Adoption Guidelines

Adoption Guidelines

At Homeward Pet Adoption Center, our goal is to do the best adoption possible, matching you with an animal that will become a lifelong member of the family. Our adoption process is based on 20 years of experience in rescue, sheltering and finding forever-homes for kittens, cats, puppies and dogs, and our goal is to find you the best animal for your family, other pets, home and living situation. There are many factors that go into finding you the most appropriate animal.

Thank you for taking the time to fill out our Adoption Application and meet with one of our Adoption Counselors. We look forward to helping you find a great new four-legged friend!

The following items are required for all Homeward Pet adoptions:

  • You must be at least 21 years of age to adopt.
  • We require that all members of the household meet the adoptive animal. This includes resident dogs. We have an enclosed outdoor area where the dogs can be safely introduced.
  • We will ask you to present identification showing your present address. If you have recently relocated and have not yet secured identification we will request a bill or bank statement with your name and current address.
  • We require that you have the knowledge and consent of your landlord. Certain animal breeds face restrictions and we may ask to speak directly with your landlord to verify that they are welcome.
  • You must be able and willing to spend the time and money necessary to provide medical treatment and proper care for a pet.
  • We generally do not place animals with new owners who live more than 150 miles from our facility.

Completion of the Homeward Pet Application does not guarantee adoption. It is the first step in our adoption process.

Dog meets cat

Kittens and Cats

  • We recommend that families with children under 5 years of age do not adopt young kittens (under 4 months old). Young kittens require careful handling.
  • We suggest that our kittens be adopted in pairs. If you’re interested in adopting one kitten (under 4 months old), you should have a young, playful, friendly cat, or have someone in the family at home most of the day.
  • We advise that all of our adopted cats and kittens be indoors only. Indoor Only cats live longer and healthier, and avoid the dangers and predators outdoors. At times, we’ll have cats that based on their history and behavior may be available for adoption as Indoor/Outdoor cats. Check the ‘Available Cats’ book, ask an Adoption Counselor or receptionist, or see our adoptable cats at www.homewardpet.org.
  • We advocate against declawing cats. At times, we will have previously declawed cats available for adoption. Check the ‘Available Cats’ book, ask an Adoption Counselor or receptionist, or see our adoptable cats at www.homewardpet.org.
  • We license cats for residents of King County. At the time of adoption, we will complete the King Co. License Application and collect the fee ($30 for annual license; $15 annual license for cats adopted to Senior Citizens).
  • We are unable to place cats on hold or take deposits for animals.

For cat adoptions: bring your completed Cat Adoption Application to Homeward Pet, where an Adoption Counselor will speak with you and review your application. You can view online cat descriptions and pictures of cats currently available for adoption.

Puppies and Dogs

  • We recommend that families with children under 6 years of age do not adopt puppies (under 6 months). Puppies require a lot of attention, training and careful handling.
  • All adopted dogs should be housed primarily indoors and not be kept as outside dogs.
  • If you’re interested in adopting a pit bull or other restricted breed, you will need to provide proof of home ownership with appropriate insurance.
  • We license dogs for residents of King County. At the time of adoption, we will complete the King Co. License Application and collect the fee ($30 for annual license; $15 for annual license for dogs adopted to Senior Citizens).
  • We are unable to place dogs on hold or take deposits for animals.

For dog adoptions: bring your completed Dog Adoption Application to Homeward Pet, where an Adoption Counselor will speak with you and review your application. You can view online dog descriptions and pictures of dogs currently available for adoption.

If an animal is found that is a good match for you and your lifestyle, and your adoption proceeds:

  • You will pay a non-refundable adoption fee and sign our adoption contract.This contract is a legally binding document!
  • If you live in King County, we will issue you a King County Pet license. Fees are as follows:
  • Adult dog or cat: $30 (annual fee)
  • Senior Citizen adopting a cat or dog: $15 (annual fee)
  • You will receive copies of the adoption contract, the King County license tag, and the medical record and health history of the animal. You will also be provided a free vet exam by one of our participating veterinarians.

Cat Adoption Donations

Our adoption donations for cats are as follows:

  • $100 one adult cat
  • $100 one kitten
  • $175 two adult cats
  • $175 two kittens
  • $60 senior cat
  • $60 special needs cats

The adoption cost covers only a portion of our animal care expenses and includes; spay or neuter surgery, FVRCP and Rabies vaccines (if appropriate), de-worming, flea treatment and micro-chipping. Your adoption donation also includes a copy of the cat behavior book, ‘Think Like A Cat’, by Pam Johnson-Benett. For safety reasons, we require all cats leaving our facility to be contained in a pet carrier. We will provide a cardboard carrier as part of the adoption or you may use your own carrier.

Dog Adoption Donations

Our adoption donations for dogs are as follows:

  • $175 adult dog (over 25 lbs.)
  • $250 small dog (25 lbs. or less)
  • $250 puppy (6 months and under)
  • $75 senior dog
  • $75 special needs dogs
  • TBD rare breed puppies/dogs and special cases

The adoption cost covers only a portion of our animal care expenses and includes; spay or neuter surgery, DA2PP, Bordetella and Rabies (if appropriate) vaccinations, de-worming, flea treatment and micro-chipping. Your adoption donation also includes obedience training classes (4 weeks for adult dogs, 8 weeks for puppies). For safety reasons, we require all dogs leave our facility on a leash and collar so please bring these items from home.

Our goal is to make good matches between companion animals and people, placing each individual animal in a suitable, loving home.

 

 

Home    ::   Adopt   ::    Volunteer  ::   Donate  ::    Spay & Neuter   ::  About Us
Copyright © Homeward Pet Adoption Center. We are an approved 501(c)3 charity. All rights reserved.