Information & Pet Adoption Application

Ready to take the next step?

Please review the below information before beginning your adoption application. We look forward to helping you find your forever friend!

Table Of Contents

Ready to take the next step?
Before You Apply
Criteria You Must Meet
Information You'll Need to Apply
Adoption Application

Before You Apply

Please review the below resources in order to fully understand our animal shelter’s adoption process.

Criteria You Must Meet

In order to be considered for an adoption you must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 21 years of age.
Have identification showing your present address.
Have the consent of all adults living in the household.
Own your own home, or have the landlord’s consent to have a pet.

Information You’ll Need to Apply

The following information is required so that we can assist you in the selection of a new family member. Allow about 30 minutes to complete the application and please have the following information handy:

Name of pet you’re interested in adopting (if applicable).
Contact information for your current/past vets.
Contact information for 3 references.
Contact information for your landlord if you are renting.
Details (e.g., age, breed, etc.) for all pets currently living in the household.

Your driver’s license will be required at the time of adoption.

Adoption Application

All questions should be completed carefully and honestly in order to ensure the best match for you and your potential new pet. Please check your information for accuracy as typos, particularly in email addresses, may hinder the submission and processing of the form. Completion of this application does not guarantee the adoption of an animal in our care.

Adoption Application

Matchmaking

Who are you looking for? (check all that apply):

Puppy

Kitten

Dog

Cat

Senior

Special Needs

Gender

Female

Male

No Preference

Desired weight of pet when full grown:

Under 10 lbs

Under 20 lbs

Under 30 lbs

Under 40 lbs

40 – 60 lbs

60 lbs and up

No Preference

Desired energy level:

High (Runs Daily, Agility, Working)

Middle (Throw Ball Or Frisbee, Fast long walks, Chase Kids Daily)

Low (Quiet Walks, Couch Potato)

My new pet must be: ( Check all that apply )

Good with kids

Good with cats

Good with dogs

House trained

Leash trained

Hypoallergenic ( We have someone with allergies in home or do not like shedding )

Not particular

It is not always possible to determine whether a pet is housetrained. Would you be willing to train if necessary?

Yes

Name of animal interested in adopting?

As we are a “Best Match” facility, please indicate which particular pet you are interested in adopting. If you do not have a particular pet in mind, tell us what breed or type of pet you are interested in adopting. Not providing us with this information will delay your application or it may be unable to be processed at all. You may also put in a request for a certain breed blend by stating: REQUEST then typing who you are looking for.

If you are interested in adopting a specific breed or breeds, please tell us which one(s) and what excites you about each. If you are open to any breed then tell us that too.

How much money per month do you expect to allocate for your new pet for food, medicine, etc.?

Under $100

$100 – $200

$200 – $300

More than $300

Lifestyle

We’d now like to know more about you, your household, and the pets you currently have.

Reason for adopting:

Aggressive watch/guard Dog

Hunting

Dog that will bark when people come to door

Service dog (you are trained to provide service to disabled person)

Therapy dog (you are trained to visit nursing homes, etc.)

Emotional support dog (you are trained to provide emotional support or have a legitimate emotional support need)

Family member companion

Other

Emotional support dog need: select which applies to your situation.

You are trained to provide emotional support

You have a legitimate emotional support need

Other

Who will be the primary caretaker for this pet?

First Name

Last Name

Primary caretakers date of birth:

Is primary pet owner over the age of 75?

Yes

Senior-to-Senior Program

Primary care adopters who are 75+ years old, please read this important information regarding adopting a pet. Seniors aged 75+ must provide proof that they have made arrangements for the care of the pet they are interested in (trust, adult child, etc.). If the pet will be entrusted to an adult family member, they must meet our requirements for adoption. Seniors 75+, regardless of arrangements, are approved to adopt adult pets (aged 9+). While we encourage all seniors to adopt older pets, this only applies to adoptees over 75 years of age. For more information:

Senior-to-senior program
Age guidelines for adopting

Provisional Pet Parent

If the primary care giver to this pet is 75 years or older, in accordance with our policy, please provide information for the family member or person who will be entrusted to care for the pet in the event of his/her passing.

