The FURPA adoption process starts with a detailed online application, which typically takes a minimum of three to five business days for initial review, screening, and reference checks. Once approved, the prospective adopter is invited to meet the pet, followed by the mandatory one-hour counseling and education session with our behaviorist. The entire timeline, from application to final adoption, usually takes between one to two weeks, as we prioritize making the absolute best match over speed. We maintain a rigorous vetting process to ensure every animal’s placement is successful, providing all health records and a transition kit upon finalization, which is a necessary commitment to the animal’s long-term welfare.

The adoption fee is a non-profit donation that covers only a fraction of the high-quality care each animal receives, but it is vital for sustaining our operations. The fee includes the animal’s spay or neuter surgery, a full veterinary examination, all age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and initial preventative flea and heartworm treatments. For many of our rescued animals, the fee also helps offset the costs of complex emergency surgeries, specialized orthopedic care, or extended behavioral rehabilitation, which can often exceed thousands of dollars. The fee is an investment in our mission, allowing us to continue rescuing and providing this high level of care for the next animal in need, ensuring our no-kill promise can be maintained.

Safety is our highest priority, both for the animals and our staff/volunteers. All animal housing areas are secured with double-gating systems to prevent accidental escapes, and we utilize state-of-the-art air filtration and sanitization systems to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Every dog is walked on a double-leash system by trained volunteers, and all playgroups are carefully temperament-tested and supervised by a certified behaviorist. We maintain a low-stress handling policy, using positive reinforcement techniques only, and all staff and volunteers undergo mandatory safety training covering animal handling, emergency procedures, and recognizing signs of fear or aggression, ensuring a secure and calm environment for every pet under our care.

Our matching process includes a specific assessment for families with children, focusing on the pet’s known history and observed temperament with children of various ages during their time in our care. We conduct a thorough analysis of the dog or cat’s behavior when exposed to the typical sounds, movements, and energy levels associated with children. If a pet’s history or temperament indicates they may not be a good fit, we are completely transparent and recommend alternatives. For approved matches, we provide specific educational counseling on safe interaction practices, teaching children appropriate boundaries and handling techniques, and emphasizing the importance of constant adult supervision in the early stages of integration.

We are committed to complete transparency regarding every pet’s medical and dietary history. Every animal adopted comes with a full medical record outlining all treatments, surgeries, and known conditions, as well as a detailed transition plan, including the specific food they are currently eating and any necessary supplements. We use high-quality, vet-approved foods and adhere strictly to all prescribed dietary restrictions for pets with allergies or chronic conditions. Our team discusses these requirements in detail with the adopter, and we ensure the family leaves with enough of the current food to facilitate a safe, gradual transition to their preferred diet, minimizing the risk of digestive upset or relapse of medical conditions.

We enthusiastically welcome partnerships with corporations and local organizations looking to fulfill their social responsibility mandates and support animal welfare. These partnerships can take many forms, including corporate sponsorship of our major fundraising events, ‘matching gift’ programs for employee donations, and corporate volunteer days where teams assist with facility maintenance or large-scale project work. We also collaborate on specific public service campaigns, such as sponsoring a spay/neuter clinic or funding a targeted rescue operation. Interested parties can contact our Outreach Coordinator, Ricardo Morales, at the provided email to discuss tailored partnership proposals that align their business goals with our lifesaving mission, creating mutually beneficial community impact.