Adoption Rules and Procedures
Submit an application online and come to the next adoption event
- Most applicants will not receive an email or call back after submitting an application. If you do not hear from us within 3 days please plan to come to the next adoption event to speak with a staff member.
- You must have an application submitted at least 72 hours prior to an adoption event in order meet the adoptable dogs.
- Applicants who miss the deadline are welcome to come speak with staff, but there are no guarantees the application will be reviewed on-site, and you will not be able to meet the dogs or hold puppies during your visit.
- We do not accept paper applications.
- AARF holds adoption clinics almost every weekend, generally on Sundays, for adopters to be able to meet and adopt companions. For a listing of times and locations check on our Events Page.
- All adopters must complete an application, interview, sign an adoption agreement, and agree to a home visit in order to adopt.
- Applying does not guarantee approval for adoption.
- We are not a first come, first adopt agency.
- Please be kind, we are an all-volunteer organization.
- AARF does not hold dogs. Our goal is to place dogs into loving homes in a timely manner.
- AARF requires both spouses be 21 years or older to adopt.
- AARF does not place puppies under 6 months old into homes with children 4 years and under. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
- All members of the household must meet the dog either prior to the adoption or during the home visit. Exceptions for out of area adoptions may be available on a case-by-case basis.
- Occasionally we will pre-approve applicants for a specific dog based on their application. Every dog is unique we can only pre-approve applications for a specific dog.
- If anything on your application has changed, such as your address or the pets in the home, you must submit a new application for review.
Note: AARF reserves the right to decline service or adoption to anyone (excluding protected classes).
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
Adoption fees
All dogs adopted from AARF are spayed/neutered (no exceptions), current on age-appropriate vaccinations, dewormed, and microchipped. The adoption fee is inclusive of all medical made interventions prior to adoption date.
- Large breed adults: $250
- Small breed adults: $300
- Puppies: $350
This is a general fee scale. AARF reserves the right to change the fee at any point for any reason.
