Adopting A Dog

Below, is our adoption process. The sequence of the steps may vary. Typically, an adoption takes between 2 and 5 days. In cases where we have several applications for a dog, it may take longer. Please note that we are all volunteers; we have jobs, families and other responsibilities. We aren't always able to respond as quickly as you'd like so please be patient. Please review our frequently asked questions page if you have any questions or email us.

We don't have any fixed rules as to what constitutes a suitable home for a particular type of dog. We try to ensure that you and the dog that you're interested in are a good match by asking a lot of questions and doing a home check. Throughout the process, you can expect to be treated with consideration, sensitivity and respect. We expect to be treated the same way. We reserve the right to refuse anyone that we feel is unsuitable for whatever reason.

We prefer to adopt to households residing in San Diego County but we will consider South and Central Orange County and parts of Riverside County.

The Adoption Process

• Choose a dog: Review the description of the dog that you're interested in to make sure that it fits with your particular needs, desires and lifestyle. If you need more information about the dog contact us.
• Submit an adoption application: Please give us as much information about yourself and your family as possible. List all animals currently living with you including other dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and rodents. The application needs to be detailed in order for us to determine if the dog that you have chosen is a good match for your home.
• Meet the dog: Once we've received your application, we'll review it and then contact you. If the dog seems to be a good match, we'll arrange with you to meet the dog at one of our adoption events, at the dog's foster home or at your home. If we come to your home, we'll do a home check at the same time. It is important that everyone in the household and any existing dogs meet the dog. We may tell you that the dog that you're interested in is not a good match and, in this case, we may suggest another dog.
• Home check: If, after meeting the dog, you decide to go ahead with the adoption, a home check will be scheduled (if not already performed). A home check allows us to determine if your home is a match for that particular dog.
• Sign adoption agreement: If we have received more that one adoption application for the dog, all things being equal, we go in the order that the applications were received. If your home check is satisfactory and, if we approve your application, we will arrange to bring the dog to your home to finalize the adoption. You will need to sign an adoption agreement. Please read the agreement carefully to make sure that you understand what you will be agreeing to.
• Pay adoption fee: The adoption fee for puppies (aged four months and younger) and purebreds varies from between $250 and $350. For dogs up to and including three years of age, it is $175. For dogs older than that, it is $150. This fee helps us to provide the necessary medical care and other needs for the dogs in our care. If you return the dog within one month the adoption fee will be returned; after that period, unless circumstances warrant it, it is non-refundable.
• Complete required post-adoption steps: Once you take ownership of the dog, there are several things you will need to do including putting a tag on the dog, updating the microchip information and getting the dog licensed. These steps are covered in more detail in the Adoption Guidelines document.