ADOPTION INFO
ADOPTION PROCESS
- Learn about pause4change– It is very important that prior to filling out the online application you thoroughly review our values, adoption fees, and adoption process.
- Online Application – Our online application can be accessed via the “Adopt” tab above or the button at the bottom of this page. Please be thorough in your responses as this is our way of getting to know you better.
- Application Review – Our Application Screeners will review your application and determine if you are a suitable candidate for adoption. Our organization is run wholly on volunteers so please allow up to 48 hrs for a response on the status of you application. Due to the high number of applications received, unsuccessful applicants will not be contacted.
- Telephone Interview – Upon successful review, your application will be forwarded to one of our telephone screeners. The screener will be in contact with you to arrange a suitable time to do an over the phone interview. During this interview the screener will ask a variety of questions and also answer any questions that you might have.
- Foster Home Review – If your telephone interview was successful your screener will forward your application as well as any screening notes to the foster home of the animal that you are interested in. The foster home will review this information and based on their first hand knowledge of the animal will determine if you are the ideal fit for adoption.
- Initial Visit – If the foster home has reviewed your application and determined that you are the perfect fit for the adoptable animal they will contact you and arrange for an initial visit. This visit typically takes place at the foster’s residence. All members of the household MUST be present for this meeting. (if applicable, any other dogs living in the household are also required to attend)
- 24 HR Waiting Period – There is a mandatory waiting period to allow both the foster family and the adoptive family to think about the potential adoption. Adopting is a big commitment. It is important that all members of the household discuss the adoption and come to a mutual decision to continue in the process.
- Day Visit – Once you have had time to fully discuss and think about the adoption and the foster home believes it will be a good fit a “Day Visit” will be arranged. During the visit the adoptable animal will stay with you during the day (NO OVERNIGHTS). This visit ensures that you, any other members of the home and any other pets are comfortable with the animal . Please note that at the time of drop off the foster (and potentially another member of Pause4Change) will assess your home and yard and voice any concerns or potential safety issues they may see.
- Overnight Waiting Period – One final waiting period is allowed for the potential adopter(s) to discuss the adoption and for the foster to make the final determination that your home is the best possible fit.
- Adoption Finalization – You have been approved for adoption! The foster will arrange for you to pick up your new pet at their residence or an agreed upon meeting place. At this time you will be required to sign the Adoption Contract as well as issue payment for the adoption. You will also receive a training certificate (provided courtesy of one of our “Trusted Training Partners” and other helpful training tips and your pets vet records.
- Continued Support – When you adopt from pause4change we want to provide you with the support required to ensure success for both your family and your new pet. There will be 2 post-adoption follow-up contacts to ensure that the transition is going well. Our team is always available to provide advice and help direct you to trusted resources within our community.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
General Adoption Policies
We do not adopt on a first come, first served basis. We work to find the best match for each animal in our care. All applications are reviewed, only successful applicants will be contacted to move to the next stage in the adoption process.
We cannot guarantee anything regarding size, breed, shedding or temperament of the animals in our care.
Renters
If you rent your home, or are governed by a condo board we require written approval from your landlord/board prior to adoption. You must check any restrictions on size, breed, damage deposit etc. before applying to adopt.
Trials / Overnight Stays
We do not allow trial adoptions or overnight stays pre-adoption. Our process includes a day visit which enables adopters to spend time with and prepare for adoption.
Spay/Neuter
All animals are spayed or neutered before adoption. This cost is covered by pause4change and included in the adoption fee. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Adoption Areas
We adopt to Western Canada with our Core adoption area to be the Greater Calgary Region. Adopters from outside of this core adoption area will need to be comfortable with our Extended Adoption Area Policy.
Gifts
We do not adopt animals out as gifts. All household members including any current pets must meet the adoptive animal as part of the adoption process.
Return & Refund Policy
We work with adopters to find the best possible fit for each animal in our care. If due to unforeseen circumstances you feel you must find your pause4change animal a new home, you must contact us as your first point of call. We encourage adopters to contact us for help with any issues they experience post adoption. We can provide resources, advice and assistance as well as training recommendations. As adoptions (and returns) take valuable time and resources to process and complete our adoption fees are non-refundable. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Application Form
To show you have read and reviewed our policies and procedures, please include the following codeword as your answer on your application: Comet
Example:
Have you thoroughly read through the policies and procedures section on website? Yes – Comet
ADOPTION FEES
Dogs + Puppies
$600.00
Included With Adoption:
Initial vet wellness check
All vaccines & de-worming required up to date of adoption
Surgical Sterilization (spay/neuter)
All dogs available for adoption have to be altered for the health and well-being of the animal and to work towards a sustainable pet population.
Permanent Identification (microchip) All dogs available for adoption have been given a permanent form of identification to ensure that in the event that they are lost or stolen, they can be returned to their loving homes.
Training Certificate (4 months) to attend classes offered by one of our “Trusted Training Partners”
Cats + Kittens
$200.00 ($25 discount for multiple adoptions)
* pause4change reserves the right to determine suitability for multiple adoptions
Included:
Initial vet wellness check
All vaccines & de-worming required up to date of adoption
Surgical Sterilization (spay/neuter)
All cats available for adoption have be altered for the health and well-being of the animal and to work towards a sustainable pet population.
Permanent Identification (microchip) All cats available for adoption have been given a permanent form of identification to ensure that in the event that they are lost or stolen, they can be returned to their loving homes.
Please note, adoption fees are non-refundable. Adoptions take time and resources to process and complete and our extensive adoption process helps us ensure we find the best fit for each animal. If, due to unforeseen circumstances you feel you must find a new home for your pause4change rescue please contact us immediately. We work with adopters and can provide assistance and guidance on training resources and other advice.
EXTENDED ADOPTION AREA POLICIES
Guidelines for Out of core Adoption area (outside of the greater Calgary region):
– A minimum of TWO visits is still required – Additional visits may be required based on each individual dogs needs and will be at the discretion of the foster home and adoptions team. Our hope in doing this is to set both the rescue dog and adoptive family up for success!
– All members of the household (including resident dogs) are required to be present for all visits.
– Able to commute to Calgary for the included training classes OR provide us with a reputable, force free trainer/training classes in your area with the understanding that this will be at the adopters expense.
– Must be within driving distance – we will not ship dogs.
– Willing to share footage of your home and yard via pictures or a video call.
A reminder that we do not adopt on a first come first serve basis, our goal as always is to find the best fit for each individual dog