Adoption Process and Fee's
"Finding Families, Changing Lives"

At Ruff Start Animal Rescue Foundation, our goal is to create lasting matches between animals and their adoptive families. Our process is designed to ensure every animal finds a safe, loving, and permanent home. Adoptions are not first-come, first-served—we always focus on the best possible match.

​

Our Adoption Process

Step 1: Browse Our Adoptable Animals
Take your time reading through each pet’s profile to see who might be the right fit for your home and lifestyle.

Step 2: Submit an Application
Fill out our online adoption application as thoroughly as possible. The more detail you provide, the better we can match you with the right companion.

Step 3: Application Review (within 3 business days)
A team member will review your application, contact your references, and arrange a phone interview.

Step 4: Meet & Greet
If your application is approved, we’ll schedule a meet-and-greet. This is a chance to spend time with the animal and ask questions. Afterward, everyone goes home to “sleep on it” before making a decision.

Step 5: Home Check
A home check is required for every adoption. This ensures your space is safe and ready for your new pet.

Step 6: Trial Period (Optional)
Families with resident pets or children may request a one-week trial adoption. A $200 deposit is required and will be applied to the adoption fee if the trial is successful.

Step 7: Finalization
When everyone agrees it’s the perfect match, we’ll finalize the adoption contract. That’s when your new family member officially comes home!

​

​

Our Force-Free Commitment

Ruff Start is a force-free rescue. This means we only support training and handling methods that are kind, humane, and based on positive reinforcement.

• All adopters must agree to use force-free practices.

• Puppy adopters are required to complete either a force-free puppy class or attend three puppy socials with a qualified, force-free trainer (at the adopter’s expense).

• Adult dogs have no mandatory training requirement unless specified in their adoption profile.

We’re happy to recommend excellent local trainers who share our values.

​

​

Adoption Fees

Dogs

• Medium/Large Breed: $550

• Small/Toy Breed: $650

• Seniors (8+ years): $475

• Medical dogs: $475

• Bonded Pairs: $850

​

💡 Please note: adoption fees may vary depending on the animal.

​

​

What’s Included in the Adoption Fee

Every Ruff Start animal receives:

• Comprehensive veterinary examination

• Up-to-date vaccinations

• Spay/neuter surgery

• Deworming

• Microchip

  A 6-week complimentary Petsecure insurance trial

Many animals also receive additional medical care beyond this list, depending on their needs.

💡 On average, Ruff Start spends far more than the adoption fee for each animal. Adoption fees help us continue rescuing pets who need us most.

Dental care policy: Routine dental care is not included in adoption fees. We only provide dental treatment for urgent, emergency needs.

​

To learn more about our 6 week complimentary Petsecure insurance trial click here.

​

We are so excited to help you find your new family member! Our process and fees are non-negotiable—they are carefully designed to protect our animals and set up every adoption for success.

Thank you for choosing adoption and for supporting rescue animals. ❤️

​​​​​

​