Every dog is unique, and so is every adopter. The adoption counselor and/or foster caregiver will share with you our experiences with the dog, and may have questions about your wants and needs in a pet and how a pet might fit into your lifestyle. We imagine you’ll have lots of questions for us, too. This is a good opportunity to help everyone “sniff out” if the adoption is a good match for both the pet and the adopter.

If you haven’t already had the chance to meet the dog in person, you will be invited to come see the pet at one of our public adoption events, or to set up a one-on-one with the dog and their foster caregiver (as schedules allow). This is a great chance to interact with the dog in the flesh, and observe how they are with different kinds of people, other animals, and whatever else they might encounter out in the world. Keep in mind, some dogs may act differently when they are out and about, versus when they are in the comfort of a safe and familiar home.

Public events are a great way to meet multiple adoptable dogs at once, if you’re keeping you options open; however, they may not be ideal venues for introducing your current pets to a potential new addition. On the other hand, one-on-one meet and greets provide a more relaxed environment for unfamiliar dogs to meet, but it can be difficult to coordinate meeting multiple dogs at one time.

You’ve talked, spent some time with the adoptable pup, and have decided you’re ready to make this big commitment. The foster caregiver or adoption counselor agrees– this dog will be happy at home with you. We’ll set up a final visit to review the pet’s medical and behavioral history with you, go over the adoption contract, and finalize the adoption.

Some dogs might not be ready right away for their permanent homes. Puppies must be at least eight weeks old before they can be adopted, and some dogs may be finishing up care for a routine surgery (like neuter or a dental cleaning) or a treatable condition (like mange or heartworm). If a dog that is still receiving acute care is eligible for our foster to adopt program, the adoption counselor will share more. This program allows you to bring home your new pet while the pet completes follow-up care at one of our selected partner vets. You “foster” the pet until their treatment is complete, and then the adoption becomes official.

As we say, “once a Hope dog, always a Hope dog.” This means our team is here for you throughout the lifetime of your pet. Contact your adoption counselor or any member of our team right away if a question or concern arises, and we’ll be happy to do what we can to help.

We want everyone to have a happy ending in their experience with our rescue, but sometimes it’s a winding road to get there. Perhaps you meet your desired dog and the love connection just isn’t there. Or the puppy you want is Miss Popular and she finds a home with another adopter. Or maybe the mutt you were eyeing has some special needs that aren’t all that compatible with your lifestyle.

If we have another dog already in our care that stands out as a possible fit, your adoption counselor will offer to connect you with the dog and their foster caregiver. Also, your application stays on file with us– so if at any point in the future, you see a dog in our care who catches your eye, you don’t need to fill out another application; just email us to say which pet you’re interested in and remind us that your application is on file.

And if we just don’t have what you’re looking for, we can offer recommendations for other rescues or shelters who have adoptable pets that might be a match for you.