Frequently Asked Questions about Adopting!
How long does it take to have my application processed?
We do our best to process your application quickly, but please bear in mind that we are all volunteers working around jobs, family and other commitments. As a general rule, with no complications, an application can take 3-5 days. Some of the things that may cause delays are difficulty reaching references, receiving an application on the weekend and being unable to reach vet clinics until opening hours, incorrect information on the application, and the failure to call your vet clinic(s) to give verbal consent or to send in the consent form to release your vet information.
Can I meet the dog/cat before I apply?
No. We conduct references prior to connecting you with the foster home caring for the dog or cat you are interested in adopting as it involves sharing their personal contact info and paying a visit to their home.
The dog/cat I applied for has multiple applications….now what?
We will take several factors into consideration for the dog or cat being applied for and may eliminate applications that would not be a suitable home for them. (eg. a home with cats applying for a dog who is not good with cats)
We will review all applications that have been received and proceed keeping the best interests and needs of each individual animal in mind. We DO NOT adopt our cats and dogs on a first come first served basis. It is very important that we adopt them to the most suitable home and we ask that you trust us to make the decision that is right for the cat or dog.
We will contact the applicant that we are moving forward with and will let the others know that we are proceeding with another application. Sometimes applications can be withdrawn or the applicant will not be successful so if this happens we may contact you to see if you would like us to proceed with your application.
We will review all applications that have been received and proceed keeping the best interests and needs of each individual animal in mind. We DO NOT adopt our cats and dogs on a first come first served basis. It is very important that we adopt them to the most suitable home and we ask that you trust us to make the decision that is right for the cat or dog.
We will contact the applicant that we are moving forward with and will let the others know that we are proceeding with another application. Sometimes applications can be withdrawn or the applicant will not be successful so if this happens we may contact you to see if you would like us to proceed with your application.
Will you hold my application on file for future use?
No. At this time we can't keep past applications on file for future adoptions. We ask that if a new dog or cat becomes available that you are interested in adopting, to please submit a new application. This eliminates a backlog of potential applicants and saves us from a very time consuming process of contacting previous applicants who may no longer be interested in adopting.
I have adopted from you in the past, does this mean my application still needs to be processed?
Yes. If some time has elapsed, we will conduct all of the same reference checks. Lots can change in your life in that time and we want to make sure the dog or cat you are applying for is a good match. All dogs and cats are individuals and while you were a good match for the dog or cat you adopted previously, that may not be the case with every dog. We will also want to conduct a vet reference to ensure that your FFFF alumni has received proper vet care.
I want to apply for a dog/cat but I am going away, can I apply now and pick them up later?
No. We can't hold animals for adoption if you are going away on holidays, are in the process of moving or for any other reason that may delay the pick up of the dog or cat. We require that once an adoption is approved, that the dog or cat be picked up in a reasonable amount of time as they are then taking up precious foster space which could be preventing us from bringing another animal in need into the rescue.
My reference checks were done, and I met the dog/cat I applied for but it’s not the right fit for me, can I transfer my application to another dog/cat?
You may if it is right away and as long as the animal you want to transfer your application to is currently posted as available for adoption. You must also be a good match.
What types of things are you looking for when considering an application?
Most importantly we are looking for homes that will be the best match for all of the dogs or cats in our care. We ask that you take the time to read through their profiles on our website before applying to avoid disappointment. We try to include everything about each dog and cat in rescue, all the good stuff, the quirky stuff and even the not-so-good stuff. If you are renting, we will check with your landlord to make sure you have permission to have an animal in your rental. If you have or have had pets in the past 10 years, we will check to see if you consistently provided the appropriate vet care for your pets and that any current dogs or cats are spayed and/or neutered and up to date on vaccinations. As a rescue, we actively seek out homes that share our belief in spaying and neutering and you may not qualify to adopt from FFFF if you choose to keep your pets unaltered.
What are the terms and conditions of adopting through Funds for Furry Friends?
Please follow the link to our Online Adoption Application. You will find a downloadable pdf Adoption Contract with the terms and conditions of adoption through our rescue.
Do you require a fenced yard to adopt?
It depends. Some of the dogs available for adoption will require a fenced yard depending on their flight risk or other circumstances. This is determined on an individual basis and we try to indicate this in the dog's bio.
Do you adopt cats or kittens to outdoor only or indoor/outdoor homes?
No. We don't support cats being allowed to roam outdoors. There are risks to the cat that are posed by fights with fellow cats, getting hit by cars and risks to their health. Further, outdoor cats are the leading human-influenced cause of dead birds. Occasionally the exception to this would be a cat that we have rescued who may be better suited to a farm home or as a working cat in a barn environment. When this is the case, it will be indicated in the cat's bio.
** If you are wanting a working cat for your barn, we would suggest that you visit the Brandon City Pound where there are many great cats seeking homes. These cats also qualify for our Save a Pound Cat spay and neuter program.
** If you are wanting a working cat for your barn, we would suggest that you visit the Brandon City Pound where there are many great cats seeking homes. These cats also qualify for our Save a Pound Cat spay and neuter program.
Do you adopt dogs or puppies to outdoor only homes?
No but similar to cats, we do occasionally have dogs in rescue that are better suited to an outdoor only home and this would be indicated in their profile.
I live some distance away from the foster home, can I have my application pre-approved?
No. We require that you arrange a visit with the dog (once references have been checked) before being approved for adoption. That initial visit is to see if the dog is the right fit for you and also to make sure that you are a good match for the dog. We don’t want you to make that decision hastily. We prefer that you go home, discuss the visit with family members or just take the time your own to consider the pros and cons of your visit. This allows you to consider whether you are ready and able to commit to providing the best care for your new furry friend for their entire lives. We will also take this time to connect with the foster home to discuss how the visit went.
I want to adopt a puppy/kitten, how is the spay or neuter arranged?
The spay or neuter is included in the adoption fee. We will book the surgery at one of our partner vet clinics when your pet is six months of age. We will contact you with the date and location of the appointment and you must ensure that your pet is brought to the clinic to attend that appointment. If the appointment we have made is not convenient we are willing to work with you to change it to an alternate day not more than two weeks later.
Can I Submit An Application and Not List Which Dog/Cat I Want to Meet Until After Reference Checks are Done?
No. You must indicate which dog or cat you are submitting your application for.
Can I Submit an Application and List Multiple Dogs/Cats?
Yes but if we get another suitable application for one of the dogs you have applied for we will inform you so that we aren't holding up a potential adoption for a dog that you may not be choosing.
