What should I expect when adopting a pet from Second Chance Pet Adoptions?

Second Chance Pet Adoptions reviews applications for the “best fit” home for the animal rather than “first come, first served.” There is no guarantee you will be approved just because you submitted an application immediately when the animal became available.

Dog Adoption Procedure:

Second Chance receives inquiries on our dogs from web contacts, our voicemail system, Adopt-a-thons, and friends of our volunteers. The first step in the procedure is to fill out an adoption application. This step MUST be completed to progress.

Once the completed application is received, the dog coordinators will check any vet references (to make sure the applicant’s current animals are up-to-date on vaccines, etc.), and if the applicant leases, their landlord will be called to verify they have paid the pet deposit and can have the size/breed of dog they have applied for.

After reference checks are completed, the application is then sent to the dog’s foster parent for review. The foster parent is expected to call or email the applicant to tell them more about their foster dog within 48 hours of receiving the application. Please note that not every application will be approved. Second Chance will always err on the side of caution with any animal in our program. If for whatever reason we don’t find a perfect match this time, we will try to suggest another dog in our program who may be a better fit your home.

If the application is approved by the foster parent, a meeting is then set up for the applicant and dog to meet. This can be set up for the next Adopt-a-thon, at the foster home, at the applicant’s house, or at a neutral location. If the meeting goes well, the applicant and foster parent are given 24 hours to think about it, and then a second meeting is arranged if both parties think the applicant’s home is a good match for the dog.

For the second meeting, it is HIGHLY recommended that this visit be done at the applicant’s home. This is to make sure the dog is comfortable there and all family members and current pets have met the dog.

If, at this time, the foster parent and applicant agree the dog is a good match, the adoption is finalized. The applicant must sign a contract and pay the applicable adoption fee at this time. The foster parent will give the complete medical records to the new parents.

Cat Adoption Procedure:

Second Chance receives inquiries on our cats from web contacts, our voicemail system, Adopt-a-thons, and friends of our volunteers. The first step in the procedure is to fill out an adoption application. This step MUST be completed before we can continue.

Once the completed application is received, the cat coordinators, where applicable, will check any vet references (to make sure the applicant’s current animals are up-to-date on vaccines, etc.), and if the applicant leases, their landlord will be called to verify they have paid the pet deposit and can have the cat they applied for.

After the adoption counselor has reviewed the application and discussed what you are looking for in your new cat, they usually will have two or more cats in mind, if you have not inquired about a specific cat. They will introduce you to the cat(s) in one of our meet-and-greet rooms and discuss the cat’s personality traits with you. This is also the time when any special needs or medications, along with the cat’s history, will be explained and reviewed with you.

Your choice has been made! You will sign a simple contract to complete your adoption and we request that you pay the adoption fee by cash or check (we also accept cards). It is important to bring a cat carrier to transport your new cat. If you do not have a carrier, the cat will not be discharged to you at that time, as we do not allow cats to free-roam in cars. You will also receive a “go home” bag with loads of helpful information and some of the food your cat is currently eating. We will also give you a demonstration nail trimming if you want. (Our cat adopters receive free nail trims for life at our adoption center.)

And lastly, you’ll take your new family member home for many years of companionship and love!