ARF pets stay in foster homes, so you’ll need to make an appointment with the foster parent to meet the pet. You can contact the foster parent via Petfinder; if you apply for a pet, the foster parent will contact you.

If you meet and want to adopt, filling out the application is very important (if you haven’t already done it). It allows us to check your references and your vet to make sure the dog and your family are a good fit for each other.

The foster parent makes the final decision about whether you and the dog will suit. If you both agree that the adoption should go forward, you will be able to get the pet and the records from the foster parent. You can play online or in person (we take Paypal online; in person, we take cash or checks). This adoption fee helps us continue our work; we usually spend much more than that fee preparing dogs for adoption.

Once you have adopted the pet, the ARF president will send you some PetPoint offers for microchip registration (if your pet has a microchip) and pet insurance. You will also receive an electronic copy of the records.

We like to make sure pets stay with their owners for life. So here are some requirements for every pet:

• Adopters must be 18
• Adopters must have approval of everyone in the household and the landlord, if applicable (in writing)
• Adopters should plan to keep the pet mainly indoors and should have a plan for containment
• All pets must be fixed (spayed or neutered) before adoption
• Pets will not placed in homes where children are their sole or main caregivers.

Each pet is different, so depending on the pet’s needs, we may require any of the following:

• A fenced yard or a commitment to leash walks
• A history at your local vet with your other pets
• A suitable and safe location away from busy traffic
• The right combination of pets and children (some dogs should not be placed with cats, kids, etc.)

The foster parent reserves the right to refuse the adoption for any reason.

At ARF, we want your adoption to succeed, so we give you all information we can to help you make your decision.

You might also want to Google information about the breed and talk to a trainer.

Think hard about puppies. Will you still find the dog interesting when he or she outgrows the cute puppy phase? Do you have the time, patience, and experience for this particular age or breed?

Avoid adopting two puppies together. Do plan on getting your dog basic obedience training through The Courteous Canine or other service.

You should always meet the dog before adopting. Do not adopt a dog based on appearance or breed.

Pets with ARF have been spayed/ neutered, wormed, vaccinated and (usually) microchipped. They do not always get a complete veterinary examination, so that should be your first stop after adopting.

If your pet is found to have pre-existing conditions, ARF may help pay for those at prices consistent with those charged to us by Sylva Animal Hospital.