Adoption Requirements & Process
We care deeply about every animal that comes through our rescue and work hard to place each one in a loving, permanent home. While we believe in educating rather than judging, we do have specific requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animals and our rescue.
Adoption Requirements
Residence
At this time, we are only able to adopt animals to residents of Wisconsin and Illinois.
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Applicants must live within two hours of Milwaukee if adopting a pet under a spay/neuter contract.
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Applicants may live within four hours of Milwaukee if adopting a pet that is already spayed or neutered
We verify property ownership for all applicants. If you rent your home, we will contact your landlord to confirm pet approval and to verify any breed or size restrictions that may apply.
Vetting
Any pets currently living in the home must be up to date on vaccinations. Required vaccines include:
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Rabies
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DHPP (for dogs) / FVRCP (for cats)
If your current pet is not spayed or neutered, the animal you are applying to adopt must either:
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Already be spayed or neutered, or
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Be of the same gender as your current pet
Deposit Policy
If you are submitting an adoption application, please be prepared to schedule a meet-and-greet within 4 days of receiving your application approval email. If you are unable to meet within that timeframe, or if the animal is not yet available for adoption and you would like us to hold the animal until able to meet, a deposit is required: $25 for cats and kittens, or $100 for dogs and puppies. If a deposit is not received, we may continue processing other applications for that animal.
Deposits must be paid electronically through Square and will be applied toward the adoption fee. If you meet the animal and decide it is not the right fit, the deposit may be transferred to another animal or refunded, subject to board approval.
Adoption Fees
Adoption fees are due at the time of adoption. We do not accept checks for adoption fees. Payment may be made by cash or electronic methods (Square is our only option at this time, we're working on PayPal and Venmo)
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Please note: Adoption fees are considered donations and are non-refundable in the event the animal is returned.
DOGS
Under 2 years: $475
2-7 years: $325
8+ years: $225
Pitty type dogs over 6 months: $250
We do not adopt littermates to the same household
CATS
Under 9 months: $150
9 months-7 years: $100
8+ years: $50
20% discount off adoption donation for cats adopted in pairs
Adoption Process
Submit an Adoption Application
Once you find an animal you’re interested in meeting, please complete an adoption application. Our team will review your application and contact you within 24 hours of submission to discuss the next steps.
Process Adoption Application
Our goal is to place every animal in a safe, loving, and permanent home. To ensure the best possible matches, we carefully review each adoption application we receive.
As part of our screening process, we:
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Conduct a background check to confirm there are no violent offenses.
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Verify home ownership through public tax records.
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For renters, we contact landlords to confirm pet approval and identify any breed or size restrictions.
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Reach out to your veterinarian to confirm that your current pets are up to date on exams, vaccinations, monthly preventatives, and are spayed or neutered.
This process helps us ensure that every animal is placed in a responsible, stable, and loving environment.
Phone Interview
If your application passes the initial review, we will contact you to schedule a phone interview at a convenient time. During this conversation, we’ll ask a few questions to learn more about your household, lifestyle, and expectations. This helps us determine whether the pet you’ve applied for is the best match for you and your family.
Virtual Home Inspection
At the end of the phone interview, we will ask you to provide photos of both the inside and outside of your home. This allows us to ensure that the environment is safe, clean, and suitable for the animal you are applying to adopt.
We understand that people live in their homes and do not expect them to be “picture-perfect.” Our goal is simply to confirm that the space is comfortable and secure for your new companion.
Please note that this step is required in order to move forward to the meet-and-greet stage.
Meet and Greet
Once the phone interview and virtual home inspection are complete, your application will be forwarded to the foster caregiver of the animal you applied for. The foster will contact you directly to schedule a meet and greet.
We ask that the meet and greet take place within 4 days of your approved application email, out of respect for everyone’s time and schedules. If you are unable to meet within that time, we may require a deposit to hold the pet otherwise we're open to processing other adoption applications. The meeting can be held at your home, the foster’s home, or at a neutral location—whichever is most comfortable for everyone involved.
Meet and Greet Requirements:
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All household members must be present during the meet and greet.
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If you are adopting a dog and already have one at home, you are required to bring your dog to the meet and greet so we can ensure both dogs are comfortable with each other.
During the meet and greet, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time with the animal, ask questions, and learn more from the foster about the pet’s personality and needs. The foster may also ask you questions to help determine if this is the right match.
Please note: the foster caregiver has the final say in determining whether the adoption will move forward.
Adoption
If everyone agrees that your home and family are a great fit, you may proceed with the adoption. Adoptions can be completed the same day as the meet and greet, or you may choose to take up to 24 hours to make your decision.
(Please note: the 24-hour period is intended for decision-making, not for “testing” the animal.)
As part of the adoption process, you will:
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Sign the adoption contract
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Pay the adoption donation fee
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Have the option to take a “Happy Tails” photo to celebrate your new addition, which we may share on social media (the photo is completely optional)
Included in the Adoption Donation
For Dogs
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Deworming treatment
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DHPP Vaccine (will be administered as an age-appropriate series based on the pet’s age at intake)
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Rabies Vaccine (6 months and older)
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One free training consultation with our resident trainer - Angie
For Cats
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Deworming Treatment
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FVRCP Vaccine (will be administered as an age-appropriate series based on the pet’s age at intake)
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Rabies vaccine (6 months and older)
Included for All Adopted Pets
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Microchip (includes FREE lifetime registration)
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Spay/Neuter – Pets that are not yet spayed or neutered at the time of adoption are placed on a spay/neuter contract. Kittens/cats, adult dogs, and puppies expected to weigh under 25 lbs at maturity must be spayed or neutered within six (6) months of adoption. Puppies expected to weigh over 25 lbs at maturity must be spayed or neutered within nine (9) months of adoption. Procedures performed at one of our approved veterinarians are fully covered by the rescue.
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Lifetime Support – we are always here to support our adopters. From training advice and reassurance to rehoming/return options, we strive to help whenever possible.
Please note that taking an animal back into our rescue is handled on a case-by-case basis, and there may be times when we are unable to offer intake support.
About Ages, Breeds, and Assessments
Ages and breeds are our best estimates, and we cannot make any guarantees. Most of our animals come from overcrowded shelters with limited resources. We do our best to evaluate each animal’s behavior and medical needs and place them into loving foster homes until they are ready to go home with you. Our organization is operated entirely by dedicated volunteers who give their time and love out of the goodness of their hearts.
Pawfectly Matched!
