The Adoption Process

Stray from the Heart's primary mission is to place a dog in a home that is loving, stable and permanent. To this end, our Adoption Counselors conduct very careful and thorough screening of applicants looking to adopt any one of our Strays. This process insures that the dog's needs, personality and behavior pattern is compatible with the needs, personality and lifestyle of the individual or family. It also helps us to avoid regrettable mistakes. Our goal is to make your adoption of our dogs a successful love story that will last a lifetime. What is this adoption application? Why is it so long? Do I have to be over 21? Will you really call my references? Do you really come to my house? Do I need to make a donation? What is the adoption agreement for? What if the unthinkable happens and I can't keep my companion animal? How long does this whole process normally take? How soon can I see my new best friend in person? What if my house isn't quite up to the standard? I don't know if I am ready for this? What is this adoption application, and why is it so long? Stray from the Heart application asks a number of questions necessary for us to begin to evaluate if the dog that you saw in the photo online or on our many flyers is really the best doggie for your lifestyle. It may seem as though we are asking more questions than needed, but really we are just getting the basic information that will help us lead you to the dog best suited for you and your family to be your lifelong companion. So please, it's incredibly important for you as well as Stray from the Heart, that you complete the entire application before submitting it to us. Do I have to be over 21? The adoption of a dog is a legal contract which cannot be enforced against minors under 21 years of age. For this reason, we ask that you provide proof of age and address, such as a drivers license, work I.D., or letter from your employer. Will you really call my references? Yes, we will. As a matter of policy, we require at least two references of individuals not related to you but that can attest to your character and responsibility to have a dog. It's actually very important for us to call these references to get to know you and how you will relate to your new companion. We just want to make sure that the match is a perfect one for both you and your new best friend, and we have found that having a person supply references makes a difference. Do you really come to my house? Oh yes! As part of our efforts to find "the right match", and therefore the right home for the dog, our Adoption Counselors are required to visit your home before and after the adoption. This allows us to make observations about the dog's interaction with you and your family, especially with children and other pets. The house visits also gives us the opportunity to make suggestions regarding the transitional adjustments required once the dog is introduced to his/her new home. We aren't trying to be invasive, we really want the best for both your new companion and yourself. Stray from the Heart will not adopt to anyone who does not agree to have one of our Adoption Counselors visit the home before and after the adoption is completed. Do I need to make a donation? Stray from the Heart is a true non-profit 501(c)3 organization that make absolutely no profit from saving these animals. Nobody is on a payroll and everyone tries very hard to make sure that each dog is healthy and happy and gets to go home to a loving family. It is very important that we can continue this work, so for this and other reasons, yes, there is a non-refundable $185 adoption fee for each dog. This modest fee helps recover a small portion of cost incurred in the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of the dog. What is the "Adoption Agreement" for? Stray from the Heart is required to have an "Adoption Agreement" signed by every person who adopts one of our dogs. The most important aspects of this agreement is that the dog will be kept as an indoor house pet, will be treated with love, provided with food and water, proper veterinary care, and cannot be given away to anyone other than Stray from the Heart. You should carefully review this agreement before signing it. What if the unthinkable happens and I can't keep my companion animal? In accordance with the Adoption Agreement, if you are unable to keep the dog, Stray from the Heart will take the dog back without any questions. We are proud to honor our "no questions asked policy" if you have to return the dog. How long does this whole process normally take? The time varies in accordance with how complete the application is and how accessible the new home and references are. Usually it takes about 5 working days to finalize the whole adoption process. How soon can I see my new best friend in person? We will work with you to set up the quickest time to have you meet with your new companion. This may vary depending upon your schedule and the amount of rescues needing attention at that time. What if my house isn't quite up to the standard?? If your house doesn't really have all of the essentials (fenced backyard, enclosed terrace) that it should to keep this particular dog happy, and you are sure that this is the pup for you, we can work with you to set things right. Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to rethink who would make the perfect dog for you. I don't know if I am ready for this? Adopting a dog is a meeting of the heart as well as of the mind. It is a lifetime commitment to an animal that will be your loving companion and your best friend. We want to make this decision as easy as possible for you, so if you are not sure you can take such a permanent step, please consider fostering one of our dogs before you adopt to help alleviate the pressure you may feel. Check out our adorable adoptables, then either fill out our dog foster form or call one of our adoption counselors at 212.726.DOGS and ask how you can become a foster parent to one of our beautiful dogs.