Hooray, we know how exciting this can be! To set yourself up for adoption success, check out these tips.
First things first, be sure to read the pet’s entire profile!
If the pet is listed by a shelter or rescue, you'll see one of these "Ask About Me" buttons:
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- The blue button with the message icon allows you to message the shelter or rescue through the pet profile on Adopt a Pet. The blue button with the phone icon takes you specifically to the shelter/rescue's contact info to connect with them directly.
Pro Tip: Messaging a shelter/rescue about the pet you're interested in through “Ask About Me” does not serve as an adoption application and does not place a pet on hold. Be sure to more proactively connect with the individual shelter or rescue, while always adhering to their unique adoption process.
- Pay special attention to the adoption process for the specific shelter or rescue listing the pet; the next step could be visiting a shelter, messaging or calling them, or applying to adopt. If you do NOT see their adoption process explained (below “My story” on the pet’s profile) proceed by contacting them through “Ask About Me”.
- The blue button with the message icon allows you to message the shelter or rescue through the pet profile on Adopt a Pet. The blue button with the phone icon takes you specifically to the shelter/rescue's contact info to connect with them directly.
If the pet is listed by a “private owner”, you'll see an "Apply to Adopt" button:
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- To start the inquiry process for pets listed by private owners, the first step is to “Apply to Adopt”. Once a private owner reviews your application, if they would like to proceed to the next step (scheduling a phone call with you), they will connect with you directly via email or phone.
- Rest assured, applying to adopt in these cases, does not lock you in, it merely starts the process. We know you may have quite a few questions to ask them about the pet, and they'll want to learn more about you too! For more info on adopting through a private owner, click here.
Slow and steady typically does not win the race when it comes to adoptions.
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- If you’re really interested in a pet, submit your application as soon as possible, while following the shelter or rescues’ adoption procedures or Rehome by Adopt a Pet's procedures for pets listed by private owners.
Fun Fact: When there are multiple qualified applicants on the same pet, the adopter is usually selected on a first come first serve basis. So...the best way to get approved is to first and foremost, be candid, open, and honest on your application and, in case we haven’t mentioned this yet…get it in FAST!
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- Once your application is in, be patient while awaiting a response. Our hardworking shelter/rescue partners usually field many applications for multiple pets at the same time and many private owners receive multiple applications on their pet(s). Please be kind and diligent, but not pushy. 🙂
Happy Adopting!