Our Adoption Process

When you’re ready, submit our adoption application. One application may be considered for multiple dogs; however, submitting an application does not guarantee adoption. Incomplete applications may not be processed, and all applicants must meet our adoption requirements, including landlord approval if renting and the ability to provide veterinary references when applicable. 

A non-refundable $5 application fee is required at the time of submission.

Our volunteer team carefully reviews applications to determine the best fit for each dog. This process may take several days, depending on the volume of applications. Please note that we conduct reference checks as part of our application review process.

As a volunteer-run organization, we appreciate your patience while we review applications as quickly as possible.

The meet-and-greet helps ensure the dog is a good fit for the household and that the home environment is safe and secure. During this visit, we look for any obvious hazards or potential escape points, particularly in yards and around main entrances and exits, so any concerns can be addressed together.

If your application is approved, we will contact you via email to schedule a meet-and-greet, which typically takes place at the adopter’s home and fulfills our required home check. All household members — including resident dogs — must be present.

If the meet-and-greet goes well, the adoption may be finalized at that time. Adoption decisions are based on the dog’s individual needs, personality, medical considerations, and foster input, and are not made on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you decide to adopt the dog at the time of the meet-and-greet, the adoption agreement can be completed and the fee submitted immediately through our ShelterLuv portal, finalizing the adoption.

The adoption agreement and fee information will be sent to you no later than the morning of your scheduled meet-and-greet. You will receive a text or email—based on the communication preference selected on your adoption application—with a secure link to our ShelterLuv checkout portal, where you can digitally sign the adoption agreement, submit the adoption fee, and review optional pet insurance offerings (insurance is optional and not required to adopt).

After the agreement is signed and payment is completed, a congratulations page will be displayed, indicating the adoption is complete. All adoption records, including microchip registration and transfer, will be finalized and sent to you via email within 48 hours of adoption.