First Name

Last Name

Provisional Pet Parent’s Phone Number

Provisional Pet Parent’s Email Address

! Email invalid. Please check for typos.

How many hours each day will this pet be without human companionship per day?

Zero

1-2 hours

3-4 hours

5-6 hours

If the pet will be alone for more than 7 hours per day, please explain.

Have you crate trained a pet or taken a pet to obedience classes before? If so, please share your experience with that.

How do you plan to exercise this pet? (Please specify what the daily exercise will be)

Working Class Breeds

I am applying for a working class dog

I am NOT applying for a working breed dog

I am not sure what that is

If you are applying to adopt a working breed, please explain what job they will have.

Do you have a yard that is securely fenced on all sides?

Yes

Type of fence:

Chain link

PVC

Wood

Other

If you answered other to type of fence, please describe

Height of fence (in feet):

Do you have a pool?

Yes

Does it have a baby gate in operation?

Yes

Primarily, where will this pet be kept most of the time?

Inside

Outside in kennel or dog run

Outside in fenced backyard

Outside secured on chain/rope/other (no fence)

Garage

Patio

Crate in home

Other

For how long with this pet be kept in a crate?

1-2 hours at a time

3-4 hours at a time

5-6 hours at a time

7-8 hours at a time

9-10 hours at a time

we do not use crates

What is your purpose for crate usage?

Please tell us why you plan to crate your pet.

Please describe what you would do if this pet chewed your favorite shoe.

Please describe what you would do if this pet peed on your carpet.

In your experience, what is the most effective way to train a pet so that s/he integrates with your household for long-term success? If this is your first pet, what do you believe will be a successful training plan for your new pet?

Where will your pet sleep at night?

In a pet bed in a human’s bedroom

In a crate in another room

In a pet bed in another room

Outside free-roaming in yard

Outside in a kennel

Outside in a dog house

In bed with a human

Anywhere s/he chooses

There is no right or wrong answer. We have pets of all types and training levels and do our best to match you with a pet who will be compatible.

How many dogs and/or cats do you currently have living in the household?

4 or more

Pets in the Household: Pet #1

Name of Pet	Type (dog/cat)	Gender	Breed	Age	Spayed/Neutered?	Current on vaccinations/ heartworm prevention?

Pets in the Household: Pet #2

Name of Pet	Type (dog/cat)	Gender	Breed	Age	Spayed/Neutered?	Current on vaccinations/ heartworm prevention?

Pets in the Household: Pet #3+

Name of Pet	Type (dog/cat)	Gender	Breed	Age	Spayed/Neutered?	Current on vaccinations/ heartworm prevention?

How many adults are there living in the home where this pet will be?

Name and relationship to applicant

First Name	Last Name	Relationship

Name and relationship to applicant

First Name	Last Name	Relationship

Name and relationship to applicant

First Name	Last Name	Relationship

Name and relationship to applicant

First Name	Last Name	Relationship

How many children are there in the home where this pet will be?

Please count all children under the age of 18. Count children who live in the household both full and part time.

Are any of the children 5 years old or younger?

Yes

Children’s Ages

Guidelines for adopting with children in the household

Please read this important information regarding adopting with children present in the household.

The Animal League is dedicated to matching pets and families together in forever homes. Often the question is raised about how old children should be before adopting a puppy or kitten. Many experts agree that children experience a multitude of benefits from growing up alongside dogs and cats. However, sometimes the best match for young families is not a puppy/kitten, rather an adult dog or cat. Here are some reasons why:

Puppies and kittens are fragile. They are tiny and can be easily over looked by young children. This is not only dangerous for the pets, but young children can easily trip and fall over the pets. Small-breed dogs and puppies generally tend to be more nervous than larger breed dogs. This nervousness can lead to the dogs nipping or growling at young children who aren’t aware how to properly interact with small animals.

