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, 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.
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