Q: Do I have to fill out a Pre Adoption form?

A: Yes, you do. We use the pre adoption form to check references and assess the suitability of the adopted animal to the particular family that is adopting it. We do our best to match our animals with families that are perfect for them as to lessen the chances of that animal being returned to rescue. No pre adoption form = no adoption.

Q: Why are your pre adoption forms different?

A: Each form is different because they serve different purposes.

Q: Does LFSAR really check my references?

A: Yes we do. Refer to question 1 for the reasons we check them.

Q: Is there a required donation fee to donate animals to LFSAR?

A: No, there is not. LFSAR will accept any horse into our adoption program free of donation charge (space in the program permitting). We DO NOT accept any animals other than horses at this time so please don't ask.

Q: Why to you charge money for horses when you are a non-profit horse rescue?
A: Simple.  We have to have money to keep the Rescue running.  This is a business, even though we are non-profit, we must cover our operating expenses to be able to stay afloat and help more horses.  We have feed bills, vet bills, farrier bills, vaccinations and worming for EVERY HORSE.  Even the horses that may not be adoptable.  Not to mention trailer maintenance, tires, insurance, gas for hauling, telephone bills and truck or trailer repairs.
Q: How do you pay for all the bills on these horses?
A: We use all of the money from adoption fees, use any and all of the few donated funds, the rare grant, and money we have made with our fundraising and the rest comes straight out of our own pockets.

Q: What is the difference between a horse dealer/trader and your rescue?
A: In some cases it can be hard to understand.  We seek out horses that are going for slaughter or need help-regardless of breed/age/pedigree.  When we bid on a horse at he auction, we try very hard to only bid against slaughter buyers.  If a horse is going to a home we stop bidding - no matter how cheap.  Unlike dealers/traders, making a profit on the horses is not our motivation for having them.  While we sometimes do make a "profit" on some of the horses, we use 100% of the money to help finance the ones that are not adoptable.  In addition, we are a Virginia licensed non-profit organization, we are registered with the charities division of the Secretary of State and we are also recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charity.  And finally, we will tell you everything we know about the horse whether it is good or bad news, because we are most interested in making a lifetime match for our horses whenever possible.  A dealer/trader will usually care more about making a sale then finding a lifetime home. 

Q: Why can I not breed the mare or stallion I adopted from you?
A: We do not believe in breeding rescued horses simply because there are so many good horses going to slaughter.  We believe horses should be bred selectively until there are no more horses headed to slaughter overseas for human consumption
Q: Do you take horses in trade?
A: No.  We are not Horse Dealers nor Traders.  We do not do this for money.  If you do not want the horse you have then there would have to be a legitimate reason for you not to keep it or we would not adopt to you.

Q: Where do you horses come from?
A: Our horses come from various places.  Some are donated by private owners, some are rescued from bad situations, and some come from auctions where we outbid the slaughter buyer.  Not all horses that end up in rescues are neglected or abused.
Q: Are the horses that LFSAR have able to be ridden?

A: Many of the horses that we have donated to us can indeed still be ridden. However some of the horses have medical issues and some are companion animals only. Included with the listing of each horse is the surrendering owners "notes" indicating what the horse has done while in their care.

Q: How much do you actually know about a horse's history?
A: We do our best to track down the history of auction horses.  We obtain as complete a history as possible WHENEVER possible.  Sometimes we may never know the horse's past.  We keep all unknown horses for a quarantine period before adoption and most get vet checked.  We also have people evaluate the horse - whether it is rideability or handling.  Frequently we are able to obtain a partial history.

Q: How do I know that the horse I am adopting is healthy?
A: If there is any doubt as to a horse's health when it comes in or if it needs vet attention, we get it seen immediately.  Also you are welcome to bring a vet of your choice (at your expense) to evaluate the horse.
Q: Why are all the horses adoption donations different?

A: A horse that can still be ridden will have a higher adoption donation than one who is a "pasture puff" and cannot be ridden anymore. Sometimes we also have to factor in medical bills, special shoeing, and medications into the adoption fees. However, all horse adoption donations are from $100 to $800..Nothing higher.

Q: Does LFSAR release ownership on adopted horses?

A: As of 4-29-05 our policy on the releasing of ownership on adopted horses has changed!  All horses adopted through the LFSAR program will be co-owned by the rescue for the rest of the horse's natural life! The adopted horse(s) will not be able to be sold, given away, traded, or otherwise disposed of and MUST be returned to the adoption program if any changes force the animal to be unable to be cared for by the adopter. Any violation of this clause will result in legal action...

Q: Will LFSAR pick up my animal?

A: We prefer the surrendering owner to bring the horse to the LFSAR farm in SW Virginia. If for some reason the surrendering owner cannot bring the horse we will be happy to give you the names of several haulers who help us out so arrangements for hauling can be made.

Q: Are the animals listed the only animals that LFSAR has available for adoption?

A: Not always. We get new animals in on a regular basis and we also work with owners who wish to place animals from their homes so our website is not always updated immediately. If you are interested in a particular kind of animal that we do not have listed you are welcome to email us to see if we have that animal. If we do not then we can put you in touch with a rescue group who may have the animal you are looking for.

Q: Do you accept sanctuary/lifetime horses?

A: We will work with owners and take in lifetime horses (space permitting in the rescue program). However we do ask for an upfront donation fee of $500 before the horse arrives to help cover some of the costs of their care.

Q: Can I sponsor an animal instead of adopting one?

A: Of course you can! We have some permanent residents that would love to have a sponsor to help with their medical bills each month. Those animals will be identified with a symbol so that you know which ones they are.