Adoption Application

Selected applications require a meet-and-greet (and a possible home visit). We apologize that we do not have volunteer capacity to respond to all applications.

Upon approval, an adoption contract will be created and signed and payment accepted.

Adoption Fees

All adopted dogs will be microchipped, spayed/neutered ( if older than 6 months old ), and receive age appropriate vaccination for DHPP and Rabies. Puppies receive three rounds of DHPP starting at 6 weeks old. Rabies will be given to dogs 16 weeks and older.

Adoption fees help Happy Tails Happy Homes cover the costs of care and veterinary expenses. We are an entirely volunteer-run organization, so every dollar goes directly to the animals. No staff, no office. Just volunteer foster homes.

0-12 months---$375

13 months- 9 years—$325

Seniors or Medical Dogs—$0 - $180

Spay and Neuter Deposit

Our veterinarian recommendation is to neuter/spay dogs between 6 and 12 months old. For some larger breeds, we postpone neuter/spay based on veterinary recommendation. All puppies and dogs who are not spayed/neutered at time of adoption will need to pay an additional $250.00 deposit. This deposit helps us guarantee responsible spaying and neutering to help stop the constant strain of unwanted animals in our community. Once the dog has been spayed/neutered at the appropriate age, proof of procedure from the veterinarian will need to be sent to info@happytailshappyhomes.org and the Spay/neuter Deposit Return Form submitted. A reimbursement will be sent out within 10 business days.

If you’re interested in adopting one of our pets, please complete the Adoption Application! For more information regarding the adoption application process, please see our FAQs and contact us at info@happytailshappyhomes.org.

Happy Tails Happy Homes – Dog Adoption Process

  1. Submit an Application
    Fill out an adoption application on our website: happytailshappyhomes.org

  2. Application Review
    Our foster coordinators send the application to the dog’s foster family, who reviews it and decides on the best match.
    We apologize — this process can take some time, as we are all volunteers doing our best to find a great forever home for each dog.

  3. Initial Contact / Schedule a Meet and Greet
    The foster family or a foster coordinator will reach out to schedule a meet and greet if they feel you are the best adopter for the dog.
    Meet and Greets typically take 30 minutes to 1 hour and usually occur at a neutral location.

    We prefer to hold meet and greets during our adoption events, though we understand that may not work for everyone.
    Please remember: we are all volunteers, and this step should only be pursued if you are very serious about adopting.
    Check out our Upcoming Events page for more info about adoption events!

  4. Meet and Greet
    If the meet and greet goes well, the foster and adoptive families can decide to proceed with the adoption.

  5. Reference & Landlord Checks
    Foster coordinators will call the references and landlords listed on your application.
    Please alert your references and landlord ahead of time to expect a call or message.
    Communicate with your landlord prior to applying to confirm they allow dogs and to understand any pet restrictions or fees.

  6. Home Verification
    Adoptive families must send photos and/or videos of their home/property where the dog will stay.
    These can be emailed to info@happytailshappyhomes.org or texted to your Happy Tails Happy Homes point of contact (either the foster family or foster coordinator).

  7. Contract & Payment Link
    A ShelterLuv link will be sent containing the adoption contract and payment form.

  8. Finalize Adoption
    Once the contract and payment are complete, Happy Tails Happy Homes will be notified to finalize the adoption.

  9. Post-Adoption Email
    Adoptive families will receive an email with:

    • Vaccination information

    • Adoption contract

    • Microchip details

  10. Pickup or Drop-Off Coordination
    Foster families and adopters will coordinate the pickup or drop-off of the newly adopted dog.
    All paperwork, payments, landlord and reference checks, and property photos/videos must be completed prior to transferring care of the animal to the adoptive family.

  11. Microchip Registration

  • Dogs microchipped through 24PetWatch will automatically be transferred to the new owner.

  • For other brands, families must manually update the registration.

    12. Modify Microchip Details
    To make changes (add emergency contacts, update pet’s name), create an account at 24PetWatch.com.

    AFTER ADOPTION IS COMPLETE

  • Built-In Home Trial & Reimbursement Policy
    We do not offer homestays, but we include trial periods in every adoption:

  • Dogs under 6 months: 1-week trial

  • Dogs over 6 months: 3-week trial


    If the adoption doesn’t work out, we’ll take the dog back as soon as possible.
    A requisition form must be completed on our website for reimbursement.


    Please note: adopters will not be reimbursed the credit card processing fee from the original adoption payment.
    Reimbursements occur once per month.

  • Spay/Neuter Deposit Reimbursement


    For unaltered puppies with a spay/neuter deposit, once completed at the appropriate age, families must:

  • Submit a reimbursement form on our website

  • Include photo proof from their veterinarian