Pet Proofing Your Home

1. Get Your References Ready

The first step of the adoption process is application. Reference checks

are actually quite common at this initial stage. Let your friends, family

members, or whoever else you’ve decided to list as a reference know

they should be expecting a call from the rescue.

2. Set Aside Time to Apply

Adoption applications are usually online, but they do tend to be somewhat

long, taking anywhere between 25-40 minutes. They’ll ask you for

detailed information about your personal qualities, your history with

dogs and cats, your home and more.

3. Be Patient

Most rescues have limited manpower, which might mean you have to wait

a few days to a week before you get a response. If enough time passes,

don’t hesitate to contact the shelter and check on your application — just

like with a job, calling and checking on your application status will only

show you’re serious about this endeavor. Eventually, the rescue will

arrange a meet and greet between you and your prospective pet.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions!

For your meet and greet, prepare and ask a lot of questions. Also, keep in

mind you may not be the only applicant for ownership of this pet, so treat

it like you’re competing for a job. Make a wonderful first impression and try

to wow everyone you encounter during that first meeting. If you have any

other pets or children, bring them, too! This will be a great opportunity to

see how everyone gets along.

5. There May be a Home Check — Prepare for It!

After the meet and greet, the rescue may send someone to your home,

which could involve anything from an examination of the pet’s potential

living space to a yard check to getting to know you more. Make your home

presentable; lock up any harmful household items such as cleaning

supplies and loose wires. If all goes well, the contract will be next!