Puppies and kittens have not learned manners yet. Unfortunately, dogs and cats do not train themselves! Young children are sometimes frightened by the energy level of young pets. Until puppies and kittens are fully trained, they may scratch, nip, jump, etc. This is not due to aggression, the pets simply do not know better because they have not been trained. Regardless, these behaviors are understandably frightening to young children.

Puppies, in particular, require a lot of work! They are not house trained and have not gone through obedience training. Sometimes, puppy training coupled with the care required by babies and toddlers can prove overwhelming to parents. If dogs are not properly trained and socialized during their formative months, they can develop lifelong behavioral problems.

Children, just like puppies and kittens, go through different socialization and developmental stages. For example, children 3-4 years of age are still learning impulse control. Sudden outbursts, or impulsive grabs at a pet might frighten them and cause an adverse, frightened response. Sadly, if puppies and kittens have negative experiences with children during their socialization period, they can develop a lifelong fear of small children. Between ages 5-7, children learn empathy and are better equipped to treat dogs and cats properly. Be aware that boys under the age of 9 are the most common victims of dog bites.

In accordance with our goal to place pets in lifelong forever homes, The Animal League has developed age guidelines to assist potential adopters in finding their best match:

“6 Under 6”: Puppies and kittens under 6 months old are best-matched with families whose youngest child is 6 years of age or older, unless the puppy in question is a small breed.

Small breed puppies (under 30 lbs. full-grown) and toy breed adults (under 15lbs) are best-matched with families whose youngest child is 8 years of age or older.

Children in the Household

I have read the Guidelines in its entirety

I HAVE READ THE ANIMAL LEAGUE’S GUIDELINE’S FOR ADOPTING WITH CHILDREN IN THE HOUSEHOLD.

Check the box below to confirm you have read the Guidelines for Adopting with Children policy

I have read the Guidelines for Adopting with Children in the Household policy.

This is a double-confirmation to absolutely ensure that you read the Guidelines. Please go back and read the policy in its entirety if you did not the first time.

Part 2: Commitment

More about you

Employer

Employer’s Phone (if applicable)

Have you ever adopted from us before?

Yes

If yes, who and when:

Please tell us the pet’s name, animal type, and date you adopted from us (e.g., “Butchie”, “dog”, “12/04”).

Have you had pets in the past?

Yes

If yes, please list for each pet owned: 1. name, 2. breed, 3. vet office used, and 4. what happened to each of them. Please be thorough.

For example:
Pet #1
1. Name – Sam
2. Breed – Dog
3. Vet Office – Westside Vet Clinic
4. I got Sam when I was in college about 15 years ago. When Sam was 5 he got cancer in his leg; I tried to treat it but we ended up having to put Sam down.

Pet #2….

Pet #3…

Pet #4…

Under what circumstances would you give up this pet?

Excessive expenses

Got too big

Not enough time to spend with pet

Too energetic/hyper

Jumps on people/furniture

Housetraining/litter box problems

Aggression

Barking

Chewing

Digging

Biting

Scratching

Moving

Other

Do you have any upcoming vacation or time away from home in the next 3-4 months? If so, what would your plan be to provide care for this pet while gone, should you be approved to adopt?

If something unforeseen were to happen in which you would no longer be able to care for this pet, what will happen to him/her?

Part 3: Contacts (Applicant Information)

Your First Name

Your Last Name

Applicant Address

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Cell Phone

If you do not have a cell phone, please enter all 0s

Home Phone

If you do not have a home phone, please enter all 0s

Work Phone

If you do not have a work phone, please enter all 0s

! Email invalid. Please check for typos.

In what type of home do you live?

Single family home

Condominium (condo)

Apartment

Manufactured / mobile home

Recreational vehicle (RV) or camper

Other

Please state the other type of home in which you live

Do you RENT your home?

Yes

What are the restrictions if known?

Management Company or Landlord’s Name

Management Company or Landlord’s Telephone Number

Do you OWN your home?

Yes

If you OWN your home, do you have a homeowners association?

Yes

What are the restrictions if known?

