Adopting a Pet

Be a Hero! Give a rescue pet a second chance!

Owning a rescue pet is a gift for the pet and a gift for you. You'll know that your adoption changed an animal's life and you'll be reward with wet kisses and loving purrs!

If you are interested in getting to know an APS rescue pet, please complete our "Rescue a Pet" application to get the process rolling! Be sure to list the pet you have in mind on the application (feel free to list two or three if you're undecided).

Click Here for the "Rescue A Pet" Application!

For information about our adoption process, click here.

Things to keep in mind when adopting:

When adopting a rescue pet (or any pet), it's important to consider what type of pet would best work for your family:

• Large or small
• Active or quite
• Young or older

As a rescue group interested in finding the perfect "forever" home for each pet, APS will also consider these questions and can help you in the decision making process. We'll talk to you about:

• How long the pet will be along and where he/she will stay while you are out of the house?
• Do you have enough space for a larger pet?
• Will you take your pet for walks, etc.?
• Are there children in the home?

In addition, we will also ask you about your previous pets. It is important to us that our foster pets go to families who will take care of their needs, including preventive and medical needs.

APS pets are vetted prior to going to their new home. For example, as long as the pet is of age, he or she will be spayed/neutered. The pet will also be up-to-date on shots, be microchipped, and be on other preventative medicines like heartworm preventative and flea/tick preventativ

Where do APS pets come from?

This answer varies, however, the majority of pets are taken from a local or near-by shelter when their "time runs out". This is one reason it is important for the pets to be in foster homes, where they get daily love and attention. These animals are socialized in the family setting, they are taught manners, potty-training, crate-training, walking on a leash, and more.

Some pets come to us when a family can no longer care for the animal. Sometimes an owner moves to an assisted living facility or passes away. This is one reason to consider an older dog, as his or her life has dramatically changed.

Did you know?

• Most pets end up homeless through no fault of their own - "moving" and "landlord issues" are the top reasons people give for relinquishing their pets, meaning shelters and rescue groups are full of wonderful, family-ready pets.
• Pets adopted from shelters and rescue groups typically cost less than pets purchased or even acquired for free once you add in the cost of vaccinations, microchip, dewormer, and other "extras" included in your adoption fee. The partner vet with APS also orders a discounted spay/neuter surgery for pets adopted from our program.
• Most shelters and rescue groups conduct through behavioral analysis of each pet to ensure that they will be the right fit for your family, dramatically improving the chances your new pet will fit
• Shelters and rescue groups can provide advice on making your relationship with your pet the best it can be for the rest of his or her life, so you'll never have to go it alone!