ADOPT. DON'T SHOP

Congratulations on making the exciting decision to expand your pack, and thank you for considering adoption!

We look forward to helping you find the perfect match for your family, home, and lifestyle. Before Applying to Adopt, please review our adoption policies, learn more about our process, and explore frequently asked questions.

Adoption Policies

We know the prospect of adopting is exciting, especially if your heart is already set on one of our adoptables, but we'd hate to let you down. Please read the following requirements carefully before proceeding to our Adoption Application. Rest assured, we place each pet with the best match, not the quickest.


Adoption Process

Before Applying to Adopt, here's what to expect from our Adoption Process

Review our policies to ensure you are eligible to adopt and that you meet the requirements for your desired pet (if applicable). Such requirements may include fenced yards, breed experience, a feline-free home, or other provisions that may apply to a specific pet.

Submit our online adoption application, taking the time to read & answer each question carefully, as incomplete apps will be automatically rejected.  If you're ready to adopt, but don't see what you're looking for, that's OK - let us know the type of pet you're interested in and we'd be happy to help you find the perfect match!

Our screening team will review your application, performing checks & collecting references along the way (veterinary reference, public records searches, and landlord/HOA confirmation). This process may take up to 2 weeks depending on the pet's availability status, volume of applications received, and responsiveness of references.

If approved, you'll be notified via the phone number provided in your application. Up to 3 of a pet's most-suitable matches will be invited to attend a Meet & Greet, with the decision largely based on the pet's connection to a prospective adopter. All approved applicants not selected for a specific pet will be pre-approved to adopt another pet for 1 year, if desired.


Congratulations - it's a match! Review the terms of the Adoption Agreement with your Adoption Coordinator, make the Adoption Donation, and bring your new pet home!

Adoption FAQ's

Explore some frequently asked questions about our adoption policies, process, and more.

What type of pets do you adopt out?

We are primarily a dog rescue, however we do rescue and adopt out other species from time-to-time. 

What is the adoption fee and what does it include?

Adoption fees for fully vetted adults is $350 (fig. 2023). The adoption fee for bonded pairs is discounted by 25%. Pets come spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated, microchipped, heartworm negative, fecal clear, current on monthly preventatives, as well as with a starter pack of supplies and 1 complimentary training session with State of Mind Canine. 

What is Foster-to-Adopt?

Foster-to-Adopt (F2A) is the early adoption of pets ineligible for full vetting, whether due to age or ongoing treatment, such as puppies too young to be spayed/neutered. Adoptions of pets being fostered-to-adopt will automatically finalize upon completion of their required vetting. Only applicants with a Vet Reference are eligible for F2A.

Can I apply for the type of pet I'm looking for, even if I don't see a pet matching my description currently available?

Absolutely! As a matter of fact, the majority of our pets are adopted by approved applicants waiting to find their perfect match and never become publicly available for adoption. If you're ready to adopt, but don't see what you're looking for, simply apply for the type of pet you're interested in and we'd be happy to help you find your new best friend.

Do I have to apply before meeting the pet I'm interested in?

Yes. As a 100% volunteer-run and foster-based organization, prospective adopters are required to apply and be approved before a Meet & Greet can be scheduled. This is in the interest of our gracious volunteer/fosters' time & safety. Only those who have been properly vetted are invited to a M&G.

How do you select an adoptive family?

Sometimes a pet struggles to find their perfect home and other times they have a long line of wonderful families hoping to adopt. After an applicant has been approved to adopt, the pet’s adoption coordinator and foster family review the application and invite the most suitable candidates to a Meet & Greet. In the interest of everyone’s time, meets are currently limited to 3 per pet. From there, it’s largely determined by the pet’s connection with prospective adopters. 

When and how will I receive a response to my application?

Application processing takes up to 2 weeks, and approved applicants will be notified via text to the number provided in their application. Due to the volume of applications, we are currently unable to notify applicants of incomplete or rejected applications. 

I’ve been approved to adopt – now what?

Congratulations! Once you’ve been approved to adopt, you’ll be invited to a Meet & Greet with either your desired pet, or a similar pet that meets your preferences. Your approved application will remain on file for 1 year.

Can I do a trial adoption?

A 7-day trial period is a standard part of all adoptions. If the pet isn't integrating well into your pack within the first week, simply contact your Adoption Coordinator to arrange drop-off and your adoption fee will be refunded in its entirety. 

I’m interested in more than one pet, can I meet them all to decide?

Definitely! If there are multiple pets who would be suitable for your family, home, and lifestyle, we’d be happy to introduce you to each of them. 

Can I still adopt if I live out of state?

We consider out-of-state adoptions on a case-by-case basis, such as to move a pet to a more suitable climate for their breed, when a candidate is a particularly good match, or for previous adopters. Previous adopters may request transport; however all other applicants will be required to meet and pickup their pet in person

Do I need a fenced yard to adopt?

Not always. While each pet has a specific set of requirements based on their unique history, personality, and breed, a fence is not a pre-requisite for most adoptions. 

Can I adopt a dog to train as a Service Dog / Guard Dog / ESA, etc?

Due to the high wash rate of Service Dog (SD) prospects in general, combined with the fact that a dog’s complete history or breed makeup is often unknown, we do not permit adoptions for SD purposes. For similar and other reasons, we do not allow adoptions for Emotional Support (ESA), Guard/Personal Protection/Security, Livestock, or any purpose other than companion animal. 

 

Please consider one of the many wonderful organizations that specializes in the adoption of dogs well-suited for such tasks.  

A member of my family is allergic to dogs, can I request a hypoallergenic pet?

While "hypoallergenic" breeds may elicit less symptoms from allergy sufferers due to their reduced or non-shedding nature, pet allergens are also found in dander and saliva, which are unavoidable. For these reasons, we do not adopt to families with significant allergies as there is no way of eliminating the sources entirely. 

Can I adopt if I live in an apartment?

It depends on the pet policy at your complex, your lifestyle, as well as the pet you're applying for. There are so many wonderful, pet-friendly apartments available today that are perfectly suitable for many pets, especially when paired with a committed adopter who can satisfy their pet's exercise requirements. 

Please do not apply until you've verified the pet policy on your lease agreement.

Can I adopt if I rent my home?

Before applying to adopt as a renter, please carefully review your landlord's pet policy. Renters must provide a copy of their pet policy as well as their landlord's contact information. 

Can I adopt two puppies or kittens together?

While we encourage the adoption of feline littermates, we do not allow the adoption of canine littermates due to the prevalence of littermate syndrome in dogs (with the exception of bonded pairs).

What is a “bonded pair”?

A “bonded pair” are two pets who have entered rescue together and are only eligible for adoption together. All bonded pairs have undergone an evaluation by our trainer to determine that no symptoms of littermate syndrome are present, and that it’s in their best interest to remain together. A 25% discount is applied to the adoption fee for bonded pairs.

Success Stories

Take a look back at some of our favorite success stories!