Three Step Process
Step 1: Advertising Your Pet
- It’s important that you take several good photos of your pet indoors (if he is an inside pet) and outdoors. A pet profile with a great photo will get the most attention by potential adopters.
- Create your pet’s biography, providing breed, sex, age, etc. Include medical history and any medical/behavioral problems. You must share this information with potential adopters to determine whether or not they are up to the challenge. If your pet is not spayed or neutered and you don’t want him or her to be used solely for breeding purposes, click Read More.
- State what your rehome fee is! For more information about determining an appropriate rehome fee and why it is important, click Read More.
- Create a photo flyer with your pet’s information. Display it in as many area pet-related businesses as you can. Advertise your pet on our Adoptable Pets page! We also make it easy for you to share your pet on social media.
Step 2: Reviewing Applicants and Meet-and-Greet
- Before calling an applicant to discuss your pet and the applicant’s home and family life, send them a ReHome Application.
- Ask if you can contact their vet for a reference. If your pet is a breed that will need regular grooming, ask if you can contact a groomer they may use (or have used) for a reference.
- If you like what you hear from the applicant, their vet, and their groomer (if applicable), then you may want to schedule a meet-and-greet in a safe public place. The purpose of the meet-and-greet is to get to know the applicant, to see how they react to your pet, and to see how your pet reacts to them. Click Read More for further information about where to safely schedule a meet-and-greet and how to prepare for it.
- Don’t feel pressured into making a decision during the meet-and-greet. Remember that the decision you make will impact your pet for the rest of his or her life! Click Read More for further information about the adoption process.
Step 3: Adoption and Follow-up
- On adoption day, take the Pet Information Sheet and two copies of a ReHome Contract with you; also your pet’s ID, bed, favorite toys, medicine/medical records, and food. Click Read More.
- Trust your instincts! If that day you find you have any nagging feeling that your pet and the applicant are not a match, you can say so tactfully and return home with your pet.
- If the applicant seems to be a good match for your pet, have the adopter fill out and sign both copies of a ReHome Contract and leave one with him. The contract should stipulate that if he can’t keep your pet, he will return him to you! Collect the rehoming fee before leaving. Click Read More.
- A three-week trial period is ideal. Call the adopter after the first 48 hours, and then once a week during the trial period. Encourage the adopter to call you if any problems arise.