Age & Long-Term Care Policy
To ensure every dog is placed in a stable, lifelong home, CRF has established the following age-related guidelines:
Adopters Age 75+
Applicants 75 years and older must provide a long-term care plan for the dog. This may include a designated caregiver (adult child, family member, or trusted individual) or a written care plan/trust.
If a designated caregiver will assume responsibility in the future, they must also meet CRF’s adoption requirements.
Adopters Age 25 and Younger
Adopters 25 and under are not excluded, but CRF may request additional information to ensure long-term stability. This may include housing plans, school/work schedules, support systems, and ability to meet the financial and medical needs of a dog.
Why These Policies Exist
These guidelines help ensure lifelong continuity of care. Cavaliers and Cavapoos can live 12–15+ years, and having a stable plan protects them from future uncertainty.
Out-of-State Adoption Policy
If you are outside our 60-mile Scottsdale/Phoenix radius, adoptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. We do not ship dogs. Approved adopters must fly or drive to Arizona, and all dogs must travel in the cabin only — never in cargo. All travel costs are the adopter’s responsibility.
We do not hold dogs for out-of-state adopters. You must have a confirmed travel plan before applying. Once a dog becomes available, you must be able to pick up within 3–5 days, as we are not a boarding facility. It is important for the dog to transition into their forever home quickly and for us to free up foster space for emergency intakes.
If your only mode of transportation is flying, please do not apply for a large Cavalier, as they will not fit under the airplane seat. This slows the adoption process and is not fair to the dog.
If you adopt a dog and take them out of state, you are required to return the dog to Cavalier Rescue Foundation of Arizona if, for any reason, you are unable to keep them. Our dogs must be returned to us and may not be rehomed, transferred, or surrendered elsewhere.