Adoption Guidelines

Prospective Adopter Must:

  1. Be 21 years of age and have a valid ID with a current verifiable permanent address (younger adults may be considered in some circumstances on a case-by-case basis)
  2. Live in stable, consistent housing
  3. Live in the greater Chicagoland area (Adopt-A-Pet operates in the Chicago and suburban area and only adopts animals to families in the Chicagoland vicinity or, on certain occasions, immediately surrounding areas such as southern Wisconsin or northern Indiana if within a two-hour drive)
  4. Have a verifiable phone number
  5. Ensure that all adults living in the household have consented to the adoption and are willing to participate in the care of the pet
  6. Ensure that all children are mature enough to manage their behavior in the home and interact appropriately with the pet
  7. Bring all family members to meet the pet and Adopt-A-Pet volunteer before the adoption
  8. If a renter, show copy of lease or other proof from landlord that the pet is allowed
  9. Have the financial ability now and in the foreseeable future to properly care for the pet, including but not limited to routine and unexpected or emergency veterinary care, high quality food, necessary supplies, pet sitters, and pet deposits/pet rent if living in rental housing
  10. If adopting a dog, agree to properly train the dog, and have the financial ability and willingness to engage the services of training professionals and/or behavioral specialists if warranted
  11. Agree to have kittens and puppies spayed/neutered by 6 months of age (voucher provided)
  12. Provide proper and sufficient veterinary care, food, water, exercise, training and kind treatment
  13. Provide the pet a safe and pleasant environment with love and attention, and not to leave the pet alone for long hours without another animal or human for companionship
  14. Adopt the pet as a permanent lifetime family member, and be willing to make concessions in the future to accommodate and keep your pet as your lifestyle may change
  15. Fill out the Adoption Application and participate in a phone and/or in-person interview
  16. Be willing to provide personal and veterinary (if applicable) references
  17. Understand that the application must be processed and approved (which on average takes 2-3 days, but can sometimes be longer)
  18. Be ready to adopt immediately (we cannot "hold" animals for anyone)
  19. Sign a legally binding Adoption Contract and pay the Adoption Fee