Adopt
How adoption works
It is more process than a pet store, and that is deliberate. Most of these animals have already been given up on once. The steps below exist so it does not happen twice.
Step by step
The whole sequence
- 01
You send an application
Applications come before meet-and-greets, always. It is not a formality — it is how we know whether a particular animal fits your household before anyone gets attached. You can apply for a specific animal or leave it open.
- 02
We call your veterinarian
If you have animals now, we confirm with your vet that they are spayed or neutered, current on age-appropriate vaccines, and on flea prevention — heartworm prevention too, for dogs. This is the step that takes the longest, so give your clinic a heads-up that we will call.
- 03
We call two personal references
Two people who are not related to you. Short calls. Tell them to expect one.
- 04
You meet the animal
Once the application clears, we set up a meet-and-greet — usually at the foster home, an adoption event, or one of our adoption centers. If you have a dog, we bring them into it. A match that works on paper still has to work in the room.
- 05
A home visit
Before anything is final, someone comes to see where the animal will live. It is a conversation, not an inspection. We are looking at fencing, escape routes, and whether the setup matches what you described.
- 06
Your coordinator finalizes it
Paperwork, then the adoption fee — and only then. Your adoption coordinator will tell you exactly how to pay. If anyone asks you for money before that point, it is not us.
What we ask
Requirements, plainly stated
You
- At least 21 years old.
- Everyone in the household is on board.
- If you rent, your landlord or HOA allows the animal — check the lease before you apply.
- 2 personal references who are not family.
- Willing to have a home visit before finalizing.
Any animals you already have
- Spayed or neutered
- Age-appropriate vaccinations current
- On flea prevention
- On heartworm prevention (dogs)
- Your vet can confirm all of the above when we call.
About children and small animals
We ask the age of your youngest child because puppies, kittens, and dogs under about fifteen pounds are genuinely fragile, and a fast-moving toddler is a real risk to them. This is matching guidance, not a rule that rejects you — plenty of our animals do beautifully in homes with young kids, and a coordinator will talk it through with you rather than decide from a form.
Common questions
Before you ask us
- How long does adoption take?
- Usually one to two weeks. The vet reference is the slowest part. We are all volunteers, so a busy week adds a few days.
- Can I meet an animal before applying?
- You can meet our cats at the adoption centers inside PetSmart and Petco during open hours, and our dogs at weekend adoption events. But a scheduled one-on-one meet-and-greet comes after an application.
- Do you adopt outside Texas?
- We prioritize local adopters in the greater Austin area. Out-of-state adoptions are considered case by case — email us before you apply.
- Can I adopt an animal as a gift for someone?
- No. The person who will live with the animal has to be the person who applies. Surprise adoptions are one of the most reliable ways an animal ends up back in rescue.
- What if I already have pets?
- That is common and welcome. Your current animals need to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and on prevention, and we will do a meet-and-greet with your resident dog before finalizing a dog adoption.
- What does the adoption fee cover?
- Spay or neuter, vaccines, microchip, and the medical care the animal received while in our foster program. Fees vary by animal; your coordinator will tell you the amount. Fees never cover our actual costs — donations make up the difference.
Still stuck? Send us a message or email adoptions@newhopesaveslives.org.