How to Adopt
Before beginning the application process, please read through our adoption policies below.
The first step to adopting an animal from us is to contact one of our adoption counselors about the animal you are interested in adopting.
We only accept a certain number of applications for each animal, and they will be tell you if the animal you are interested in is available, as well as provide other pertinent information about that animal for you to consider before completing an application. The adoption counselor will then provide you with a unique application code that you will use to complete the adoption application. The application cannot be submitted without this code.
- You must be at least 18 years old, with a valid ID to adopt an animal from us.
- You may submit an application at any time. It will remain active for 90 days or until you chose an animal you would like to adopt.
- You will be contacted by email when your application is received.
- Please allow 3-4 business days for processing.
- You will be contacted by email when your application is approved or denied.
- Applications will be approved on a “general” status if you have not found a pet you’d like to adopt.
- You must meet with an animal before their name will be attached to your application.
- Please note, we do not hold animals. If you find yourself unable to adopt at this time, your application will be active for 90 days and you may contact us with interest in a specific animal at any point during that time frame.
- We will only accept 3 applications for each animal.
- All members of the household must meet your prospective new pet before they will be sent home.
- We require that all current pets in the home be up to date on their rabies, DA2PP (dogs), FVRCP (cats) vaccines and spayed or neutered before a new pet will be sent home. (Cats in the home must also be tested for FIV/FeLV.)
- If you lease or rent, landlord information is required.
The best way to see our adoptable animals is on our website. It is updated daily, as animals are adopted and new ones become available.
If you are looking for a specific breed or size dog and don’t see one available from us, please explore some other local rescues and shelters. Petfinder.com also allows you to search for animals in your area.
NOTE: Velvet Acres Animal Rescue reserves the right to refuse adoption to anyone for any reason. The processing does include a limited background check.
Kitten Policies
Kittens thrive growing up with a buddy! We always adopt kittens out in pairs when possible. Preference is given to applicants who are interested in adopting two kittens. Single kittens will only be adopted into a home that has at least one other cat already.
If Approved to Adopt
All dogs in the home must participate in a scheduled meet and greet with a prospective new dog. These meetings will be facilitated by a VAAR staff member, and as such, may not be done as walk-ins but must be scheduled.
A time and date will be scheduled for you to pick up your new pet.
Adoption Application
Adoption Fees
Here you will find the fees to adopt a specific type of pet from Velvet Acres Animal Rescue. These are the minimum amount required but we welcome any further donation you would like to make. Please contact us with any questions. Prices are subject to change without notice.
- Cats (12 months and over): $50
- Kittens (up to 12 months): $85
- Pair of Kittens (up to 12 months): $140
- Dogs (12 months and over): $100
- Puppies (up to 12 months) and small dogs (up to 25lbs): $200
- Guinea Pig (12 months and over): $40
- Guinea Pig (up to 12 months): $60
- Pair of Guinea Pigs (adults): $75
*The ages of the animals are determined by our veterinarian based on a physical exam and are not subject to debate.
Please note that any animal not yet old enough to be spayed or neutered may be adopted but will enter into a foster to adopt situation until old enough for surgery. Adoptions will not be finalized until spay or neuter is done.
What is Included with Adoption
All dog adoptions include:
- Spay or neuter procedure (please see above note in the case of young puppies)
- All age-appropriate vaccinations
- Microchip and lifetime registration
- Training and behavioral support and advice for the lifetime of the dog
All cat adoptions include:
- Spay or neuter procedure
- All age-appropriate vaccinations
- FIV/FeLV test
- Microchip and lifetime registration
- Training and behavioral support and advice for the life of the cat