adoption process
hart's multi-step adoption process is designed to ensure (as
best as possible) that the correct match is being made for each
hart dog. For that reason, the foster parent has the final say in
approving an adoption as they know the requirements and the
personality of their foster dog best.
If you are interested in adopting a hart
dog, this is the process you will be involved in:
- If you are interested in learning more about one of hart's adoptable dogs
or about our adoption process, you can either phone hart
at (780) 455-4278 or email
us.
- If you decide that you would like to apply to adopt a hart dog,
you can fill out the adoption application or download
the application and email it to
us.
- Once your adoption application has been received, you will be
contacted by one of hart's Adoption Team members who will set up a
time to do a preliminary phone screening with you. This is an
opportunity to go over your adoption application and discuss hart's
adoption process.
- If you meet the preliminary screening criteria, your contact
number and/or email address will be passed along to the foster
parent of the dog you're interested in.
- The foster parent will contact you to set up an initial meeting
between you and the hart dog. This meeting may take place at the
foster parent's home or somewhere you mutually agree upon, like a
dog park. This gives you a chance to meet the hart dog and gives
the foster parent a chance to meet you.
- If the foster parent believes that you may be a good match for
the hart dog, arrangements are made for a home visit. The home
visit is a 3-4 hour visit at your home. The home visit takes place
during the day, never overnight. All members of your household
(human and pet) must be present. This gives you a chance to see how
the dog fits in with your home and family and gives the foster
parent the opportunity to see the home in which the dog would live.
The foster parent will deliver the hart dog to your home. The
foster parent reserves the right to cancel the home visit at any
time (including when they first arrive at your home) if they
believe circumstances warrant cancellation.
- After the home visit, the hart dog is returned to the foster
parent and permanent adoption may be discussed by you and the
foster parent.
- There is a mandatory 24 hour cooling off
period after the home visit to give you and the foster parent time
to determine whether the hart dog would be a good fit in your
home.
- If both you and the foster parent agree to move forward with
the adoption, arrangements can be made to finalize the adoption.
Either the foster parent or a hart representative will bring you
two copies of hart's adoption contract for signature (one copy for
you, one for hart). You will also be asked to pay the adoption fee
of $285 at this time (cash or cheque payable to Humane Animal
Rescue Team Society). All hart dogs are spayed/neutered in order to
help control the population of unwanted dogs. The adoption fee
covers the cost of this procedure, as well as all other shots and
immunizations the dog received when taken in by hart. Should your
dog not be altered upon the adoption, arrangements are made to have
the surgery scheduled once the dog is mature and hart will cover
the costs of the alteration.
- Enjoy a long and happy life with your hart dog!