The answer is: it depends! See below for the answer that's applicable to your current situation. Please note, this is only for the adoptions of pets listed by private owners (through Rehome by Adopt a Pet).
You submitted an adoption application:
- If you haven’t heard back from the private owner yet, you don’t need to do anything. That’s right, you’re all set! There is no way to withdraw or cancel your application after it’s been submitted. IF the private owner emails or calls you, just let them know you are no longer interested.
You submitted an application AND spoke with the private owner:
- If you applied to adopt a pet, had a call with the private owner, and had arranged a Meet & Greet - be courteous and contact the private owner right away to cancel and let them know you are no longer interested, so they may move forward with other applicants.
You submitted an application, spoke with the private owner, and did a Meet & Greet:
- If you met the pet and either said you’d think about it or verbally agreed to adopt, please be courteous and contact the private owner right away to let them know you are no longer interested; this will allow them to move on to other applicants. As emails have a tendency to get lost, please connect with the private owner via email and phone.
You submitted an application, did a Meet & Greet, and signed the Transfer of Ownership agreement but did not do the pet handoff yet (the pet is still living with the private owner):
- We get it, every now and again, something very unexpected happens and you have to cancel an adoption even after following Rehome’s adoption process. Be courteous and immediately let the private owner know via email and phone that unfortunately you have to cancel the adoption.
You have gone through the entire Rehome adoption process, your new pet is currently living with you, and you need to return them to their previous owner:
- Once a Transfer of Ownership agreement has been fully executed by both you and the previous owner and the pet is in your care, if you're giving the pet back to the prior owner, you'll want to create a new Transfer of Ownership signed and dated by both parties. Tip: Performing a browser search for a free bill of sale template will provide you with several quick, easy, and free options. If you’re unable to execute a bill of sale, we highly advise you to keep a record of all communications between you and the previous owner, in the event that the pet ownership timeline is ever disputed.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us!