Adopting an animal is a big commitment, and we want to make sure every adoption is the right fit for both the animal and their new family.

At Second Chance Sanctuary, our adoption process is designed to help us learn about you, understand what you're looking for, and make thoughtful matches based on each animal's individual needs, personality, and lifestyle.

We don't believe in matching animals to homes based on a first impression alone. We take the time to make sure the adoption is safe, responsible, and set up for success.

1. FIND AN ANIMAL

Start by exploring the animals currently available for adoption.

Read their profiles, learn about their personalities and needs, and think about whether their lifestyle would be a good fit for your home.

If you have questions about an animal before applying, you're always welcome to reach out to us.

2. SUBMIT AN ADOPTION APPLICATION

Once you've found an animal you're interested in, complete our adoption application.

The application helps us learn more about your household, experience with animals, lifestyle, living situation, and what you're looking for in a companion.

Please answer all questions honestly and thoughtfully. There are no "perfect" answers. Our goal is to make the best possible match, not to judge you.

Submitting an application does not guarantee an adoption.

3. APPLICATION REVIEW

After we receive your application, we review the information you've provided.

We may consider things such as:

• Your experience with animals

• Your household and living situation

• Your lifestyle and availability

• Other animals in the home

• Your plans for veterinary care

• Whether your home can meet the animal's individual needs

• The specific needs and personality of the animal you're interested in

We may contact you if we have questions or need additional information.

Because we are a small, grassroots rescue, please allow us time to carefully review applications. We would rather take the extra time to make the right match than rush an animal into the wrong home.

4. MEET & GREET

If your application appears to be a potential match, we'll arrange a meet and greet.

This gives you and the animal an opportunity to meet one another and see how you interact.

Depending on the animal and circumstances, the meet and greet may take place in person or through another arrangement that we determine is appropriate.

A meet and greet does not automatically mean the adoption will move forward.

Sometimes an animal simply isn't the right match for a particular home, and that's okay. Our priority will always be finding the home that is best for the animal.

5. ADOPTION DECISION

After the meet and greet, we'll discuss whether we believe the match is a good fit.

If everyone is comfortable moving forward, we'll begin the final adoption steps.

If we don't believe the match is right, we may recommend another animal who could be a better fit.

Please don't take this personally. A declined application does not mean you are a bad adopter. Animals have different needs, and finding the right match is incredibly important.

6. ADOPTION AGREEMENT

Before an animal goes home, the approved adopter must complete and sign our adoption agreement.

The agreement outlines the adopter's responsibilities and our expectations for the animal's care and wellbeing.

We want every adopter to understand the commitment they're making before bringing an animal home.

7. ADOPTION FEE

An adoption fee may apply depending on the animal.

Adoption fees help contribute toward the care animals receive while they are with Second Chance Sanctuary, including veterinary care, food, supplies, transportation, and other necessary expenses.

The adoption fee for each animal will be listed on their individual adoption profile when applicable.

An adoption fee is not a purchase price. It helps support the rescue and the care of animals in need.

8. BRING THEM HOME

The most exciting part. 

Once all adoption requirements have been completed, we'll arrange a time for your new family member to go home.

Before they leave, we'll make sure you have the information you need about their care, routine, food, veterinary needs, medications if applicable, and anything else important to their transition.

Moving into a new home can be a big change for an animal, so we encourage adopters to be patient and give them time to settle in.

AFTER ADOPTION

Their second chance doesn't end when they leave us.

Adoption day isn't the end of an animal's story with Second Chance Sanctuary.

We want every adoption to be successful, and we're here to provide reasonable support and guidance when possible as your new companion settles into their home.

We encourage adopters to reach out if they have questions or concerns about their new animal.

Our goal isn't simply to find animals homes.

Our goal is to find them the right homes.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

Adoption is a commitment.

Animals can be a commitment for many years. Before applying, please make sure you're prepared for the financial, emotional, and time commitments that come with caring for an animal.

We reserve the right to decline an application.

We may decline an application if we determine that the home is not an appropriate match for the animal. Our decisions are based on the animal's wellbeing and individual needs.

Applying does not guarantee an adoption.

An animal may receive multiple applications, and submitting an application does not place an automatic hold on an animal unless we specifically confirm one.

Please be honest.

Honest applications help us make better matches. If something about your situation changes after applying, please let us know.

READY TO ADOPT?

If you're ready to open your home to an animal who deserves a second chance, we'd love to hear from you.

Take a look at our animals currently available for adoption and find out who might be waiting for you.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ADOPTION

Every adoption means something incredibly special to us.

It means an animal who needed a second chance has found someone willing to give them one.

Thank you for considering adoption, supporting rescue, and helping us give animals the futures they deserve.

Every animal deserves a second chance.