DOG ADOPTION process

Adopt A Dog From Fishy’s Friends Rescue

Is Adoption Right for You?

Adopting a pet is a wonderful journey, but it’s a lifelong commitment that requires careful thought. Please consider the time, costs, and responsibilities involved in caring for a pet who could live 10-15 years or more. Make sure you’re prepared to provide a loving, stable home for your new family member.

 Our Adoption Process and What to Expect

We have a thorough adoption process to ensure the best match for both you and the dog. Preparing for checks is an essential part of the adoption process. To keep things moving smoothly, please inform your vet(s), personal references, and landlord (if applicable) that we will be contacting them. If we’re unable to reach them or secure permissions, it could delay or impact your application.

Application

Submit a detailed adoption application so we can learn about you and find the best fit. Note that this is a comprehensive form to help us understand your lifestyle and needs.

Review & Checks

We’ll review your application, conduct background, veterinarian, and reference checks, and if applicable, confirm rental permissions. Please notify your references, vet, and landlord to expect our contact.

(Please Note:) For the veterinarian check, we’ll contact your current and past vets to learn about your pet care history. If you have used multiple vets, please provide each contact. For personal references check, we’ll connect with your references to better understand your commitment to pet ownership. If you’re a renter, please confirm with your landlord in advance, as we’ll seek their approval too. All applicants will also undergo a background check (you may be asked to cover the cost in some cases). Our focus is solely on incidents involving vulnerable populations, such as children, animals, women, and elders. We understand that life happens and are open to discussing any findings to provide context. After all we are in the business of second chances.

Phone Interview

A friendly, 30–45-minute call where we’ll chat about your experience with pets, your daily routine, and your expectations for a new furry friend. This step is all about making sure we find the right match.

Home Visit

A brief home visit to discuss pet-proofing and ensure a safe environment for the dog. All household members, including pets, should be present.

Meet & Greet & Final Steps

Once approved, we’ll arrange a Meet and Greet with your chosen dog. If it’s a match, we’ll proceed with signing the adoption contract, completing the adoption fee, and celebrating with a photo session!

Adoption Events at Petco

What Happens After I Adopt From Fishy's Friends Rescue?

At Fishy's Friends Rescue, we are committed to supporting you long after adoption day. Our comprehensive Adoption Toolkit is designed to guide you through the transition, offering tips, tricks, and resources to ensure a smooth adjustment for your new furry family member. It includes information on local vet services, training advice, and more. Additionally, you’ll gain access to our Fishy’s Forever Alumni group, where you can share updates, connect with fellow adopters, and receive ongoing support from your dog’s foster, who will be there to answer questions and celebrate milestones with you.

P.S. Adoptions made through one of our events at Petco come with extra perks! You’ll enjoy the guidance of a personal Petco associate to help you shop for your new friend, plus a coupon book with $300 worth of savings to get them started off right.