The Adoption Process -- 
From the 1st meeting to the announcement

After the adoption matching team approves the application of  potential adopters,  they will begin suggesting dogs the adopters might want to meet.s  These  recommendationss will be guided by specific requests from the adopters as well as matches they think might be appropriate.  The team is sensitive to  the plight of  dogs who may  get passed over for various reasons and will steer adopters their way when possible.
If your dog would be a good candidate,  you will receive the adopter's application form to review.  
  • If you do not think it is a good fit,  let the Adoption Matching Team  know.  
  • If they sound good, follow these steps.

Step #1:  Call the adopter

Have a talk about your rescue dog and let them talk about themselves -- dogs, family members, what they are hoping for etc.  You will be able to tell if you think a meeting should take place.  Do one of the following:
  1. If you do not think it is a good match, graciously thank them for the conversation and say that you will be in touch with the Adoption Matching Team.  You do not need to tell them that you do not think it is a good fit.
  2. If everyone wants to proceed, set up a time for them to come to your home and meet the dog.  They are welcome to bring their dog if they would like to.  

Step #2:  Prepare for the meeting

  • Notify the Adoption Matching Team that the meeting has been set up.  
  • You will be sent a copy of the dog's Medical History Report.  Print this out.
  • The team will let you know whether or not this dog is the only dog the family is meeting and if it will be OK for them to take the dog home that day should they want to.  
  • If that is a possibility,, have the adoption forms printed out and ready to go.  Also have all the dog's supplies, including CRT magnet and any vetting records you have, gathered together.  It is helpful to send a small portion of the food you have been using.

Step #3:  Adopter meets dog

Here are some guidelines for the meeting -- 
  • Have your personal dogs separated for the first part of the meeting
  • Let their dogs and your rescue dog meet each other
  • Discuss the dog, answer questions
  • Allow the adopters to have some time alone with the dog.  You can leave the room or they can take the dog in the yard, etc
  • If all is going well, go over the dog's Medical History report.  It's important that any health issues  and care requirements be clearly outlined.
  • Allow your own dogs to join the party if you would like to
  • After the meeting, update the Adoption Matching Team.

Step #4:  The adoption is happening!

Any adopter sent to you is approved; the choice of when the transfer will take place is up to the foster and the adoptive families.   If you have questions, you can try to reach a team member but they may not be available. Use your best judgement as to whether to proceed or schedule another meeting once the question has been answered. 


When the official meeting takes place, the adopters must have a crate or harness to use  for transporting the dog home.  All paperwork, including payment, must be completed and in the possession of the foster before the dog can leave the foster's care or be considered "on hold" even if the transfer will take place anther day..  


Everyone ready?
  1. Complete the 2 adoption forms
  2. Collect 2 checks
  3. Explain that they will be emailed copies of all the documents and the CRT tag will be re-registed in their names by IGCA.  It is not necessary for them to do that..  same w/chip???
  4. Contact information for  the vets who have cared for the dog is included in the Medical History Report.  Adopters should ask their vet to request all records.
  5. Take a picture!

Step #5:  Finishing up

  1. Contact the Adoption Matching Team to let them know the adoption has been processed.
  2. Complete the Adoption Check List form to be sure you have every thing in order.
  3. Mail all to our Paperwork Coordinator
  4. Post an announcement and photo to the Yahoo Volunteer group.
  5. Pat yourself on the head for a job well done!