1. Fill out the Adoption Application: Begin the process by completing the application form here. Provide detailed information to help us create a comprehensive profile of you.

2. Address Residence Restrictions: If your residence has breed, size, or other pet restrictions, include a copy of your landlord or building management’s pet approval policy.

3. Submit Home Photos or Videos: Include 3-4 recent photos or videos of your living room, bedrooms, entrance, hallways, and any outdoor spaces such as balconies or yards. Ensure these images, which must be taken by you and not sourced from real estate websites, clearly show where the dog will play, eat, and rest.

4. Details on Current and Previous Pets: Provide photos or videos, vaccination certificates, and information on the size and energy levels of current and previous pets. Include details about the frequency of vet visits, diet, and activities provided, plus any other relevant information about your pet care approach.

1. Google Meet Interview: If your application advances, our matchmaker will contact you via the email or phone number you provided to schedule a video interview. It’s essential for all adults in your household to participate to ensure the dog’s potential home is suitable and that everyone is on board with the adoption.

2. Interview Guidelines: Be open and honest during the interview. We strive to match our dogs with the ideal homes, and fully understanding your lifestyle and expectations is essential. Please specify the preferred energy level, characteristics, and size of the dog you’re looking for, what you can consistently provide, and any deal breakers. This detailed information is crucial for us to facilitate a successful and enduring adoption.

3. Post-Interview Follow-Up: If you do not hear from us after your interview, please understand that our decisions are based on the specific needs of each dog and not a reflection on you personally. We receive new dogs every week in need of loving homes, and you might be the perfect fit for one of them. We encourage you to stay engaged with us if you’re interested in adopting. We often revisit previous applicants when new dogs become available.

1. Approval and Pick-Up Details: Upon approval following the video call and reference checks, you will receive an email detailing the dog’s pick-up date, location, and essential items list, along with foster notes. Please ensure all essentials, including the GPS tracking collar, are ready by the pick-up date. After receiving the approval email, review, sign, and return the safety agreement to finalize the adoption. You will also receive the dog’s health certificate, including vaccination records and microchip number, prior to pick-up.

2. Two-Week Trial Period: The two-week trial period begins at pick-up. Please take this period seriously and avoid treating it as merely “trying out” the dog. Every dog deserves respect and love; they are not toys you can simply test and return. During this time, you must submit daily notes documenting the dog’s potty habits, appetite, behavior, and activity levels, accompanied by pictures and videos. This documentation is essential for ensuring the dog’s well-being and monitoring their adjustment to your home. On the first day, please send photos of the Ruffwear Webmaster harness, your chosen GPS tracker (Tractive, Fi, or an approved equivalent), a martingale collar, and the food you plan to provide.

3. Official Adoption: To finalize the adoption, you must review and sign the adoption agreement and pay the adoption fee at the end of the two-week trial period. Please also provide invoices or records of your dog’s Lyme disease vaccination and monthly preventive medication (prescribed by your veterinarian) for fleas, ticks, and heartworms. In addition, register your dog with your local government’s dog licensing system and their microchip with the Free Pet Chip Registry. 

If you decide not to proceed with the adoption or realize you cannot meet the dog’s needs, please discuss this with us and notify us as soon as possible for the dog’s well-being. We will guide you through the return process and advise you on where and how to do so.