Before You Apply, Let’s Talk About the Application

We know, we know. You know you’re an amazing pet owner. You’ve loved animals your whole life, and answering questions about your schedule, your pets, and where a dog will sleep may feel tedious. We get it.
But we don’t know you yet. And while we would love to read “I’m a great pet owner—I’ve had dogs all my life” and say, “Perfect! Which fluffy butt would you like?” we owe these dogs more than that. We’ve seen what happens when people don’t care. We’ve taken in dogs who were neglected, abandoned, or left in shelters where they came frighteningly close to dying. Their foster families have helped them feel safe, loved, and wanted. Now those families are trusting us to find homes where they can stay that way. Our foster families read your answers. They’re the people who have helped these dogs settle in, learned their quirks, celebrated their progress, and, in some cases, surrendered a perfectly good pair of shoes to the cause. They know their foster dogs well, and they help us choose the homes where those dogs are most likely to thrive. That’s why the details matter. A one-word answer may be honest, but it can leave the foster family guessing. You don’t have to sound like a professional dog trainer or write a college thesis. Just help us get to know you. We choose the best fit for each dog, not the first person to apply. Some dogs receive multiple applications, and thoughtful answers help a foster understand what makes your home a good match. If we don’t move forward with you for one dog, it doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be a wonderful adopter. Sometimes that dog needs something different.

A few things to know before you start

-Veterinary care: We’ll contact your vet about your current pets. Dogs in the home must be current on vaccinations and heartworm prevention, or brought up to date before we can proceed.

-References: We’ll contact your personal references, usually by text. Please give them a heads-up. We can’t finish processing your application without their responses.

-Renting: Please get permission to adopt before applying. We’ll contact your landlord to confirm the dog is allowed.

-Home video: Later in the process, we’ll request a video showing your home. We’ll explain what we need to see and how to send it when the time comes.

-Fencing: No fence does not automatically rule you out. We consider each dog and home individually and will ask about your plan for safe outdoor time.

Thank you for putting real thought into your answers. The dog waiting on the other side may not understand paperwork, but their foster family will be grateful you took the time.