MHAF Adoption Process

MHAF uses a multi-step adoption process to assure we find the best possible home for each of our animals. We pride ourselves on getting to know the needs of each animal we rescue, and this adoption process allows us the chance to get to know you - and for you to know the animal - before a decision is made.

Please don't get discouraged by the number of steps in our process! We know you are eager to adopt an animal and will work with you to do things promptly; sometimes we'll even be able to combine steps as things progress.

1. Application - This can be done online or in person at one of our adopt-a-thons or events. Applications help us get to know about you, your environment, and what you are looking for in a new pet. Applications are forwarded to the Adoption Consultant for the animal you are interested in to review and contact you; you can expect to hear from us within 72 hours.
   
   
2. Phone or Email Interview - The appropriate Adoption Consultant will contact you to discuss the status of the animal (whether s/he is still available for adoption, if there are other families who have expressed interest in the pet, etc.) and answer/ask questions that may come up as you talk.
   
   
3. Meet & Greet - You will meet with the pet and see how compatible your personalities are.
   
   
4. In-Home Visit - The pet and Adoption Consultant will visit your home to assess the environment to offer suggestions to make it a smooth transition for everyone.
   
   
5. Temporary Stay - The animal will stay with you in your home for up to 7-days to make sure the match is right! Our volunteers will check in with you to answer any questions, and to offer suggestions if needed during this transition. The right time, the right pet, the right personality: our goal is to make the right match for both the animal and adopter.
   
   
6. Final Decision - You'll talk with your Adoption Consultant and together make a decision about whether you'd like to adopt the animal or s/he will return to MHAF.
   
   
7. Post-Adoption Support - MHAF is unique in that we offer all adopters post-adoption support for training and behavior support! If our volunteers can't answer a question for you, they can help direct you to a Trainer or Behaviorist that can.