So you’ve finally found the perfect addition to your family. You fill out the adoption form on-line and then… wait.
It may seem like a long time, especially when you’re so excited, but our process does take a little time and for good reason. At Pet’s Alive we feel that it is very important to make sure that our rescues find just the right home, and we want to make sure that you will be happy as well so a lot of effort is needed to make that happen.Foster Families
Let us start by explaining that all our dogs and cats stay at a foster home. That way we can take the time to get a good feel and understanding about their needs or any special requirements they may have. This could be anything from a dog that requires a high fence because of climbing issues to a cat that needs to be the only pet due to stress issues. This also helps us to be able to answer your questions and concerns honestly and with firsthand information.
1
Processing the application
After we have received the application it is sent to one of our adoption coordinators. At this time you should receive an email to let you know who the adoption coordinator is and that they are reviewing your application.
2
The Interview
At this step, we request a short, 30 minute, phone interview. This is your time to ask any questions you have about the pet. They will also talk to you about your family and home, trying to get an idea of what a day in the life of a pet in your home will look like. If the co-ordinator feels that the application is not the best fit for that particular animal they will email you and explain the reason why. Example dog not good with cats and you have a cat. They may suggest another pet they think would be a good fit for you as well.
3
Reference Checks
After the phone interview, we conduct our reference checks. It is important to let your references know to expect a call. This is especially important for your veterinarian if you have one. With the privacy act they will not be able to give us any information without your consent.
4
Home Visit
The next step is the home visit. Pleases don’t run around and clean like the Queen is coming. We all have pets, children or husbands so we don’t expect pristine living conditions. The purpose of the home visit is to see if there are any potential dangers for the pet. Our home inspectors will point out potential problems and give you suggestions for making the home pet safe. They are a wonderful resource and more than happy to answer questions you may have about making your home and yard safe.
5
The Meet
After the home visit the co-ordinator, together with the foster family will look at all the possible applications to determine the best family for that particular animal. That family will be contacted by the adoption coordinator and asked if they would like to have a meeting with the animal. All members of the family need to be available for this meeting. We only ask one family to have a meeting with the animal. This is not for our convenience but to cause as little stress for our animals as possible.
6
The Final Step!!
If everything goes well and both the adopting family and the foster agree that the adoption would go forward your adoption coordinator will send you the adoption agreement and payment information. When everything is signed and finalized you and the foster can arrange to pick up your new family member.
This seems like a lot of steps to go through for a pet but we love our animals and want to make sure that they find the best forever home possible. You are also important to us and we want to make sure that you and your family are prepared and have all the information you need to make the right decision
-- by Anne Marie
Want to learn more about Adopting a Cat or a Dog with Pets Alive Niagara? It’s easy, click here!
