Adoption Process & Fees
Thank you for your interest in adopting and for choosing rescue!
Our matchmakers will review your application within 1-2 business days! Please wait patiently. We will be in touch to ask more questions or set up an adoption appointment once a match is made. If the animal you applied for is not available, we will work with you to find a good fit. Sometimes, we have animals that are not yet posted online.
Adopter Age Requirements:
• dogs/puppies- 21+ yrs old
• cats/kittens- 18+ yrs old
If you are adopting a family pet, please ensure a parent fills out the adoption application.
Your application works for ALL animals in our care for 3 months. To add or revise the animal you applied for, find your application confirmation email and click “Edit Form.” Change the pet name to the new animal you’re interested in or let us know!
At your adoption appointment, you may complete the adoption the same day. We generally do not hold animals but do allow trial periods or foster to adopt on a case-by-case basis. We are here to support you before, during, and after your adoption and are happy to give advice, guidance, and recommendations.
DOGS
$350 for adult dogs and $475 for puppies and covers:
• DHPP vaccines (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza)
• Bordetella vaccine
• Rabies vaccine
• spay/neuter surgery
• flea/tick treatment
• deworming
• dentals (if needed, as recommended by our vet)
• microchip & lifetime registration
• collar and leash (if you have your own, please bring them!)
• 30 days of free pet insurance with PetFirst (adopter must enroll themselves prior to any vet visits)
• free medical exam at any VCA hospital (must be used within 2 weeks of adoption)
• 15% off boarding at Chino’s Caring Kennel, let them know you adopted from us!
CATS
$189 for adult cats (>11 months old) and $225 for kittens and covers:
• FVRCP vaccines (feline rhinotracheitis, calici, panleukopenia)
• Rabies vaccine
• spay/neuter surgery
• deworming
• flea & tick medication
• microchip & lifetime registration
• cat collar
• 30 days of free pet insurance with PetFirst if you choose to enroll (adopter must enroll by phone prior to any vet visits)
• free medical exam at any VCA hospital (must be used within 2 weeks of adoption)
Add-Ons:
• for cats: FIV / FeLV testing for an additional $35 & the FeLV vaccine for $22
Please inquire before your adoption appointment to set up - vets typically charge 2-3x what we charge! You may request this post-adoption as well.
**If you are adopting a kitten <4 months of age, they may not yet be spayed/neutered because we wait until they reach this age to do so. You will be required to bring them to our veterinarian for spay/neuter when they are due, and we follow up with all adopters to ensure it is done. Additional details will be discussed during your adoption appointment.
After Adoption:
Congratulations on your new family member for life! Please allow your pet ample time to adjust to their new environment. Some animals have been in the shelter environment for quite some time and may be overly excited or fearful, which is not their typical behavior.
There’s something that we call the Rule of 3’s:
3 days to decompress and come out of their shell. During these days, your pet can act very shy or scared.
3 weeks to adjust to routines and expectations of their new home.
3 months to fully feel confident and comfortable in their new space.
These are of course very general guidelines, and every pet is different, but please be patient with your pet! Please don’t hesitate to ask us questions or for guidance and recommendations.
Please register your microchip! Your adoption packet should include instructions. This is VERY important in case your pet gets lost, which can happen more commonly in the first 30 days of adoption as your pet is adjusting to their new space.
Bring your adoption contract or paperwork to a Petco or Petsmart for a New Pet Parent coupon book!
We recommend enrolling in basic training for dogs after about 1 month of being in their new home. Remember, training is something that is constant, regular, and important for our dogs to be good canine citizens. These are basic things that we believe dogs should have training in:
walking nicely on a leash / not pulling
basic commands like sit, stay, lay down, and “off” for jumping on people.
socialization with other dogs — this means training to not be reactive towards other dogs and to be friendly. Some dogs may have more difficulties than others depending on their history, but this is still very important.
socialization with people! We absolutely recommend your dog meeting new people and being exposed to busy environments.
CCK9 at Chino’s Caring kennel offers a 6 class Basic Obedience training for $200 total. We highly recommend them! They also offer 15% off boarding for anyone that has adopted from us, just show them your adoption paperwork.
Petco and Petsmart also have affordable 6-12 week Group Training packages from about $150-250 and often run discounts of up to $40. $39 private 101 session, 45 minute. You can also ask the front desk for a New Pet Parent coupon book for $50 off Group Training.