Wait patiently for reference & background checks to clear
Take home your new family member!
Adoption fees range from $82 - $461 depending on the animal, size and age
A background check will be conducted, so answer the application questions as honestly as possible.
We require 2 non-related references and encourage you to inform them in advance that we will be contacting them. This will make the process speedier!
We have our Adoption Application online on our website and we can also give out paper copies, however these take longer to get back and process. We complete a background check on all applicants, and we require two non-related references. Our Adoption Coordinator will complete the background check and Adoption Assistants will complete the reference calls. For anyone that rents, we require a Landlord Consent form filled out and signed by the rental owner/manager before any processing is done. Please keep in mind that we place our pets by best fit, not first completed application.
Our rescue does not require adopters to have a fenced yard at this time. (Though this is helpful!) However, they must be aware of city ordinances regarding pets, as most cities have leash laws in place for both dogs and cats, and State Statutes on proper outdoor pet shelters. Failure to keep cats and dogs secure and safe can result in fines, and will also violate the conditions of our Adoption Contract.
Yes. Keep in mind completed and approved applications are good for 6 months. If your application is on a waiting list and you are interested in a pet, please reach out to us immediately and our Adoption Coordinator will be in touch with you to see if the pet is the right fit for you.
We recommend that the first day or two the pet is kept separate from other pets, and slow, thoughtful introductions are done- even with pets with a good history of getting along with other pets. This can be done either in a separate bedroom, bathroom, porch or even basement. (Heated garages or heated outside kennel areas will work for dogs, too.) For pregnant or nursing cats, we ask that you have a completely closed off space away from other pets for them to be comfortable, as they can be quite protective of their babies until they are adopted.
Most of our Fosters have a very active role in finding the best fit for the foster pet. Often, they will work with our Adoption Coordinator to make the final decision on a new home, and are there at Meet and Greets to answer any questions.
We’ll be able to provide name, age, a general personality bio and any background information we have on the pet and it’s behavior.
We give adopters 30 days from the date of adoption to return any pets for full reimbursement.
We take payment via cash, check or credit card.
GTAR does not take in any dogs or cats with a known history of aggression of any kind, as we are not a rehabilitative rescue. We will turn down dogs and cats if this is shown during intake, and recommend alternative rescues and shelters that may help.
We recommend that the first day or two the pet is kept separate from other pets in a separate area. For introductions, it’s a good idea to have pets greet each other, one at a time and leashed, in as neutral of a space as possible in the home. (i.e, large room, garage, and not near the owned pets sleeping area or kennel/crate.) Be sure to keep from any loud noises and distractions during this time. Ruffled hair and some growling is perfectly normal, but remember that you, the Foster, are in charge of both pets, so be sure to set the right tone and redirect if there is any unwanted behavior. Pets should get along in a day or two.
At night, be sure to stick to a bedtime routine with the pet. We encourage Fosters to crate dogs/train for crating right away, as this is considered by most dogs as a “safe space”. If not crating, utilize an appropriate room and be sure to give them chew toys and a blanket/bed to sleep on.
Once we have a completed and approved application on file with a potential adopter, they are more than welcome to look at other pets that may fit their home. Again, we do not go by first application, but by best fit.
For dogs bring a leash and/or harness. (These can be borrowed out to use from us.) For cats please bring a crate/pet taxi to safely bring it home.
(We have a few that we borrow out, but require a $20 deposit until returned.)
