Adoption Process

Dogs are one of life’s most incredible joys. They can be goofy and sweet, loyal to a fault, and they often give their love unconditionally. However, they also need structure, daily exercise and activity, and a lot of care.

Before you decide a dog is right for you, read on to learn more.

“Everybody deserves a second chance. We give that chance to dogs that need it.”
— POOCH Youth

Things to Think About Before Adopting ANY Dog

We are glad that you are thinking about sharing your home with a dog from Project POOCH.

It’s been our experience that sometimes people think they want a dog, but they haven’t really thought through everything that caring for a dog entails. We have compiled the list below to help you think through all of the ways a dog will impact your life so you can determine if you are ready for the commitment.

We think it is well worth your while to take your time to thoroughly discuss and carefully consider before agreeing to take one of our dogs to be your dog "til death do you part."

  • Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment. Depending on the size of the dog, they can live for 10–20 years. If you adopt an older dog, that commitment may be shorter, but if you adopt a young dog, barring health issues the dog will be with you for many years.

  • In addition to the initial adoption fee, consider whether your budget can afford dog food, toys, grooming, and regular veterinary care. Normally you can expect veterinary care for your dog to cost several hundred dollars a year, but if the dog develops a serious medical problem, the cost can be higher.

  • Pets are a lifelong committment. Consider whether you are willing to adjust your life to include a dog. A dog will impact your travel plans, you may need to board your dog if you go out of town, and you will need to factor your dog into any plans you have to move.

  • Project POOCH dogs have been trained with basic cues, to walk on a leash, and some are in training for their Good Citizen Test. Adopters need to continue with their training or else the good habits they’ve learned may be forgotten. All dogs need affection and attention. Ignoring and/or sending them to live in a backyard are forms of animal neglect.

    If you adopt a Project POOCH dog, you must commit to only using Positive Reinforcement and Fear Free Training methods and tools. Any adverse training and tools are prohibited.

  • Are all of you equally willing to feed, exercise, and take care of the dog? If a new baby is born, will the family dog suddenly become an intrusive nuisance? If your teenager leaves to attend college, will the family dog suddenly become the "backyard dog"? What about your other pets—are you sure that they will accept the new dog?

  • Sources of pet-friendly housing:

    Zillow (zillow.com): Click on “More” and under Pets you have the option to select large dogs, small dogs, or cats.

    Trulia (trulia.com): Click on “Pets” and select “Allows Dogs”

    Hotpads (hotpads.com): Select “Search for Rent” and once there, select the “Pets” dropdown and select “Allows dogs”

  • Some are high-energy and require vigorous exercise and a sense of purpose, while others are low energy and perfectly content to lead the life of a "couch potato". As part of the adoption process, we will help you determine what type of personality will be the most compatible with you, your household, and your lifestyle.

If you read through this entire list and think “YES, that all sounds good to me!” then it is time to learn more about the Adoption Process.

Adoption Steps

Step 1: Adoption Application

Complete the online application. Please read and complete the application carefully and ensure you answer all the questions accurately. Occasionally, there may be multiple applications for one dog. If that occurs, we will review the applications and contact the individuals that we think will be the best fit for the dog. Project POOCH staff are always striving to find the absolute best placement for a dog, so please don’t be discouraged if the first dog you are interested in doesn’t work out.

If your application is selected for a phone interview, we will contact you on the phone number listed on your application. The purpose of a phone interview is for you to share more with us about your wants/needs in a dog, and for us to share more with you about the dog you are interested in, so we can determine if your home will be the right fit for you and for the dog.

Step 2: Phone Interview

Kennel visits are by appointment only. The purpose of the kennel visit is for you to meet the dog you are interested in adopting, and to meet their youth handler and learn about the training process, and what the youth has to say about the dog’s needs and personality. As our kennel is located within a correctional facility, please note there are VERY specific rules regarding what you can/can’t bring into the kennel, as well as a dress code. Please review this document prior to coming to the kennel, as you will not be allowed entry if you violate these rules. (Get directions)

Step 3: Kennel Visit

We will schedule a home visit where we'll bring the dog to your home. This will give us, you, and the dog an opportunity to see if he or she fits in with your home life.

Step 4: Home Visit

You’ve visited and decided that this is a good match! Then let’s make the adoption complete. You’ll complete the final adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee, and you will take your new pup home.

Step 5: Adopt!