Adopt
How to Adopt
FARM specializes in hard to place small breed dogs. If you are interested in adopting a specific animal, we ask that you complete an adoption application in advance or in person at the rescue center. The adoption process may take up to one to two weeks to allow us time to review your application and contact your personal and vet references. Our responsibility is to ensure each animal is placed in the home we feel is best suited for that animal.
Adoption Fees
(Special cases may apply.)
Fees include spay/neuter, first vaccinations, harness/leash/collar/ID tag (for dogs), heartworm test (for dogs), and microchip. We hope that every adoption is successful; however, we understand special situations may occur. For that reason, FARM’s adoption fees are refundable up to 60 days from the adoption date if you need to return the pet to us.
Adoption fees range from $150 to $600 and are based on the age and breed of each pet. Veterinarian costs for rescued pets often exceed the adoption fee. Senior pets and pets with known medical conditions are available at reduced adoption fees.
Preparing For Your Pet
The following is a list of items that you should have when you take home your pet:
- Food
- Bowls
- Litterbox & litter (for cats)
- Bed
- Crate or X-Pen
- Carrier for transport
- Toys
Taking Your Pet Home
Your Adopted Dog: The First Two Weeks
Naturally, the first thing you want to do with your new dog is . . . everything! After all, isn’t socialization one of the most important aspects of dog ownership? Yes. But before all of that comes the bond between dog and owner. Imagine it from the dog’s point of view. He might like you, but he doesn’t know you yet. He’s facing new people, new routines, and new rules all at once. He’s stressed, and every additional challenge adds to the stress. Just like a human, our dog may react by becoming defensive and short-tempered, or fearful and shy.
You can make this transition easier by taking things slowly and simplifying the introduction process. We call this the “Two Week Shutdown”. During these first weeks, avoid unnecessary stressors while the dog settles in, keep everything positive, and take it slowly.
- Limit introductions to immediate family and caregivers. He doesn’t need to meet your neighbors, your friends, and other animals yet.
- Avoid long, over stimulating walks. If you have a yard, use that for outside time. Your dog will manage just fine with minimal exercise for this period.
- Set him up to succeed. That means avoiding complicated training and socializing situations for now. Celebrating his successes together and avoiding harsh corrections will strengthen your bond.
- Use a crate. It will be a safe haven for him in a time of uncertainty. It also keeps him isolated from other pets, and helps him make good choices like NOT peeing inside or destroying your shoes.
- Set up a simple and consistent routine from the start. Regular mealtimes, calm leadership, and clear, fair rules will help your new pet get his bearings.
- Limit bathing and grooming during the honeymoon period.
Every dog is different. Some might jump right in to your life with enthusiasm. Young pups sometimes handle things more easily than older dogs. A very timid or very reactive dog may need extra care, or one coming into a dramatically new environment (e.g., a former yard dog moving into a condo). But any new dog, especially one coming out of a chaotic shelter environment, will go through an adjustment period.