Adoption

Our Adoption Goals

The purpose of our adoption program is to place an animal in a responsible home where it will:

  • Receive veterinary care when needed
  • Not add to the pet overpopulation problem
  • Be controlled so it will not roam free in the neighborhood
  • Be happy with its owner and the owner happy with the pet

A non-refundable, tax-deductible donation is required at the time of adoption to enable us to continue our efforts in helping other animals.

We reserve the right to refuse the adoption of an animal to a home that does not meet listed standards. This includes the right to inspect homes and remove the animal if it is not receiving proper care or has been mistreated.

Step 1: Submit a Non-Binding Adoption Application

Non-Binding Adoption Application (Online Form)

Since we are a small-scale rescue, our goal is to complete all adoption steps, concluding with the adopted dog going to its new home. Please wait until you are absolutely ready to adopt from us before submitting an application.

Unless attending a public adoption event, no individual dog introductions will be made without an initial application submitted in advance. We value the privacy and safety of our foster volunteers, and an application can help us determine if the dog you are applying for may be a good fit.

We work on a first-come, first-serve basis but will ultimately choose the best fit for not only the dog, but your family. If you are not chosen to adopt the dog you’ve applied for, your application will be kept on our waitlist for one year, unless you tell us otherwise. There is no need to continuously apply.

Step 2: Home Visits

All family members (including other dogs) MUST be present during the home visit. Visits take approximately 20-30 minutes. At this time, we only have the capacity for home visits within the DC, MD, northern VA areas. *Due to COVID-19, virtual home visits are now being conducted.

We reserve the right to refuse the adoption of an animal to a home that does not meet listed standards, provides false statements on their application, does not pass a home visit or is not the best fit for a particular dog. This includes the right to inspect homes and remove the animal if it is not receiving proper care or has been mistreated.

Step 3: Adoption

When you are APPROVED to adopt, you will be required to pay a tax-deductible adoption donation. To ensure a good fit, please do research on whether this is the appropriate time for your family to adopt, whether it is the right dog, and what to expect once you rescue a dog.

Check out Veterinarian, Dr. Sarah Wooten’s free eBook “Adopting a Shelter Dog, The Official Guidebook, 2015 Edition.” In this free guide, she offers professional advice on things like selecting a shelter dog, preparing your home, making them feel welcome and so on.

Other Standards For Adoption:

  • Adopters will allow for a minimum of 30 days adjustment period for the animal to adjust to its new environment and family.
  • Animals will be placed with adults to be kept as companion animals. They are to be accepted as family members, receiving proper nourishment, medical care and attention. Continuous outdoor confinement is not acceptable.
  • All mature male and female animals must be neutered/spayed after adoption.
  • We will not place puppies into homes if no one is home most of the day or all day because these animals need special attention and care. It is cruel and inhumane to leave puppies home for long periods of time unattended. Special exceptions will be taken into consideration.
  • A fenced yard is ideal for all dogs. This protects the dog from roaming and owners from liability their loose animal may cause. Dogs should never be left unattended in a yard. Chaining is not acceptable. Dogs will not be placed in homes where they will be allowed to run at large. A Knine Rescue representative may visit your residence to confirm proper confinement requirements.
  • Adopters must be at least 21 years of age. Identification is required to adopt any pet. All adults in the household must agree to the selection of the chosen pet. Live-in parents, relatives, roommates, etc. must visit with the pet.
  • ANIMALS CANNOT BE ADOPTED AS GIFTS. Animals shall not be given away or sold to another individual or organization. They must be returned to Knine Rescue if the adopter can no longer keep and properly care for the animal.
  • Permission from the landlord is required of persons living on rental property. The landlord or rental agency will be notified personally. You must provide the name and number of your landlord or agency within 24 hours or we will move on to the next applicant.
  • All animals must have collars with owner identification tags, rabies and license tags. If your animal is lost, a tag may be the only way to have your animal returned to you.
  • Currently owned animals should be up-to-date on vaccinations. Mature animals should be neutered, unless there is a medical reason for intactness, or your pet is in conformation. Your
  • Veterinarian will be contacted to verify your pet’s health record and proof of conformation is required.