positive Senior: $425

Yes! We do require adopters to pick up their dog either from one of our adoption events or from their foster. Both our events and fosters are based in the DMV so plan accordingly when finalizing an adoption. Additionally, if you adopt a puppy and they are not yet altered, you may not have access to our local veterinary resources for the procedure.No! We do not require adopters to have a fenced yard in order to adopt, however do want to ensure that adopters understand the importance of physical exercise in addition to mental stimulation and enrichment activities to fulfill all of a dog’s needs. 

Laila’s Legacy Animal Rescue is a foster-based rescue so all animals that are in the DMV are being fostered by our wonderful volunteers. Because of this, the best way to meet multiple dogs at once is at our weekly adoption events. If you have been through our application process already, we do offer mid week meet and greets at the foster’s home if you are determined to be a good fit for the dog.  

All animals in our care will be provided with necessary medical care, assessed behaviorally, vaccinated, and altered age appropriately (as supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association) before they are adopted into permanent homes. This Humane Society of the United States article which deconstructs many of the common arguments surrounding the spay/neuter debate. We will also provide behavioral and training support if necessary while in foster care and provide resources to any adopters.

Your new furry friend will come with their previous medical history, a rabies vaccination and spay/neuter certificate as applicable. You are able to purchase a leash and collar from us at the time of adoption. Check out our Shopping List for Bringing Home a New Dog for a list of items to prepare for bringing home your new dog and read over our First Time Dog Owner Resource if you are new to owning a dog!

It completely depends on the dog and the situation.  The average stay in a foster home can be as short as a few nights to a couple of months. However, most puppies and some dogs with great photos and stories on social media may stay only a few weeks. Dogs recovering from an injury, certain breeds, and senior dogs, may stay longer.  

The cost of owning a dog can quickly add up! At a bare minimum you can expect to spend $500 on your initial expenses. On top of those expenses you’ll need to budget for things like monthly preventatives, food, training treats, and basic obedience training. Yearly expenses can be closer to $1,000. Also keep in mind that unexpected vet bills can (and will) pop up. This article from the ASPCA details ways to keep the cost of pet care down. 

There are a number of ways you can volunteer such as giving a dog(s) a ride from the shelter, to and from a vet appointment, or to events. Offering to handle and advocate for a dog at an adoption event or helping set up or run a table at an adoption or fundraising event are also great ways to give back! Doing laundry, helping file paperwork, organize data, or answer emails - if you'd rather do something from the comfort of your home - are critical to operating the rescue. If you want to give back in a bigger way, we also have volunteer roles like Adoption Counselors, Surrender Counselors, Foster Counselors, and Event Managers that offer a longer term commitment and more hours, but with a flexible schedule!

Laila's Legacy is happy to sign off on any school or court mandated community service hours.

We have a Bonfire Storefront and a Detezi Storefront where you can buy shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, and more all branded with Laila’s Legacy logos. Best of all - a portion of all proceeds is donated back to us!