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THE PROCESS
The first step in the adoption process is to fill out an application. Applications are processed on a first come/ best-fit basis and generally take 48-72 business hours to approve. Incomplete applications will not be processed, so please make sure to fill out the entire form!
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ADOPT & WHAT INFORMATION IS REQUIRED?
Anyone over the age of 21 with a valid state ID and no record of convictions for animal cruelty or violent crimes is eligible to adopt. By completing an application, you are agreeing to a background check.
If you currently have pets in your home, or have had pets in the past 5-7 years, we require your Veterinarian’s contact information so that we can verify a history of consistent medical care. If they are/were not spayed/neutered or kept up to date on their vaccinations, we would need a valid medical or personal reason why. If you have not had pets in your home within the past 5-7 years or the pets belong to your parents, girlfriend, roommate, etc., we require 3 non-family references.
If you currently own your home, we will verify that the home is in yours or your spouse's name through property records. If you rent your home, or if your name does not appear on the property records but you are not technically renting (i.e. the home is owned by your family), we would need verification from the landlord/owner that you are allowed to have pets and whether there are any breed or size restrictions in place.
WHY DO MY CURRENT ANIMALS HAVE TO BE UP TO DATE ON THEIR VACCINATIONS & SPAYED/NEUTERED?
We want our animals to thrive in their new homes and consistent veterinary care plays an important role in their long-term well-being. If your current animals are not properly being cared for, we cannot be confident that our animals would be going forward.
Want to learn more about vaccinations? Check out the links below.
Having reservations about spaying or neutering your pet?
Let the ASPCA put your mind at ease. Read about the benefits and debunk the myths.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO ADOPT?
There is no application fee unless you are applying for pre-approval. Pre-approval applications come with a $15 processing fee.
What's the point of getting pre-approved? As a small rescue, we often don't have exactly what adopters are looking for. Getting pre-approved helps you bring home your perfect pooch sooner by allowing staff to reach out anytime a dog meeting your search criteria comes in.
Adoption fees help us cover the cost of medical care for our dogs. All adopted dogs are spayed/neutered, up to date on their Rabies, Bordetella, and Distemper vaccinations, Heartworm tested, and Microchipped, unless recommended otherwise by our Veterinarian.
Adoption fees (subject to change):
$295 - $500
I'M APPROVED... NOW WHAT?
Upon approval, a STAR staff member will contact you to set up a time for you to get to know the dog of your choice. If you currently have any dogs in your home, you will need to bring the animal(s) to the meet. Dog meets ONLY take place after an application has been processed and approved.
Dogs need to decompress when coming into a new environment. They often need time to get the hang of their new routine and get comfortable with their new family. Because of these reasons, our adoptions begin with a two-week trial period. We created this policy to help ensure that each dog we place would find what will truly be their forever home. We also want you to be happy with your new family member. The two-week trial period will allow you to make sure that you’re prepared to be a pet parent. During the two-week trial, if (for whatever reason) you feel that your home is not the right fit, bring the dog back and we will refund the adoption fee. Approved applications are valid for 2 years so we are happy to work with you going forward to find the dog that's right for you!
FINAL APPROVAL IS ALWAYS AT THE DISCRETION OF STAFF
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? VISIT OUR FAQ.