ADOPTION PROCESS



Interested in adopting a pet? All of the pets placed through St. Francis Humane Association have received a physical exam by a veterinarian, all applicable and necessary tests, are vaccinated, and have been spayed or neutered and microchipped.


Please fill out the Adoption Application completely. Once your application is received, you will be contacted by one of our volunteers to discuss your responses. A volunteer will review your application, contact your references, and do a veterinarian check. A home visit will be performed, if necessary.


adoption application

FEES & WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION



An adoption fee of $80 for cats and kittens or $125 for dogs and puppies will be collected at the time of adoption. Discounts may be available for multiple adoptions. This fee helps to cover the cost of caring for the pet including, but not limited to, food, routine and emergency veterinary care, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, medication, etc.


You will be contacted at the completion of the evaluation of your application. If you are approved, arrangements will be made for you to pick up your new pet. Please see below for an adoption checklist as well as the adoption process.


Get in Touch

BEFORE ADOPTING





  • Discuss the decision with the whole family. Be sure that pet care duties are clearly defined and rules are in place for your new addition.
  • If this is your first time owning a pet, do some research to ensure that the pet you've chosen will be a good fit for you and you for it.
  • Prepare your home for the new addition. Pets, especially younger ones, can be a lot like young children. Take a look around your home and address any hazards and safeguard fragile and/or valuable items.
  • Purchase supplies like food and water bowls, a crate, a litter box, a bed, treats, cat litter, toys, etc. Be sure you have everything ready for when you bring your new pet home. Consider purchasing the same food your new pet has been eating to prevent digestive upset. You can always gradually switch the food to your favorite brand. This may also be necessary when changing cat litter brands.
  • For at least the first day your new pet is in your home, you should consider confining him or her to a room or small portion of the house to allow adjustment to the new surroundings. Once your pet is comfortable, allow more freedom.
  • If you're adding a pet to a household with pets, have a plan of action for introduction. It's not a good idea just to push a new pet on pets that may be used to "ruling the roost." Allow time for both pets to adjust before an introduction.
  • If you have any questions or encounter any problems, do not hesitate to contact SFHA. We're here to help make your adoption experience a successful one!


Adoption Process





  • Complete an adoption application. Applications are available on this website or at one of our adoption stand events.
  • Once your application is received, you will be contacted by one of our volunteers to discuss your responses.
  • A volunteer will review your application, contact your references, and do a veterinarian check. A home visit will be performed, if necessary. We reserve the right to refuse an applicant if, in our judgment, the applicant or home is unsuitable.
  • You will be contacted at the completion of the evaluation of your application. If you are approved, arrangements will be made for you to pick up your new pet. The adoption fee will be collected at the time of adoption. This fee helps to cover the cost of caring for the pet including, but not limited to, food, routine and emergency veterinary care, medication, etc.
  • You will be expected to provide shelter, food, and veterinary care including yearly routine care (physical exam, vaccines, etc.) and emergency care, if needed. In return, you will receive a warm and fuzzy friend for life!
  • You may be contacted shortly after the finalization of the adoption process to ensure that you and your new pet have acclimated well to one another. Should you encounter any problems, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  • SFHA reserves the right to reclaim pets that are neglected or cared for improperly. Pets must not be sold or given away. Should your need to be re-homed, please contact us.


St. Francis Humane Association



P.O. Box 73622, Richmond, VA 23235 • ph: (804) 598-6636 • webmaster@stfrancisha.org
MEMBER Virginia Federation of Humane Societies

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