Question 1

Can I meet the dog before adopting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For dogs already in Colorado, approved adopters can meet them in their foster home or at one of our Meet & Greet adoption events.

However, most of our dogs coming from Texas are adopted before transport. Our adoption coordinators work closely with you to find the right match, even if you don’t have a specific pup in mind. You’ll get to “meet” your dog virtually through photos and conversations with our southern team before they travel north.

Question 2

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We don’t have a physical facility—we’re a 100% volunteer-based rescue. All of our dogs live in loving foster homes until they find their forever families!

Question 3

What does “foster based” mean?

Accepted Answer

Instead of a shelter, our rescued dogs stay in foster homes, where they can heal, decompress, and adjust to home life. This allows us to better understand their personality and needs, helping us make the best possible match with adopters.

Foster homes are essential to our mission, both in the South and throughout Colorado. If you can provide a temporary safe space, please consider fostering—it truly saves lives!

Question 4

What breed are your dogs and how big will this puppy be?

Accepted Answer

While we occasionally rescue purebred Labrador Retrievers, most of our dogs are Lab mixes—and our adopters will tell you they make the best companions!

For puppies, full-grown size is always an educated guess based on their suspected breed mix, age, and weight at rescue. No matter their size, they’ll be 100% lovable!

Question 5

Can you hold a dog until I am ready to adopt?

Accepted Answer

We understand timing is important, but our ability to rescue depends on keeping a steady flow of dogs moving from the south to foster and forever homes in the north. When adoptions stall, dogs in desperate need are left behind. Because of this, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot hold dogs for future adoption.

Question 6

Do you have dogs suitable for Emotional Support?

Accepted Answer

While many of our dogs make loving companions, we do not have any that are specifically trained as emotional support animals. Some come from difficult backgrounds with little to no training or experience in a family setting. If you’re looking for a trained support dog, we encourage you to research organizations that specialize in matching dogs to those specific needs.

Question 7

Can I adopt from you if I live outside of Texas or Colorado?

Accepted Answer

Our dogs travel a long way to find safety in Colorado. If you live outside Colorado or Texas and are interested in adopting, please contact us to discuss possible options.

Question 8

What is the cost of adoption?

Accepted Answer

Adoption donations range from $450 to $675, depending on the dog's age and breed mix. This covers spay/neuter, microchipping, deworming, and all age-appropriate vaccinations.

Question 9

Can I get a discount on the adoption fee?

Accepted Answer

Our minimum adoption donations do not cover the entire cost of vetting, any additional medical care or medications, food, care, and supplies for each of our pups. We rely on fundraising to compensate for those deficits and cannot reduce this already discounted fee.

Question 10

How do I adopt a dog?

Accepted Answer

To adopt a dog, start with our online application. From there, we’ll guide you through the process, including checking your references and a short virtual home visit to ensure a safe and happy environment for your new pup. We focus on making the best match for both you and the dog, so we’ll work closely with you to find the right fit. Don’t worry—it’s a simple and stress-free process (no need to deep clean your home!). Visit our Adoption Info page for full details.

Question 11

How long does the adoption process take?

Accepted Answer

After submitting your online application, you'll be connected with an adoption coordinator. The approval process typically takes 1–2 weeks, depending on how quickly you and your references respond.

Once approved:
If your pup is in the South, we’ll connect you with their rescuer or foster. Transport runs weekly, and you can pick-up directly from Transport.
If your pup is already in Colorado, we’ll arrange a private meet-and-greet at the foster’s home.

You can also attend one of our adoption events to meet multiple dogs and find your perfect match! Follow our Instagram and Facebook page for updates.

Question 12

What is ISO?

Accepted Answer

SO stands for Isolation and is sometimes used interchangeably with Quarantine. The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is our governing body and requires that every animal coming into the state (as part of a rescue organization) have a USDA health certificate (within 10 days of travel) and prior to arriving in Colorado, spend 48 hours in a Quarantine facility. At the end of their quarantine, our animals are given a general wellness exam by a veterinarian and if given a clean bill of health and issued a USDA Health Certificate, are free to be transported to Colorado and released to their foster or forever home.

Question 13

When and where do I pick up my dog?

Accepted Answer

If your dog is arriving from the South, you'll receive advance notice with a specific date, time, and location for pick-up at our transport arrival site. If your dog is already in Colorado, it must be picked up within 24 hours after your meet-and-greet. Your adoption coordinator will keep you updated throughout the process and inform you of any changes.

Question 14

What do I need when I pick up my dog?

Accepted Answer

We provide your pup with a collar and a Mile High Lab Mission ID tag for safety. Please bring:
A standard leash (no retractable leashes, as they can be dangerous)
A crate or seatbelt leash to secure your pup in the car
Lots of love for your new furry friend!

These items will help ensure a safe and smooth transition home.

Question 15

Will I receive paperwork when I pick up my dog?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You'll get an electronic adoption packet with your dog's veterinary records. We'll also email you helpful adoption resources on training, transition, and best practices to ensure a smooth start with your new pup.

Question 16

Will my pup need a bath?

Accepted Answer

Maybe! After a 24-hour transport, some pups may need a bath, while others arrive fairly clean. We do our best to bathe those who need it most, but a gentle wash at home with warm water and a mild, all-natural dog shampoo can help them feel fresh. Small scratches or skin imperfections are normal and will heal with a little TLC. Adding fish oil to their diet can also help promote a healthy, shiny coat!

Question 17

What should I feed my dog?

Accepted Answer

Your adoption coordinator or foster family will provide details on what your pup has been eating, along with helpful links for purchasing the same food. We also recommend adding fish oil to their diet—it helps promote a healthy, shiny coat!

Question 18

My dog has worms! What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Don’t worry—worms are common in dogs, especially puppies! The stress of transport and transition can sometimes trigger a reappearance of parasites, even if they’ve been treated. Be sure to bring a stool sample to your first vet visit to check for any lingering parasites. If your pup does have worms, treatment is simple and nothing to stress over!

Question 19

My dog has diarrhea — is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Diarrhea is common in newly adopted dogs due to stress, diet changes, or even mild parasites. If your pup is otherwise active, drinking water, and staying hydrated, try feeding a bland diet (like boiled chicken and rice) to help firm up their stools. If you notice blood or mucus in their poop, or if they seem lethargic, check in with your vet. It may take a few days to a week for their digestion to fully settle.