When placing a dog into an adoptive home, our primary goal is to ensure that the adopter is the right match for that particular dog. If the dog needs to return to the shelter, it is traumatic for the dog and the adoptive family. We must also ensure the adopter is ready for this responsibility and commitment. Depending on the dog’s age at the time of adoption, dogs are a 10-15-year commitment.

It is already positive that you are choosing to adopt rather than buy a dog from a pet store, online classified ads like Kijiji (which are more often than not from puppy mills or backyard breeders), or a breeder. There are so many beautiful, loving dogs at shelters and rescues waiting to be loved, so why buy a dog when you can rescue one?

Our Procedures for Adopting a Dog 

The adoption/inquiry process starts with a conversation with our adoption coordinator, who can be reached at 819.876.7747 any day of the week between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m..

During the initial call, we can answer your questions. We will also have some of our own, like what type of home you can provide and what kind of dog you are looking for… energy level, types of activities you do, length of time the dog would be alone during a typical day, other animals in the house, children and the age of children, male/female preference, and any other important criteria for choosing a specific dog.

Some potential adopters are interested in meeting a particular dog, while others prefer to come to the shelter to meet a few of our adoptable dogs. Either way, before your visit, you’ll need to have a conversation with our adoption coordinator and then make an appointment to visit the dog(s).

We like to talk to each potential adopter because we know our dogs. Through conversation, we can get a feel for whether or not the dog you are interested in will be a match. If you aren’t sure which dog best suits your lifestyle, we can often help narrow it down.

Following the phone conversation(s), we can arrange a visit to the shelter so you can meet the dog(s). You can take the dog(s) for a walk and interact with them in our fenced-in dog park. If you already have a dog, we will ask that you bring him or her with you. We prefer that all family members attend the adoption visit, and if younger children live in the home, they must also be present.

First Visit Adoptions

We try to discourage first-visit adoptions because adoptions should not be impulsive or emotional decisions. They must be well-thought-out, rational decisions. You also need to prepare your home for your new pet.

If a first-visit adoption is anticipated (for example, adopters living far from the shelter), reference checks must be made beforehand.

Home checks are scheduled on a case-by-case basis.

Trial Period

We have a 3-week trial period during which, if the dog doesn’t work out for “reasonable” reasons, the dog is returned to SAFAS, and the adoption fee is refunded. The adoption fee is not refunded if the dog is returned after three weeks.

As stated in the contract signed at the time of adoption, if for any reason you can’t keep your adopted dog the shelter MUST be contacted, and the dog MUST be returned to SAFAS. Our shelter dogs remain our responsibility for placement for their entire lives.

SAFAS remains registered as the primary contact for all our dogs with their microchip registration. After the 3-week adoption trial, the adopter will be put on as 2nd contact on the dog’s microchip. 

Our adoption fee is $575.00.