The Adoptions Component of The St. Martin's Animal Foundation can be defined as our "happy endings." Everything that we do leads us to---what we hope---is the final step in our rescue mission for each animal. Every year, millions of innocent animals are put to death in our nation's shelters due to the overwhelming pet population caused by legal and illegal over breeding, and the lack of good homes.
However, please keep in mind that adopting a companion animal is a very involved process. Our adoption process is the same for everyone and it is not our intent to frustrate you. Rather, everything we do is in the best interest of the animals in our care. Our goal is to give them the best possible chance of finding a permanent, loving home.
The first step in the adoption process is to fill out a Pet Adoption Application. This application includes questions about your living situation, pet history, current pets, the type of pet you are looking for, and how it will be cared for. This information will aid us in our screening process as we determine which pet will be best for you and your family. Every dog and cat varies in personality, behavior and special needs.
Please note that the majority of our dogs will require at least a six-foot, secured, fenced-in yard. However, we may have some dogs available who are appropriate for apartment living. All adopted cats must be kept indoors, in order to protect them from the dangerous elements found outdoors. In either situation, our screening process involves a home visitation. You will also be asked to provide proof of home ownership. If you are a renter, you will be asked for a copy of your lease/rental agreement that stipulates that pets are allowed in your building. We will also require the contact information for the apartment manager, landlord and/or property owner.
Once the application has been completed and meets the requirements of our adoption policies, and adoption facilitator will meet with you and your family. We will fill you in on the history and needs of the dog or cat that you are interested in adopting. Please remember that a home visit and yard check will need to take place before you can take the dog or cat home.
Please click here to download our Pet Adoption Application.
Finally, you will be asked to fill out a Pet Adoption Agreement and Release Statement, and pay the adoption fee. Again, we do not intend to frustrate you. We hope you understand that this entire process is in the best interest of all parties involved. It is very stressful and upsetting when adoptions don't work out and a pet has to come back to us. Also, a bad adoption experience can discourage some people from seeking a pet from a rescue group ever again.
Please click here to download our Pet Adoption Agreement and Release Statement.
We thank you immensely for your patience and understanding. We especially thank you for considering one of the animals from the St. Martin's Animal Foundation.
If you are interested in adopting a dog or cat from S.M.A.F., please visit our "
Available Dogs & Cats" page.
For information about any future adoption fairs, please visit our "
Calendar of Events" page.
