Introduction
The decision to adopt a pet is a wonderful one! Not only will you be saving a life, but you'll also be gaining a loving companion to share your life with. However, before you can bring your new furry friend home, there are a few things you'll need to do, including filling out an adoption application.
The adoption application process can seem daunting, but it's important to remember that it's a necessary step in ensuring that you and your new pet are a good fit for each other. By providing detailed information about yourself, your lifestyle, and your expectations, you can help the adoption organization make an informed decision about whether or not to approve your application.
Why is the Adoption Application Process so Important?
The adoption application process is important for several reasons:
- It helps the adoption organization get to know you. The application will ask you questions about your lifestyle, your experience with pets, and your reasons for wanting to adopt.
- It helps you assess your readiness to adopt. The application will help you think about your lifestyle and make sure that you're prepared to provide a safe and loving home for a pet.
- It helps the adoption organization make a good match. The application will help the adoption organization determine which pets are a good fit for you and your family.
- It's a legal requirement. In most states, it's illegal to adopt a pet without completing an adoption application.
Details of the Pet Adoption Application Process
The adoption application process varies from organization to organization, but there are some general steps you can expect to take:
- Contact the adoption organization. The first step is to contact the adoption organization and ask for an adoption application. You can do this by phone, email, or in person. Many organizations have online applications you can complete as well.
- Fill out the application. The adoption application will ask you for a variety of information, including your name, address, contact information, and lifestyle details. The more detail you include, the more quickly the organization can review your application. If it's a busy organization or one that's all-volunteer-run (many are) and you leave info out, sometimes your application will go to the bottom of the stack as complete applications are easiest to process first.
- Submit the application. Once you've completed the application, you'll need to submit it to the adoption organization. You can do this by mail, email, or in person.
- Wait for a decision. The adoption organization will review your application and decide whether or not to approve it. This can take a few days or several weeks. It's okay to follow up after a few days, but don't contact them every day or contact them via several modes (email, text, website form, etc.) as that can work against you.
- Be interviewed. If your application is approved, you may be asked to come in for an interview. This is a chance for the adoption organization to meet you in person and ask you additional questions about your lifestyle and expectations.
- Adopt your new pet! If your interview goes well, you'll be able to adopt your new pet! The adoption organization will provide you with all the necessary paperwork and instructions.
- What if you're not approved? Although it may feel like a personal thing, try not to get upset if you're not approved for adoption. Every organization has requirements and they're not always going to tell you what they are. Keep in mind they're only doing what they think is best for the pet and for you. Just move on to another organization!
How to Increase Your Chances of Being Approved
There are several things you can do to increase your chances of being approved for adoption:
- Be honest and thorough in your application. The more information you provide, and the more honest you are, the better the adoption organization will be able to assess your readiness to adopt.
- Provide references. References from your veterinarian, landlord, or friends and family can help to verify your information and show that you are a responsible pet owner.
- Be prepared to answer questions. The adoption organization may ask you additional questions about your lifestyle and expectations during your interview. Be prepared to answer these questions honestly and thoroughly.
- Be patient. The adoption process can take time. Don't get discouraged if you don't get approved for the first pet you apply for. Keep trying and you'll eventually find a great match.
Conclusion
The adoption application process can seem daunting, but it's an important step in ensuring that you and your new pet are a good fit for each other. By being honest and prepared, you can increase your chances of being approved for adoption and bringing home the perfect furry friend for your family.
To learn more about the adoption application process, listen to our latest episode of the Starlight Pet Talk podcast: An Adopter's Journey: From Shopping to Adopting.
