Pet Adoption Process 101: Everything You Need to Know

Pet Adoption Process: Welcoming a New Member to Your Family

So you’ve decided to add a new member to your family and want to adopt your furry (or perhaps feathery or scaly) addition. Congrats on making an excellent decision!

Adoption is the perfect way to find an amazing best friend, make a positive impact on the pet overpopulation crisis, and save a life! But the whole process can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you navigate the pet adoption process effectively:

• Research the types of pets available for adoption and determine which type fits your lifestyle.
• Visit shelters and rescues to meet potential pets and learn about their personalities and needs.
• Prepare your home for the new pet by getting the necessary supplies and setting up a safe space.

By following these tips, you can make the pet adoption process smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your new companion.

Pet Adoption Process: Know the Difference Between Shelters and Rescues

Although animal shelter and animal rescue are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to two different types of animal sanctuary organizations.

Animal shelters, like humane societies or municipal pounds, operate out of a building (shelter) where animals are housed. These shelters may be no-kill or they may practice euthanasia. They may have only adoptable animals, or they may keep stray pets, quarantined animals, and/or owned animals being seen by staff veterinarians.

• Shelters are nonprofit organizations that may receive government funding.
• Shelters are a good option if you want to walk through to see the different animals who need new homes.

Rescues, on the other hand, often make up a network of foster homes for the animals they care for, instead of having a single physical location. They most often are no-kill and may specialize in a particular breed or species.

• Rescues are usually nonprofit and may have higher adoption fees and a more thorough application process.
• Rescues are a good option if there is a specific breed or type of animal you’re looking to adopt.

Understanding these differences can help you decide the best option for your pet adoption process and ensure you find the perfect companion for your home.

How to Get Pre-Approved

It may seem like overkill to get pre-approved as an adopter before choosing your new pet, but it’s worth the initial hassle to avoid any delays when you meet Mr. Perfect Whiskers. So how do you get pre-approved?

First, try to narrow down which shelter or rescue you want to adopt from. Each will have its own approval process, which may include: Application Home visit One-on-one consultation

Every process is slightly different, so it’s easiest to contact the shelter and rescue individually, explain that you want to adopt, and complete the application process.

If there are any hiccups in the process, work with the organization to figure out a solution. Nothing is as frustrating as meeting the four-pawed love of your life and then missing your chance to take her home because another adopter was pre-approved and also fell in love.

Being proactive in the pre-approval process ensures that when you find your perfect pet, you can bring them home without unnecessary delays.

Wow Them With Your Research

Want to wow the adoption counselor? Do research on the pet you’re trying to adopt.

Having knowledge about the health concerns, behaviors and needs of your new companion proves that you’re not making a compulsive decision and that you’re a responsible caregiver.

Doing research can also prevent potential disappointment. Shelters and rescues are committed to matching their pets with compatible people. For example:

• If you want to adopt a cat and you already have 2 dogs, you will want to find a cat who has already lived with dogs.
• If you want to take home a 180-pound Saint Bernard who has never lived with children and you have a toddler at home, don’t be disappointed if you aren’t approved.

The video below highlights some steps for integrating your adopted pet into your home:

What to Expect When You Adopt

You will be signing an adoption contract with the animal shelter or rescue, and you might pay a tax-deductible adoption fee.

If you plan to take your pet home the same day, be sure you have basic supplies and that you've prepared your home for her arrival. See our dog-proofing tips and cat-proofing tips.

• Basic Supplies: Make sure you have food, water, a bed, toys, and any other necessities for your new pet.
• Prepare Your Home: Ensure your home is safe and ready for the new arrival by removing hazards and creating a comfortable space.

If you have to wait a few days, take time to set up and familiarize yourself with everything you’re going to need. One thing's for sure — the next few months will be a learning experience and a time for bonding.

Rehoming Your Pet

Rehoming your pet is a tough decision, but sometimes it's necessary. If you find yourself in this situation, there are several options to ensure your pet finds a safe and loving home.

Rehome on Your Own ACC’s goal is to work with pet owners, empowering them to determine the best outcome for their pets. They provide resources to help you rehome your pet yourself, which can reduce the stress on your pet by avoiding a shelter environment. Tips include promoting your pet for adoption online and utilizing resources like the Rehoming Packet to guide you through the process​ (Animal Care Centers of NYC)​.

Deferred or Diverted Intake If you are reluctant to surrender your pet to a shelter, ACC offers deferred intake programs. This allows them to seek placement for your pet while they remain in the comfort of your home. They can also match specific pets with private rescue organizations. This option minimizes the disruption to your pet’s life and increases the chances of finding a suitable new home​ (Animal Care Centers of NYC)​.

Owner Support Through partnerships with various organizations, ACC offers support to pet owners to help them keep their pets. Resources include reduced or free routine veterinary care, funding for emergency veterinary care, behavior advice, and assistance with tenant/landlord disputes​ (Animal Care Centers of NYC)​.

New Hope Program

The New Hope Program is an initiative by ACC aimed at finding homes for New York City’s vulnerable homeless animal population, especially those requiring specialized medical care or behavior training.

New Hope Partners New Hope Partners take ownership of ACC animals and either place them into permanent homes immediately through their own adoption processes or care for them offsite before finding permanent homes. Any registered 501(c)(3) organization can apply to become a partner. Benefits include access to a variety of animals, no fees to pull animals from ACC, and placement stipends

Program Benefits The program provides many benefits, such as:

• Access to Animals: Partners can access regular adoptions, fosters, and at-risk animals.
• Comprehensive Care: All animals are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered (if possible) before placement.
• Transportation: Animals can be transported from the shelter to the partner’s designated address at no cost.
• Financial Support: Partners are eligible for placement stipends not available to the public​ (Animal Care Centers of NYC)​.

Application Requirements To apply, organizations need to provide:

• A copy of their 501(c)(3) status, veterinary business license, or wildlife license.
• Veterinary and professional references.
• A list of boarding facilities and trainers.
• Their adoption application and agreement forms​ (Animal Care Centers of NYC)​.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• “New Hope Program.” Animal Care Centers of NYC. https://www.nycacc.org/adoption/process/
• “Rehome a Pet.” Animal Care Centers of NYC. https://www.nycacc.org/adoption/process/