The Adoption Process
Thank you for wanting to adopt! We look forward to helping you find your
At Justin Bartlett we take many factors into consideration when adopting a pet can help to ensure that a match will lead to a happy, lifelong relationship. With that said, please keep in mind not every application will be approved. We hope you understand that every decision we make is with the animal's best interest in mind.
- The Adoption Process
- The first step in the Adoption Process is to register. After you have registered, the system will send you a password.
- Use your username and password sign-in to the website and complete the Adoption Application for the animal in which you are interested.
- Your application will be reviewed by an Adoption Counselor who will follow up with you. (Depending on the volume of applications we receive for a particular animal, the response time may take several days.)
- If your application is approved you will be scheduled for a meet and greet during the next available adoption event. Most applicants will be able to complete the adoption at that time.
Things to discuss with your Adoption Counselor
Speak openly and honestly with your Adoption Counselor about your lifestyle. Remember, the Adoption Counselor is interested in finding the most suitable home for every animal and is looking out for the best interest of the animal.
Be realistic about how much time you have to give to a pet. Puppies can get lonely and may sometimes become destructive if left home for extended periods of time. Even adult dogs need to be let out throughout the day. Cats can entertain themselves for longer periods of time; however, all pets need quality time with their pet parents. Assess your schedule, be realistic about how much time you have to give your pet and work with your Adoption Counselor to make the appropriate decision.
Some pets, such as very young puppies and kittens may not always be a good match for families with young children. Children under a certain age may sometimes be unable to judge how roughly they are handling small pets, and puppies who are growing, have sharp playful teeth, and like to jump, often time’s knocking down a child. Thus, adult pets with mellow personalities may be a better match for families with small children, especially if there is no pet experience listed on your application. Each application will be considered on its own merits and having children in the household does not necessarily preclude adoption of puppies or kittens.
Our Adoption Counselors always try to gather information about our adoptable animals’ likes and dislikes, especially when it comes to compatibility with other pets. For instance, some cats don’t mind dogs, and other cats are terrified of them. Some dogs do not do well with other dogs in the household, while others will thrive with other canine companions. If you are applying to adopt a dog and you currently have a dog at home, we strongly encourage you to bring your dog with you to meet your potential new family member. It is recommended to introduce dogs on a neutral territory and an advance meeting can be extremely helpful in determining if introduction of a new canine family member will be success.
- Fees & FAQs
- Cats: All are spayed/neutered, vaccinated against FVRP and rabies, microchipped, fecal tested and tested for leukemia and FIV. All adopters receive a wellness vet visit at our designated vet and a month of pet insurance. Most fees vary between $50-$150
- Dogs: All are spayed/neutered, vaccinated against DA2PPV and rabies, microchipped, and heart-worm tested. All adopters receive a wellness vet visit at our designated vet and a month of pet insurance. Most fees vary between $150-$500.
- Do I have to complete a new application if I change my mind about which animal I'd like to adopt?
- There is no need to complete a new application if you decide on a different animal - just send us an email.
- What does it means when an animal is listed for "Sponsorship"?
- Animals who are listed for "Sponsorship" are not yet ready for adoption. If you are interested in adopting an animal currently listed for Sponsorship, please wait for the animal's status to change to "Available" to submit an application. You are welcome to sponsor the animal, but sponsorship does not necessarily guarantee approval to adopt.
- Why do your fees seem so high compared to the county shelter?
- Unlike open admission shelters, we do not euthanize pets, if they can be medically rehabbed, we invest in them. And unlike county shelters, whose fees are very low, we receive no government funding.