Subdivision Name

Management Company Number

Primary Veterinarian

Please list your primary veterinarian here. If you do not currently have a vet, please list the vet you plan to use for this pet.

Veterinarian’s Name	Veterinarian’s Telephone Number	Name of Veterinarian’s Practice (e.g., “Clermont Animal Hospital”)

Secondary Veterinarian’s Name. Please list your secondary veterinarian here (e.g., a vet emergency care clinic you may have visited).

Veterinarian’s Name	Veterinarian’s Telephone Number	Name of Veterinarian’s Practice (e.g., “Clermont Animal Hospital”)

Vet Records

Choose Files

References

Reference #1. Give three references (two non-family members). You MUST give THREE. IMPORTANT: If you do not give THREE references, you application will be delayed.

First Name	Last Name	Phone Number	How do you know Reference #1?

Reference #2. Give three references (two non-family members). You MUST give THREE. IMPORTANT: If you do not give THREE references, you application will be delayed.

First Name	Last Name	Phone Number	How do you know Reference #2?

Reference #3. Give three references (two non-family members). You MUST give THREE. IMPORTANT: If you do not give THREE references, you application will be delayed.

First Name	Last Name	Phone Number	How do you know Reference #3?

If adopting a kitten/cat, do you plan to declaw?

Yes

Are you willing to have a representative of The Animal League come to see where this pet will be living?

Yes

If no, why not?

Have you ever been charged with or convicted of animal abuse, neglect, or cruelty?

Yes

If yes, explain:

Have you ever turned a pet into a shelter?

Yes

If yes, please explain

Do you understand and agree that should you be approved for an adoption and it does not work out that this pet MUST be offered back to The Animal League?

Yes

How did you hear about The Animal League?

Additional comments

The Animal League reserves the right to reject any application for adoption.

Applicant, by typing name below, gives permission for a representative of The Animal League to contact veterinarians listed, references and landlord (if applicable) provided on this form, and make a home visit (by appointment) prior to adoption.

Applicant, by typing name below, further acknowledges that all information contained in this application is true and correct, and that any misrepresentation may result in the removal of the adopted pet if adoption is approved.

Applicant, by typing name below, agrees to not declaw any kitten and/or cat adopted from The Animal League.

Applicant understands there is an adoption fee due at the time of adoption.

We are a BEST MATCH facility. We try to match the pet’s personality and needs with the family’s needs and lifestyle to increase the likelihood of a lifetime happy relationship for the whole family.

After you fill out the application please give us 5 working days to process it. It is often done quicker however we ask for your patience as we are a non-profit volunteer based rescue therefore most of the processing is done by volunteers.

Please also realize that on very popular pets, we may receive up to 20 applications. If you do not hear from us in 5 days this is likely the case. Feel free to call us after 5 days to check on the status of your application. If you are told the pet has been adopted, please understand that your application was probably one of many that came in after a FIRST BEST MATCH was accepted. We try to get back to everyone in a timely manner but occasionally get a little behind especially with popular pets. If you have put in an application and did not get your first choice pet, please consider another of our homeless pets in need. We save over 100 pets every single month so there are always new dogs and cats, puppies and kittens coming in!

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding and thank you for adopting a shelter pet, the very best breed!

I have read the above information about what I can expect next in the process.

Yes, I have read and understand what to expect.

Please type your full name

Date

May we add you to our contact list for updates about our shelter and our pets? We only send out updates a few times per year and we never sell contact information. You may opt-out at any time.

Yes

Adoption Center

Thrift Shop

Wellness Center

Adoption Application

Ready to take the next step?

Before You Apply

How our Adoption Process Works

Frequently Asked Questions

Age Guidelines for Adopting

Adoption Fees

Senior-to-Senior Program

Available Pets

Criteria You Must Meet

Information You’ll Need to Apply

Adoption Application

Matchmaking

Lifestyle

Senior-to-Senior Program

Guidelines for adopting with children in the household

Part 2: Commitment

Part 3: Contacts (Applicant Information)

Primary Veterinarian

References

Together We Can Make A Difference