Adoption application

HOW TO ADOPT

All of our adoptions are done through an online application process. Our adoption application is designed to help us match our dogs with the best fit for them as well as for your family. Before you begin the application please read the following guidelines required to adopt from Ross County Humane Society:

Your current pets MUST BE spayed/neutered and up-to-date on annual vaccines. The only exception to this is with a note from your licensed veterinarian.
If you rent, please speak with your landlord prior to applying to adopt. We will call to verify your housing. We must be able to speak with your landlord before we will approve your application and you may be required to provide written verification from the owner of your property that you are able to own a dog and that they have no breed or weight restrictions. If you fail to provide landlord contact information, we will be unable to screen your application which will result in a denial.
RCHS does not adopt to outdoor homes. This means that dogs adopted from our facility are not permitted to live in outdoor runs, dog boxes or on tie-outs. We also do not adopt to home with existing dogs who are living outdoors.
Do your homework on what type of dog (age, temperament, personality, etc.) is best for your living situation and your lifestyle.
Adopters must be at least 18 years of age or older. All members of your household must be aware and supportive of bringing a dog into the home.

Once your application is submitted, shelter staff will review your application. This review may include but is not limited to:

Contact your landlord, if applicable
Contact your veterinarian if you have had pets within the last 10 years
Interview you via phone or in person
A home check may be required

The adoption approval process can take 2-4 business days. The most common delay in approving an application is being unable to obtain veterinary history, unable to reach your landlord, or having pending applications ahead of yours for the same dog. Once a decision is made you will be sent an approval or denial email to the address you provided in your application. Please be sure to use an email address that you can access and check often.

Once your application is approved you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up an appointment to meet the dog of your choice. Once the approval email has been sent you will have 24 hours to contact us to set up a time to meet your desired dog. We are open only by appointment for approved adopters Monday – Saturday 10am to 4pm. We adopt each dog to the first approved and available adopter. The dog of your choice cannot be reserved or held until after your application is approved. If the dog that you want is adopted before your application is approved, we will be happy to help you choose a new dog.

ADOPTION FEES AND CONTRACT

At the time of adoption, you must complete our adoption contract and provide payment. We accept cash, debit, or credit card. We do not accept checks.

Puppies and adults: $225
Senior dogs: $125

Our adoption fee includes the following:

Required spay/neuter (when done at North Fork Animal Clinic)
Age-appropriate vaccines
Flea/Tick Treatment
Deworming
Microchip
Current year Ross County dog tags (for Ross County Residents)
Heartworm test
$50 gift certificate donated by Petland

RCHS does not conduct DNA tests on dogs who enter our facility therefore we are unable to guarantee breed or breed mix. Information provided by shelter staff, volunteers, and veterinarians is used to give a best estimate as to a dog’s breed make up. We do our best to inform adopters about the potential breeds for each dog. Please note that RCHS is a dog only facility and we do not have the ability to cat test any of the dogs.

RCHS makes no express or implied warranty, representation or promise as to the age, health, breed, habits, disposition or safety of adopted dogs, including bites. All dogs are behaviorally assessed to the best of our ability, by staff, and known health or behavioral issues are disclosed to potential adopters.

RCHS does not offer or provide refunds on any adoption fees.

Personal Information
Name*
First Last
Phone*
Email*
Spouse's Name (If Applicable)
First Last
How many children live in your home? Ages?*
Are there any others residing in your home?*
Employer Name*
How long have you been there?*
Residential Information
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region
How long have you been there?*
Is this where the pet will live with you?*
Do you own or rent? If you rent, you MUST provide Landlord name and contact phone number. If renting, have you obtained authorization from your landlord to have a pet?*
Do they have breed or weight restrictions?*
Other Adoption Information
What dog are you interested in?*
What do you think makes this particular pet a good choice for you?*
Have you had experience with this particular breed? If so, please tell us about your experience.*
What happens to your pet if you move?*
Do you have a fenced yard? Please describe (yard, size, fence, height):*
How will you exercise your pet?*
How many hours are you away from home during the average work week?*
Where will your pet be kept during that time?*
Where will your pet be sleeping during the night?*
What kind of other pets do you have at home? Please list name, age, etc.*
Veterinarian's name and phone number:*
Are all pets current on vaccines and spay/neutered?*
Does anyone in your household have allergies/asthma?*
Have you or anyone in your household ever been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect or abandonment?*
Have you ever surrendered an animal to an animal shelter? If yes please describe the circumstances.*
Have you ever had to give up a pet? If yes, please explain.*
How would you handle a situation where your animal developed a behavioral issue?*
Are there any other comments you would like to make to help us make a decision to approve your application for adoption?*
I understand that by submitting that I certify that all information provided on this form is true to the best of my knowledge. I give Ross County Humane Society or their named representative to verify the information I have provided. I understand that incomplete applications or any false/deliberate misrepresentation of the facts will result in the denial of this application. I understand that Ross County Humane Society has the right to deny an application for any reason.*

Personal Information

Residential Information

Other Adoption Information

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