Adoption Process Overview

Step 1: Browse Available dogs

The adoption process starts when you, find a dog you're interested in our Available Dogs Listing.

Step 2: Fill out an Application

A link to our Adoption Application can be found on each available dogs profile, or by clicking here. Once you have completed your application you will hear back from our team within 48 Hours.

Step 3: Application Review

Upon receiving your application, our team begins its review. We validate the information you have provided, and ensure there are not any potential problems associated with your application.

Applications are reviewed for each dog in the order they are received. We strive to keep our adoption process fair and transparent, but the goal is to ensure the dog ends up in a wonderful home.

Browse our Adoption Process Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about how we review.

Step 4: Home Visit

If your application review has been satisfactory, we will reach out to you to schedule a home visit. Home visits are done in person for those local to our volunteers. If you're adopting from further away a virtual home visit will be conducted.

Home visits allow us to learn more about your home and lifestyle to ensure the best fit for each pet.

Step 5: Meet and Greet

Following a satisfactory home visit, your application will be moved into approved status. This is when you will set up your meet and greet with the dog. Meet and greets are typically an hour where you meet the dog and their foster. This is a time where you can ask questions about the dogs temperament, health or anything else you're interested in asking.

If you're from out of town you may take the dog home with you that day, if all contracts and fees have been returned to Giant Hearts prior to you leaving with the dog.

Step 6: Contracts and Adoption Fee

Each animal adopted from Giant Hearts will require a completed Adoption Contract, Adoption Prior to Sterilization Contract (for animals awaiting sterilization) and a paid Adoption Fee. The Adoption Fee is listed in each dogs profile. These fees are non negotiable.

Upon receipt of the necessities above, we will organize pickup of your new best friend!

Adoption Process FAQ

Please reach us at ghgdrdogs@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Where can I find an Adoption Application?

Adoption Application

What states do you adopt to?

Anywhere within the continental US given you are willing to drive to the foster. We are unable to provide transport to the adopter.
We do not adopt to the state of Massachusetts due to their rescue requirements.

What happens after I fill out an application?

You are notified, via email, your application has been received and our team begins the review process.
During application review, our team is trying to get to know you. We use the information you submitted, public records, social media and personal references in review.
Upon completion of review, you will be emailed the status of your application. Here are the status’ we use at this stage:
On Hold – We have reviewed your application, but there are applicants ahead of you
Home Visit – We have accepted your application and you are moving to the next step in the process, which is a home visit. Our home visit team will reach out to you for scheduling.
Currently Denied – Your review presented something which flagged us to not consider your application.

What leads to an application being immediately denied?

Lying on your application or misrepresenting your home
Harassment of our volunteers
Inability to care for current pets
History of dog flipping, domestic violence, animal cruelty or dog fighting
Placement of an unaltered dog with another unaltered dog of the opposite sex

What happens during a home visit?

A volunteer will tour the common spaces of your home and yard, where the dog will spend most of its time. They ensure your home is prepared for the dog you’re interested in.
Home visits give us a small look at your life and home. They allow an opportunity to get to know you better and ensure your application properly represented your home life.

What if I rent, or don't have a fence?

We happily adopt to those living in apartments or rental properties. We require communication with your property manager, or a copy of your lease validating the pet policy.
Fence requirements are on a dog-by-dog basis, and a fence requirement will be noted in the dog’s adoption profile.

What happens after the home visit?

The volunteer discusses the home visit with the Adoption Team. There may be additional follow up questions via email.
Application Status will get updated
On Hold – This status after a meet and greet is used when we like your application, but think your home would not be best suited for the dog you applied for.
Additional Screening/Meet and Greet – This is when you set up a meet and greet to meet the dog.

What is a meet and greet?

This is your family’s opportunity to come to the dog, meet them and ask the foster as many questions as you would like.
We ask that all humans and dogs, living in the home, are present at the meet and greet to make sure everyone is compatible.

What happens after a meet and greet?

Your family gets time to think about your decision, we ask that you let us know if you would like to adopt no later than 48 hours after your meet and greet.
The foster will discuss the meet and greet with the Adoption Team to make sure everyone is on the same page about the path forward. If there is a concern we will reach out with further questions.

I’m not local, if the meet and greet goes well can I take the dog home that day?

Yes, if the Adoption Contract and Adoption Fee are paid prior to the meet and greet. (Adoption fee will be fully refunded if it doesn’t work out)
Please inform our Adoption Team when you start scheduling your meet and greet if you would like to go this route.