Here’s What Comes Next
Ready ToAdopt?
You’ve completed your application, met your match, and been approved for adoption — congrats! Now it’s time to prepare for your new pup’s arrival and set them up for success.
What You’ll Need Before Bringing Your Dog Home
Before we finalize the adoption, we require that you have the following essentials ready.
Not sure where to buy these? Just ask — we’re happy to offer suggestions!
Airline-style Crate (not a wire crate)
A secure space your dog can rest and decompress safely.
Collar
We recommend wide, well-fitted collars — even for smaller pups!
ID Tag
Include your name and contact info. If a name hasn’t been chosen yet, “I AM LOVED” works just fine.
A bag of their current food
We’ll let you know what they’ve been eating in foster care to help prevent tummy troubles during transition.
Adoption Resource Library
We want you and your new companion to thrive together! These short guides will help you get off on the right paw:
Adopting a Pet (PDF) - Coming soon!
Dogs Need Behavior Boundaries (PDF) - Coming soon!
Puppy Care Tips (PDF) - Coming soon!
Still HaveQuestions?
We’ve rounded up answers to the most common questions we hear from adopters — everything from what to expect on adoption day to how to introduce your new dog to resident pets. If you don’t see your question here, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Do I have to have a specific dog in mind to submit an adoption application?
No! If you take a peek on our adoptable page on our website and do not see someone specific, or are unsure of the type of dogthat would be a good match — you can submit an application regardless! Our team does the best job they can on matching our pups’ personalities with lifestyles and daily routines. By filling out an application, you help our team match you with a perfect dog. Sometimes the process takes just a little bit longer to find the perfect fit, and that’s why our adoption applications are active for 6 months.
Do you hold applications? If so, for how long?
We hold applications for 6 months. If the animal you had originally applied for was adopted already or something had come up during the process, our team will hold your application for 6 months. Should another animal on our website spark your interest or our team feels there could be good match, the application is “valid” for 6 months. After that time, we ask to submit a fresh application because, well, life happens and some things change!
What happens if there is a lot of interest in the animal I am interested in?
Sometimes this happens! We want to be as transparent with our applicants as possible. When we receive a lot of interest on a particular animal, we will always have an open and streamlined path of communication with applicants. We do not work on a first-come, first-served basis but instead carefully consider applications, meet-and-greet interactions, and overall fit, always making decisions with the animals best interests in mind. With this said, we review all applications and arrange phone calls with each applicant to discuss more about lifestyles, personalities, and then discuss with the foster family to help determine what the absolute best fit for the animal is. From there, we arrange meet-and-greets with the applicant that we feel is the best match.
Can I set up a meet-and-greet the same day I submit an application? When can I see the animal?
Because our rescue is foster-based, sometimes arranging meet-and-greets can take some time. We ask that all household members are present (including any doggie family members), our foster family, the adoptable animal, and a PAR adoption counselor is present for those meet-and-greets. Arranging all these different schedules can be tough, so we do ask for some patience and grace while we coordinate. While it does not happen often, if our team reviews the application, has a phone call conversation, and everyone’s schedules align for a meet-and-greet, then a meet-and-greet at our facility can take place the same day.
Are Puppy Parties the only time I can meet an animal?
Our “Puppy Parties” are NOT the only time someone can meet an animal, but a great place to start if you are unsure of the animal would be a good match. Puppy Parties are a great way to initially meet an adoptable animal, get a better sense of their personalities, engage with their foster families, and see them interact with other doggies and/or people. Our Puppy Parties offer a 2-hour window for people to meet a variety of our animals, ask any questions to our dedicated Team, and interact with the animals. Puppy parties are not a requirement for the application process but a great way to begin the adoption journey.
Can you hold an animal for me if my application goes through the entire process?
NO. We do not hold animals. If an application has gone through the entire process, we do ask that an adoption take place no later than 4 days following a meet-and-greet. We do not hold “spoken for” animals in our rescue because they take a spot in a loving, nurturing foster home from the animals in dangerous situations and unhealthy shelter environments. The animals who need us must have a foster home in order for us to help them — meaning that when an animal is spoken for, they move into their forever home as soon as possible!
Can foster families adopt their foster animal?
Yes! We like to call these “Foster Fails.” We allow the foster family no longer than a week to decide if they would like to keep the animal. During this time-frame, we do our best to give the foster family time and space to make their decision without missing out on the animal’s potential forever home. Our team always communicates the needs of the animal with the foster family, as well as any other interested parties, and all parties are expected to follow the process the same as any other applicant. This allows us to find the perfect placements for each and every animal!