Heartland Lab Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit, all volunteer organization whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and find loving forever homes for Labrador retrievers that have been neglected, abused or are just unwanted. Our organization is comprised of a network of volunteers and foster homes in Oklahoma and Kansas.
While in our care, dogs are treated as though they are our own, getting all of the necessary attention both from a family as well as medically. All dogs are spayed or neutered and placed in a foster home as soon as possible to evaluate the dogs temperament as well as what type of home the dog would best be suited for.
Our adoption fees barely cover our expenses and we are involved in a continuous fundraising drive. If you can help out by donating your time or money, let us know. We would love for you to join us and the Labs would, too!
What is Heartland Lab Rescue?
Heartland Lab Rescue (HLR) is an incorporated, 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and find loving forever homes for Labs who have been neglected, abused or are just unwanted.
Where do the Labs come from that are in your program?
Dogs in our program come through a variety of avenues. Some dogs come from an area shelter, humane society, picked up by a concerned citizen, or surrendered by its owner. Often, we receive surrender applications from people who can no longer care for their dogs due to health issues, military relocations or moving where dogs are not allowed. Each dog is evaluated by a HLR volunteer before it can enter into our program. HLR does not accept aggressive dogs including aggression towards people as well as other dogs. We try to keep the majority of the dogs in our program to full Labradors because of the overwhelming need, but sometimes accept mixes. Papers are not required but look for standard characteristics in a Labrador retriever.
Where is HLR located?
HLR is a network of foster homes throughout Oklahoma and Kansas. We do not have a physical location but instead, our organization is run entirely by volunteers. We rely heavily on dedicated families that foster our Labs; we can only save as many dogs as we have foster homes.
Can I see a dog before filling out an application?
Because all of our dogs are in foster homes, we do not set up individual meetings with our HLR dogs until you have completed and submitted an application. However, you are welcome to come to our showings where we usually have a couple of our available dogs for people to meet.
How do I adopt a dog?
The first step is to complete an adoption application. The HLR application committee will then review your application and be in touch with you in approximately seven days. Please note, that while HLR will adopt adult dogs out-of-state, adoptions of puppies under the age of 6 months are restricted to local adoptions only.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
A donation of $250 is required for adult dogs; a donation of $275 is required for puppies under one-year. Senior dogs (+9 years), special needs dogs and bonded pairs may have adjusted adoption fees.
All dogs are microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, heartworm and flea and tick medication and any other needed medical care. All adult dogs have been spayed or neutered. Puppies are spayed or neutered when the puppy is of age (usually around 6 months) and HLR covers this cost as well as all puppy booster vaccinations as determined by our vetrinarians. Please be aware our adoption fees barely cover the costs incurred by dogs in the HLR program.
What kind of Medical Treatment have HLR dogs received?
All dogs placed by HLR have been examined by a licensed veterinarian, are microchipped, received current vaccinations and been spayed or neutered if they are of age. Puppies are not spayed or neutered until they are around 6 months of age. Labs with extenuating medical needs are also treated and taken care of, including but not limited to Heartworm Treatment, ACL Repair, Upper Respiratory Infection and Kennel Cough, tumor removal, Orthopedic Repair, and more. We fully disclose all of the dog’s history that is known, as well as any medical or behavioral issues of which we are aware in the effort to find the best possible forever homes for HLR dogs.
What does HLR do with donations?
All money received at Heartland Lab Rescue goes towards our operating expenses. The majority of the funds go towards veterinary bills and boarding costs.
What happens when I am approved to adopt a Lab?
When you are approved we will contact the foster families of the dogs in which you are interested. You will have the chance to speak with the foster family to learn more about the dog as well as well as arrange a time to meet with the dog. We fully disclose all of the dog’s known history, as well as any medical or behavioral issues of which we are aware in the effort to find the best possible forever homes for HLR dogs.
We have a dog and would want to make sure our adopted dog gets along with him or her.
We do too! This is a priority for us as well. You can set up a time for your dog and your potential new family member to meet to see how things go. We can also hold your adoption fee and payment for two days once you bring your dog home to make sure things go okay.
How do I learn more about fostering for HLR?
We can only save as many dogs as we have foster homes and we would love to have you. All foster homes are provided with food, a crate and all medical care is taken care of. If you are interested, please complete a foster application or send us an e-mail and we can talk to you more about fostering.