The adoption process
We're glad you've decided to consider adopting a rescue dog from Wagging Tails!
These are the steps in the adoption process.
- Application. You submit our online adoption application.
- Review. Our adoption coordinators review your application, and check your vet, landlord, and personal references.
- Home visit. We schedule a time for a representative to meet members of your household, and to briefly inspect your home and yard to make sure it is a safe environment for a dog.
- Meet a dog. If your application is approved, we try to match you with a dog. If you expressed interest in a particular dog on your application, we will take that into account. Once we have a potential adoptee for you, we will discuss that dog with you, then arrange for you to meet the dog, usually at the foster home. All members of the household should plan to attend this meeting (including other dogs).
- Adopt. If the meeting goes well, the adoption may occur immediately. You must sign an adoption contract and pay the adoption fee. Bring a leash and some treats!
Please be aware that not every application is approved, and not every potential match turns out to be a good one. No adoption is finalized until the adoption coordinator, foster parent, adoptive family, and dog all agree!
Adoption Fees
The donation required for each adopted dog is as follows:
- Up to 1 year: $250
- 1–5 years: $200
- 5 years and up: $125
This donation helps defray the costs for vaccinations, heartworm testing, spay/neuter, medical needs, and transportation. Since adoption donations rarely cover the cost of transportation and care, additional donations are always gratefully accepted.
Things to Know
• Wagging Tails is staffed entirely by volunteers, and thus the process may take longer than you expect. Please be patient.
• Dogs that come into our care are given vaccinations and a general health check, and any immediate medical needs are met. All dogs are spayed or neutered before adoption, including puppies.
• Our primary responsibility is to the dogs in our care. We sometimes must make difficult decisions about where to place dogs, especially when several qualified applicants want to adopt the same dog. If your first choice is adopted by someone else, please be assured that another wonderful dog will be available soon.
• While you're waiting for the perfect dog to come along, would you consider volunteering? Many of our approved adopters foster one or more dogs prior to adoption.