At Edgewater Animal Shelter, our primary goal is to ensure every pet finds a loving, suitable home that meets their needs and ensures their long-term welfare. Adopting a pet is a big commitment, and our adoption process is designed to set both you and your new furry friend up for success.
Here’s what to expect when adopting from us:
Step 1: Fill Out an Application
Every adoption begins with an application. This helps us gather important details about you, your home, and your lifestyle to ensure we make the best possible match.
Note: You must be 21 years old to adopt from our shelter. If you live at home or with a parent, they must provide permission to adopt and agree to having the pet in their home.
Step 2: Background Checks
We conduct a background check to confirm there are no past issues with animal cruelty or neglect. Our pets deserve a safe environment, and this step helps protect their welfare.
Step 3: HOA and Landlord Confirmations
If you live in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA) or rent your home, we’ll verify their pet policies. This step prevents future complications, like adopting a dog only to discover they’re not allowed in your residence.
Step 4: Veterinary Checks
We contact your current or past veterinarian to confirm that all pets in your home are up-to-date on vaccinations and, if applicable, that dogs are on heartworm prevention. This ensures that your household is prepared for the health needs of another pet.
Step 5: Required Meet-and-Greet for Dogs
If you’re adopting a dog and already have one (or more) in your home, a meet-and-greet is required. This ensures that the dogs get along and helps prevent issues once they’re living together. It’s an important step to set everyone up for success.
Step 6: Foster-to-Adopt (FTA) Period
For dogs, we require a 3-7 day Foster-to-Adopt (FTA) period. This allows you to spend some time with your potential new family member to ensure you’re a good fit for each other before finalizing the adoption.
Step 7: Finding the Right Match
Not all pets are a fit for every family, and that’s okay. Some dogs require a fenced yard; others don’t. Some are high-energy and need active owners, while others thrive in quieter homes. Our team carefully considers these factors when recommending a match.
Our priority is the continued well-being of the animals in our care. This means that, occasionally, we may decide not to place a particular pet with you. It’s not personal—it’s about doing what’s best for the animal.
Why We’re Thorough
Adopting a pet isn’t just about finding a companion; it’s about providing a forever home. Our process is designed to reduce the likelihood of pets being returned or placed in environments that aren’t suited to their needs.
We understand that you might feel disappointed if the adoption doesn’t work out the way you hoped, but our commitment is to the animals who rely on us for their safety and care.
What’s Next?
If you’re ready to begin the adoption process, visit us to meet our adoptable pets or check out our adoption page to see who’s looking for a home. Together, we can find the perfect match for your family and give one of our shelter pets a brighter future.
Thank you for understanding our dedication to these animals and for supporting our mission to provide them with the best possible outcomes.