FAQ

Q: Can a dog or cat I adopt from GTAR live outdoors or require a fenced yard ?

A: 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.

Q: How do I adopt a pet from GTAR?

A: We have our Adoption Application online on our website, (Under Adoptions,) 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.

Q: Where can I get an application for adoption?

A: On our website, or a paper application can be obtained by calling our phone number and we can let you know when to pick one up.

Q: Do I need to complete an application for each pet I am interested in?

A: 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.

Q: How do I handle an adopted pet that needs to be spayed/neutered? Where will they be spayed/neutered at? How will I get my spay/neuter deposit back?

A: Our Intake Coordinator will set all vet appointments-including spay and neuters. If we need regular appointments, we generally try to utilize Arrowhead Animal Clinic in Grand Rapids. For spay/neuters, we use Bemidji Vet Hospital, and we do a van run for this a few times a month. For these our Intake Coordinator will make arrangements to meet as early as the night before to prepare cats, but dogs need to be at our office for the trip no later than 5:45am. If the pet has already been adopted, owners are allowed to drive their pet to the appointment, as long as they give the Intake Coordinator advance notice. Any emergency appointments are TBD, depending on the nature of the incident and availability of vets that day.

Q: What if I need to return an adopted pet? Are there time limits? Will I be reimbursed for the adoption fees I've paid?

A: We give adopters 30 days from the date of adoption to return any pets for full reimbursement. (Also on our Adoption Contract.)

Q: Can I pay with a credit card?

A: Yes, we have a credit card terminal available, and we can also take local checks or cash.

Q: Where is the best place to view animals available for adoption?

A: There are several ways:

At our Meet and Greet Events, which are the second Saturday of every month

On our website, under Adoptable Pets

On our Facebook page

Q: How much does it cost to adopt a cat or dog?

A: Please see attached Adoption Fee page

Q: How will I know if the animal does well with cats, dogs, kids, etc.

A: 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. 

Q: What should I do to prepare my home for my new dog or cat?

A: GTAR will provide all supplies and food, including crates for dogs and cats. During intake we check for fleas/ticks and provide treatment, check for ringworm, open sores and any type of infections. We deworm, and provide the next deworming treatment for at home or any other dewormer if needed, and also vaccinate for distemper. (We are not able to do rabies per State law- this is done at time of spay/neuter.) ((See attached Intake Exam.))

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.

Q: How do I acclimate the dog or cat to my other pets? What should I do to calm the adopted dog or cat the first night?

A: As mentioned above, 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.

Q: May I talk with the foster parents prior to an adoption?

A: 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.

Q: At an adoption event will there be a current list of each animal, their age and who is fostering them, a bio such as where the animal was found or their background on the home they came from?

A: We are currently trying to work out a good template to use for the pets bios at all of our events. As far as the pets history, we will give background information to a certain point- health history, behavior history, etc. We have a Privacy Policy, so we do not actively give out past or new owners names or contact information.

Q: If an adoption is already pending may I look for another choice?

A: 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.

Q: What are the adoption requirements?

A: Please refer to Question #2. For background checks, we do not adopt out to any one with an active felony under 7 years, and we deny anyone with any history of animal, spousal or child abuse or endangerment, severe history of violence or a history of rental issues. We review misdemeanors, older felony charges, and any other criminal history on a case by case basis.

Q: Where do the animals stay?

A: With our approved Fosters in their homes.

Q: May I read the adoption contract prior to an adoption event? 

A: It is available by request.

Q: What do I need to bring with me to the adoption?

A: 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.)

Q: What tests or vaccinations have been conducted?

A: Refer to Question #11 and our Intake Exam

Q: Can I place an animal on hold?

A: We do not place pets on hold, unless potential approved adopters pre-pay prior to a spay/neuter appointment before a pet can be adopted.