Once an animal is rescued, it is hart's priority to find them a loving, safe and stable lifelong home. To assist in achieving our goal, we have established the hart Adoption Guidelines:

Best Match vs "First-Come, First Served"

Adoptions are not done on a "first-come, first served" basis. Some of our animals have special needs that must be taken into consideration and our matching system allows us to find the best environment for each animal.

Spay/Neuter

All animals adopted through hart must either be spayed or neutered. Based on the animal's age at adoption, some may be altered prior to being moved to their permanent home. Others may be too young, and hart will work with the adopter to arrange for a spay or neuter appointment at a veterinary clinic selected by hart. Spaying and neutering is a condition of every hart adoption.

If a potential adopter has an unaltered animal at home the reason for the animal being unaltered is an important factor which must be taken into consideration prior to an adoption approval.

Pets as Gifts

hart does not allow its animals to be adopted as gifts. Instead, we encourage a review of the animals available for adoption so the best match can be  made between the potential adopter and the animal.

Adoption Criteria

• Potential adopters must be at least 18 years of age.
• hart will not proceed with a day visit or adoption to any individual showing signs of intoxication (alcohol or substance abuse) at the time.
• Potential adopters must have reasonable expectations of the animal being adopted. Any sign of intolerance or aggression towards the animal may result in the termination of the adoption.
• Potential adopters must demonstrate they have the financial means to care for the animal. References may be required for students or unemployed individuals.
• Individuals who have returned an adopted animal to hart for reasons which show a lack of understanding or compassion will not be permitted to adopt another animal.
• Potential adopters who have recently had to euthanize an animal for reasons other than severe health  problems, or who have surrendered an animal to another organization, or given an animal away for reasons which indicate a lack of understanding or compassion with respect to the animal's needs and natural behavior will not be permitted to adopt a hart animal.

Companion Animals

hart animals are adopted out as companions, not working dogs.

Fences

hart dogs will only be adopted out to homes with permanent, secure fences or other such secure structures (i.e. dog run with a top or cover, and shelter or dog house).

hart does not condone leaving dogs outside, unsupervised for extended periods of time as all dogs are social animals who thrive in a healthy, family setting and may become bored and problematic (i.e. barking, digging, aggressive) if left unsupervised.

Crating

hart dogs are crated while in foster care and we strongly recommend using the crate until the adopter can trust the dog to be left in an unsupervised home.

Children and Pets

hart takes all household members into consideration when arranging an adoption and may, based on the animal's temperament, discourage the adoption of certain animals to families with young children.

Out-of-Town Adopters

Potential adopters who live outside the greater Edmonton area will be considered as potential adopters provided they adhere to the steps in the adoption process and the foster home is in full agreement.

Landlord Permission

Potential adopters who rent will be required to submit written proof from their landlord that pets are permitted (i.e. lease, written permission signed by landlord). Owners of townhouses or condominiums may be required to provide proof their bylaws allow animals.

Other Pets at Home - Proof of Vaccination

All resident animals of a potential adopter must be up-to-date on vaccinations before an adoption will be approved. Proof (i.e. a vaccination certificate) may be reqested.

Refunds

The adopter has three (3) weeks in which to return an adopted animal to hart for a fifty percent (50%) refund, regardless of circumstances. After the three (3) week period, if the adopter is unable to keep the animal, they must contact hart who will take the animal back into care, or use all available resources to place the animal into suitable home. No refund will be issued after this three (3) week period.

Medical Conditions

While hart makes every effort to ensure the dogs available for adoption are healthy, hart does not guarantee the health or temperament of any animal. Once adopted, medical costs (including booster and rabies shots) are the responsibility of the adopter.

Follow Up

In order to ensure the successful placement of hart animals, an adopter can expect follow-ups from hart volunteers.

Adherence to Municipal Bylaws

All municipalities have bylaws pertaining to the control of animals. Potential adopters must be prepared to adhere to the animal control bylaws in their area.