Dog Adoption Procedure

Get to know the customer

  • Introduce yourself and ask if they are interested in adopting, what kind of dog might interest them (age, size, breed, sex, activity level), how many people are in the household, and ages of children the dog will encounter regularly.

  • Ask if they have had dogs before and if there are other pets in the home. If they have another dog, they will need to schedule a dog-dog intro at the front desk. If they have a cat, check the dog’s records to see if is known to be good with cats.

  • Ask if they own or rent; staff will verify landlord approval for renters.

  • Explain the benefits of adopting: all dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccines and flea/deworming meds.

  • Our adoption fee is $50 for one dog and $75 for bonded pair, plus $19 license fee for Yolo County residents. Check the kennel card or ask the front desk if its adoption fee has been sponsored.

If a visitor would like to meet a dog:

Once you have learned more about the prospective adopter, offer to take a dog out for them to meet:

  • Leash the dog and ask them to follow you where it is calm and relaxed, such as a quiet walk or yard without toys or distractions nearby.

  • Advocate for the dog:

    • Provide a balanced/complete perspective on the dog and its behavior while highlighting the positive qualities.

    • Explain how to greet a dog and watch the dog’s body language to help keep the interaction positive.

    • Remind them dogs do not behave the same at home as in the shelter.

  • If a visitor has a question you cannot answer, use your radio to call the front desk and ask for staff assistance.

  • If children are present, keep hold of the leash and do not let the dog too close until you see their comfort levels. Ask children to sit on a bench and bring the dog to meet them; remove the dog if it seems stressed or anyone seems uncomfortable.

To conduct a dog adoption:

  • Ask visitors to bring the kennel card to the front desk to complete an application and pay the appropriate fees.

  • Go over the adoption packet with the adopter(s) and emphasize the “3, 3, 3” guideline, GoodPup promotional offer, and list of vet clinics that offer a free/discounted, one-time consultation.

  • The Front Office will provide a copy of the dog’s medical records and explain that all of our dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm-tested, and treated with monthly flea/tick medicine.

  • If they have a resident dog or cat, walk them through the recommended process of settling a new dog into their home.

  • Explain that, if it doesn’t work out, they can return the dog within 30 days.

  • Remind them to register the microchip and give them a to-go bag with blanket/bed, collar, clip leash, treats, toys, and transition food.

  • While they wait by their car, retrieve their new dog with the new lead and help them get the dog into the car. Leave the leash on.

  • Thank them for adopting! Take a picture if possible, and ask if we can use it on our social media.

  • Erase the dog’s name from the whiteboard and share the good news on WhatsApp Mutts & Meows Pack with a photo!

Adoption Follow-up:

  • Staff will initiate follow-up communication with the adopter, starting with a congratulatory email and task reminder within 24-48 hours.

  • For safety reasons, we advise against volunteers giving out their personal contact information to adopters.