Our Adoption Process
Overview
Getting
Started
Submitting an Application
Adoption Prerequisites
Adoption Counseling
Checking Out
Adoption Follow-up
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 Our Adoption Process [PDF]
Overview
Step 1: Browse our online listings to see which pets are available for adoption.
Step 2: Visit the shelter to spend some time with the pet(s) you're interested in adopting.
Step 3: Submit an application in person and schedule an adoption counseling session.
Step 4: Meet with an adoption counselor.
Step 5: Bring your new pet home!
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Do you believe in love at first sight? A pre-adoption dog meeting in progress.
Getting Started
The first step in the adoption process is
to spend time interacting with the animal(s) that you are interested in
adopting. You are welcome to visit our adoption center during normal visitation
hours, Tuesday through Friday 12 noon to
7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11
am to 4 pm. Out-of-state
adopters are welcome!
Staff members are available to help you find the cat or dog that will be
the best match for you and your family. If you would like to visit with an animal that is in a
kennel or cage, please ask our staff or volunteers to assist you. If you decide you would like to adopt that
animal, the next step is to fill out a Pre-Adoption
Application.
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Submitting an Application
You can download an application and fill it out in advance to bring with you when you visit the shelter. Faxed or emailed applications cannot be accepted at this time. Each application is animal specific, so you must have a particular animal in mind, and have met and spent time with that animal, to submit the application. If you are the first to apply for a specific animal, you
will have the first opportunity to adopt that animal. Once you have submitted
the application, we will review and process it. Qualified adopters will be
scheduled to return for an adoption counseling session within 24 to 48 hours.
If you cannot schedule an appointment within that time frame and someone else
applies for the same animal, we may need to “bump” your appointment and move on
to the next person.
Applications are not guaranteed to result
in adoption, so we encourage you to apply for an animal you are interested in
even if he/she has already received one or more an applications. We schedule
applicants in the order their applications are received. If you are next in
line for an animal, we will call and let you know whether we can schedule you for
an adoption counseling session, or advise you that the animal has been adopted.
Applications can be held and reused for another animal if necessary.
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Adoption
Prerequisites
All of the members of the household must
meet the animal you are applying for before or at the counseling session. There are rarely any exceptions to this rule.
You cannot adopt an animal to give to someone else as a surprise; that person
must be involved in the adoption process and meet the animal before or at the
counseling session.
All resident animals in your household must
be up to date with vaccinations and spayed/neutered. If we cannot verify this
prior to your counseling session by contacting your veterinarian, you may be
asked to bring relevant paperwork with you when you return. Exceptions to this
rule can only be made if there is a medical reason why an animal cannot be
vaccinated or spayed/neutered, or if you are actively showing or breeding the
animal. Written proof will be required in either case.
If you are adopting a dog and you have one
or more resident dogs, all the dogs must meet. This typically takes place at
the beginning of the counseling session. This can only be done by appointment
because a counselor must be available to supervise the meeting. If the animals do
not get along at the meeting, we will be unable to send that animal home with
you. If you are adopting a dog and have
one or more resident cats, we will conduct a test with one of our resident cats
prior to your counseling session to see how the dog you want to adopt responds.
If the dog does not pass this test, we will be unable to send him/her home with
you.
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Adoption Counseling
When you arrive for your counseling
session, you will meet with one of our adoption counselors. Counseling sessions
typically last about 45 minutes. If a dog meeting is necessary, this will take
place at the beginning of the session. Please allow up to an additional half
hour per resident dog. If any members of the household need to meet the animal
you have applied for, please plan to arrive early so there is time for the
meeting to take place before your counseling session.
Please remember to bring any requested documentation to your counseling session, such as:
- Your resident dog(s) if you are adopting a dog, for a dog meeting
- Proof of home ownership (e.g. title/deed, mortgage bill, tax payment receipt)
- Landlord permission (signed letter on letterhead, signed and notarized letter on plain paper, or lease/ lease addendum specifying number and type of permitted animals and any size or breed restrictions)
- Proof of pet deposit payment if one was required by your lease/landlord
- Address verification (e.g. lease, utility bill, driver’s license, other photo ID with current address)
- Veterinary records for resident animals (e.g. current rabies vaccination certificate, proof of spay/neuter)
- Letter from veterinarian explaining why resident animal cannot be vaccinated or spayed/neutered, or proof that he/she is being actively shown or used for breeding
During the session, your counselor
will review the animal’s medical history, microchip information, and feeding
requirements with you, and answer any questions you may have. Approval of your adoption is up to the
discretion of the adoption counselor. If your adoption is approved, your
counselor will have you fill out an adoption contract and other important paperwork.
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Checking Out
When your counseling session is complete you
will receive a folder with copies of all relevant paperwork, including the
animal’s medical exit exam and microchip information, the adoption contract, a
coupon for a free vet exam, dog training class information (if applicable), and
educational materials. You should be prepared to pay the adoption fee and take the animal home with you at the end of the
counseling session.
If you are adopting a cat, please bring a
carrier to transport the animal to your home. We can provide a hard plastic
carrier for $25 or a cardboard carrier for $5. Dog adopters will be provided
with a new collar and leash.
Dog adopters are strongly encouraged to get
your dog licensed. If you live in New Castle County, Delaware you can purchase
one at the time of adoption. The minimum cost is $12 for a 1-year County
license or $10 for a 1-year City of Wilmington license (you do not need both). Information about obtaining a dog license for all Delaware residents is available.
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Adoption Follow-up
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any remaining questions or concerns, or if you experience any post-adoption issues. A staff member or shelter volunteer will contact you by phone or email two to three weeks after the adoption to conduct a brief follow-up survey. We also encourage you to submit your adoption Success Stories, stop by the shelter for a visit with your adopted pet(s), or attend one of our many pet-friendly events. We love to know how our alumni are doing in their new homes!
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