Adoption Process

Please review this entire page as it contains important information regarding the ARF Adoption Process. The adoption process is one all parties must take seriously.  We work hard to place the right animal in the right home and because of this, the process may take up to 72 hours from the time you submit your application.  We do check references, but once you are approved, the process moves very quickly and you'll be invited out to see the animals. Most of our communication, after the time you submit an application, is done via email so please make sure you check your email account frequently and respond quickly. Please note that we cannot consider you for an adoption until we receive a fully completed application.  We welcome your questions, but inquiring about an animal is not considered an application.  Fortunately for them, our animals move very quickly so if you find yourself even slightly interested in one of our animals, it is in your best interest to complete and submit an application immediately.  Submitting an application does not commit you to any animal, but does get you a head start with the adoption approval process. Remember:  Approved applicants receive priority at our adoption events, but we cannot hold animals so if you’re invited to meet an animal, it’s best for you to plan on arriving on time.  If you feel that you can provide a loving home for one our animals, please: Review our Available Pets for potential adoptee candidates. Review our Adoption Policies. Complete an Adoption Application* prior to meeting an animal and ensure you review the Rules and Disclosures for potential adopters. You will be screened to ensure that: You are 18 years or older. All household members consent to the decision to adopt. Adopting a pet will not result in a violation of your lease. If you live in an apartment, we do ask that you provide us with a copy of the lease or obtain a letter of approval from your landlord. The temperament of the animal you are interested in is conducive to your lifestyle and home environment. Agree to our adoption fees*, unless otherwise noted in pet listing or adoption contract: Dogs: $200 Puppies: 6 months and younger $225.00  Cats: $110.00 Kittens: 6 months and younger $125.00 *Please note adoption fees are accepted by Visa, MasterCard or Discover at PetSmart adoption events only!  Cash is accepted for adoption fees at any time.  Checks are not accepted for adoption fees.   A fee of $5.00 will be added to credit card transactions to cover the amount charged to us by the credit card processor. Puppies are a large investment of time for a family and in order to ensure for the happiness of the puppy and your family, ARF may require that you commit to enrolling the puppy in an obedience course and provide proof that you have completed the course. This requirement will be discussed with you at the time of adoption. Included in a pet adoption: Spay/Neuter* First Distemper Vaccination Initial de-worming Heartworm or Feline Aids/Leukemia Testing A certificate for a free veterinary exam** Rabies Vaccination of dogs 6 months and older Microchip Implant, a permanent identification to help protect animals from loss or theft. $1 Special for 1st Month of  ShelterCare Pet Insurance *If a pet is too young to be spayed or neutered by us, the adopter is responsible for the alteration of the pet at the appropriate time as noted on the contract. A low-cost spay or neuter coupon is provided as part of the adoption package and maybe used out our preferred veterinary partner.  ARF does follow up with those who adopt a pet who has not been altered at the time of adoption and you will be expected and required to provide proof of alteration.  If you do not, we will reclaim your pet in order to comply with State Animal Welfare requirements.  **As part of the contract you must take the pet to an ARF approved vet within the first 7 days after adopting. A coupon to a preferred veterinary partner may be provided as part of the adoption package.  If you choose to go to another vet, ARF cannot be responsible for any fees incurred as part of that decision. It is never ARF's intention to adopt out a pet that is known to be sick and all animals are vetted prior to adoption, but you still must take responsibility for taking your new pet for an initial veterinary exam.