Adoption Policy

Rae of Hope Rescue - Adoption Policy {SAMPLE} Our Commitment to Every Animal At Rae of Hope Rescue, our adoption process is designed with one goal in mind: ensuring each animal finds their perfect forever home where they'll be cherished, safe, and happy for life. We believe thoughtful matching creates lasting bonds, and we're here to guide you every step of the way. Adoption Requirements All Adopters Must: Be at least 21 years of age Have a valid government-issued photo ID Have permission from landlord/property owner if renting (we will verify) Ensure all current pets are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and on heartworm prevention Agree to a home visit before or after adoption (at rescue's discretion) Commit to providing regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, exercise, and a loving home Additional Requirements: If you rent, we require a copy of your lease or a signed letter from your landlord confirming pets are allowed, including any breed or size restrictions All household members must meet the animal before adoption is finalized Current pets must be introduced to the new animal (we can facilitate meet-and-greets) You must have a plan for the animal's care if you move, travel, or experience life changes Our Adoption Process Step 1: Submit an Application Browse our available animals and submit an adoption application for the pet that catches your eye. Be thorough and honest — this helps us make the best match for both you and the animal. Step 2: Application Review Our team will review your application within 3-5 business days. We may contact you for additional information or clarification. We'll also contact your veterinary references and landlord (if applicable). Step 3: Meet & Greet Once approved, we'll schedule a meet-and-greet with the animal. This is your chance to interact, ask questions, and ensure it's a good fit. If you have other pets, we'll arrange an introduction. Step 4: Home Visit A volunteer will conduct a home visit to ensure your space is safe and appropriate for the animal. We'll check for secure fencing (if required), pet-proofing needs, and go over any questions you have about bringing your new family member home. Step 5: Finalize Adoption If everything looks great, you'll sign the adoption contract, pay the adoption fee, and take your new companion home! We'll send you home with medical records, care instructions, and our contact information for ongoing support. Step 6: Follow-Up We check in within the first week and again at 30 days to see how things are going. We're here for the life of your pet if you ever need advice, support, or resources. Adoption Fees Our adoption fees help cover the costs of veterinary care, food, and supplies while animals are in our care. Every animal is spayed/neutered, up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipped, and has received any necessary medical treatment before adoption. Standard Adoption Fees: Dogs: $300-$450 (varies by age, breed, medical needs) Cats: $150-$200 (varies by age) Bonded pairs: Reduced fee (please inquire) Senior animals (7+ years): Reduced fee or waived for senior adopters (60+) What's Included: Spay/neuter surgery Age-appropriate vaccinations (DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies for dogs; FVRCP, Rabies for cats) Microchip with lifetime registration Flea/tick prevention Deworming Heartworm test (dogs) or FeLV/FIV test (cats) 30 days of pet insurance (optional enrollment) Starter supply kit (collar, leash, food samples, toy) Adoption fees are non-refundable but are tax-deductible as a charitable donation. What We Look For in Adopters We're looking for families and individuals who: Understand that pet ownership is a 10-20 year commitment Are financially prepared for routine and emergency veterinary care Have a stable living situation and long-term plan for the animal Are patient and committed to helping the animal adjust to their new home Will provide mental stimulation, exercise, and socialization View their pet as a family member, not a possession We do NOT adopt to: Anyone who intends to keep the animal outdoors exclusively Anyone seeking an animal as a gift for someone else Anyone with a history of animal abuse, neglect, or surrendering multiple animals Anyone unable to provide proof of landlord approval (if renting) Anyone unwilling to allow a home visit Special Considerations High-Energy or Working Breeds: Some animals require experienced owners, active lifestyles, or specific living situations. We'll discuss these needs during the application review. Bonded Pairs: Some animals are deeply bonded and must be adopted together. We offer reduced fees for bonded pairs. Special Needs Animals: Animals with medical conditions, behavioral needs, or senior pets may require extra care. We provide full disclosure and ongoing support for special needs adoptions. Families with Young Children: We carefully match animals with families based on the animal's temperament and experience with children. Some animals may only be suitable for homes with older children (10+). Trial Period & Returns Two-Week Trial Period: We understand that sometimes things don't work out. We offer a two-week trial period where you can return the animal if it's not a good fit. We ask that you communicate openly with us about any concerns during this time — we're here to help with training tips, behavioral guidance, and adjustment support. After Two Weeks: If circumstances change after the trial period, we require that you return the animal to Rae of Hope Rescue. We are committed to every animal for life and will always take them back, no questions asked. Do not rehome, surrender to a shelter, or abandon an animal adopted from us. Adoption fees are non-refundable, but we'll work with you to find a different animal if the first match doesn't work out. What Happens Next? After you bring your new family member home: First 72 Hours: Keep things calm and quiet. Let your new pet decompress and explore at their own pace. First Week: Establish routines for feeding, potty breaks, and exercise. Schedule a vet visit within 7-10 days. First Month: Continue building trust and working on training. Reach out if you have questions! We're here for you: Our foster families and volunteers are available for advice on training, behavior, health questions, and more. You're not just adopting a pet — you're joining the Rae of Hope family. Frequently Asked Questions Can I meet the animal before applying? We require an approved application before scheduling meet-and-greets. This ensures serious adopters and helps us manage volunteer time efficiently. How long does the process take? From application submission to bringing your pet home typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on reference checks, scheduling, and home visit availability. What if I already have pets? Wonderful! We require that current pets be up-to-date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered. We'll arrange a meet-and-greet to ensure everyone gets along. Do you adopt out of state? We occasionally consider out-of-state adoptions on a case-by-case basis. Additional requirements and fees may apply. What if my application is denied? We'll always provide a reason if your application is not approved. Common reasons include incomplete applications, landlord restrictions, or a mismatch between your lifestyle and the animal's needs. We're happy to discuss other animals that might be a better fit. Contact Us Questions about our adoption process? Ready to start your application? Email: adopt@raeofhoperescue.org Phone: (555) 123-4567 Website: www.raeofhoperescue.org Follow us on social media for updates on new arrivals and adoption success stories! Because every life deserves to be lit by hope. Rae of Hope Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All adoption fees are tax-deductible. Tax ID: XX-XXXXXXX