From Application to Home
Our goal is to make thoughtful, lasting matches between rescued animals and the people ready to care for them.
Every animal is different, and every household is different. AWF reviews applications with the animal’s needs, safety, personality and long-term well-being in mind.
Our Adoption Journey
The steps below explain the general path from first interest to adoption.
Explore Available Animals
Read each profile carefully and consider personality, energy level, medical needs, household fit and the kind of care you can realistically provide.
Submit an Application
Complete the adoption application with accurate information about your household, current pets, experience, lifestyle and expectations.
Application Review
AWF reviews the application with the individual animal’s needs in mind. We may contact you for clarification or additional information.
Conversation & Home Review
When appropriate, the next step may include a phone or video conversation and a home review to better understand the environment the animal would be entering.
Meet & Match
When possible and appropriate, we arrange the next step for you to meet the animal and assess whether the match feels right for everyone involved.
Approval & Adoption Agreement
If the match is approved, AWF completes the final adoption steps and adoption agreement, and confirms the transition arrangements.
Transition Home
The first days and weeks matter. Give your new family member time, routine and patience as they adjust to a new environment.
Post-Adoption Support
If questions arise after adoption, we encourage adopters to stay in touch. A successful adoption is a long-term outcome, not just the day an animal goes home.
Every adoption journey is different, but the goal is the same: a safe, lasting home where an animal can begin a new chapter.
We Focus on a Safe, Lasting Match
Adoption decisions are based on the needs of the individual animal and the home being offered.
The Animal’s Needs
Medical history, personality, energy level, behavior and comfort with children or other animals may all affect placement.
Your Home & Lifestyle
Schedule, household members, housing, current pets, experience and daily routine help us understand whether a match may work.
Long-Term Commitment
We look for adopters who are prepared for the time, cost, patience and responsibility that come with lifelong care.
Before You Apply
- Read the animal’s profile and individual requirements carefully.
- Discuss adoption with everyone in your household.
- Consider housing rules, schedule, travel and current pets.
- Be prepared to answer follow-up questions honestly and completely.
- Understand that not every application will result in an adoption.
Matching Comes Before Speed
Receiving an application does not mean an adoption is automatically approved. We may receive multiple applications for the same animal, and we evaluate each situation based on the animal’s individual needs.
If one animal is not the right match, that does not necessarily mean another AWF animal would not be a better fit.
Take the Next Step
Browse available cats and dogs, then submit an adoption application when you find an animal who may fit your home and lifestyle.