OUR DOG ADOPTION PROCESS
We do not offer same-day adoptions.
The typical dog adoption process includes:
1. Apply
Complete our online adoption application.
2. Application Review
We review your application and may request additional information or documentation. Can take 1-3 weeks.
3. Approval to Proceed
If your application moves forward, we will contact you regarding the next steps.
4. $50 Processing Fee
New AHSr applicants pay a $50 non-refundable processing fee before moving forward.
5. Meet-and-Greet
All household members and current household pets must meet the dog.
Multiple visits can be accommodated when needed. Just let us know.
6. Compatibility Review
We consider the dog’s needs, your household, lifestyle, other pets, and everyone’s overall compatibility.
We want everyone to feel comfortable with the decision.
7. Home Visit
A home visit is required.
This simply means we come to you. It is not a housekeeping inspection.
The purpose is to make sure the home is safe and appropriate for the dog and to help the dog associate AHSr with their new environment. This can also help make the transition into the new home easier.
8. Adoption or Trial Adoption
If everyone is comfortable and we believe the match is appropriate, we proceed with the adoption or trial adoption.
There is no need to rush the decision or make an impulsive choice.
9. Adoption Donation
The adoption donation is due in full when the dog goes home.
10. Go Home! 🐾
Your new family member begins their next chapter.
The process can take time. Please be patient. Our priority is finding the right match.
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THE $50 PROCESSING FEE
Applicants who have not previously adopted from AHSr are required to pay a $50 non-refundable processing fee after their application is approved to proceed.
This fee is separate from the adoption donation.
It helps cover application processing, background checks, scheduling, administrative expenses, and adoption-related travel.
No-shows are not eligible for a refund.
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ADOPTION DONATION
Adoption Donation
The adoption donation for each animal is listed in their individual adoption profile.
The donation is due in full at the time of adoption or trial adoption.
Accepted payment methods include:
– Electronic payment
– Cash
– Cashier’s check
– Bank check
There are no payment plans.
Adoption donations are firm unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director.
Your adoption donation covers only a portion of the actual cost of caring for our animals.
Donations help support veterinary care, food, medications, preventive care, grooming, training, supplies, transportation, emergencies, and daily care.
Payment Policy
If a payment is stopped or reversed after an adoption, the adoption is void.
The adopted animal must be returned to AHSr, and a processing charge equal to 50% of the adoption donation will be due immediately.
No exceptions.
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WHAT YOUR ADOPTION INCLUDES
Our dogs receive age-appropriate veterinary care and preparation for adoption based on their individual needs.
Care may include:
– Wellness examination upon intake and as needed while in our care
– Wellness examination within 30 days of adoption
– Spay or neuter
– Rabies vaccination, 1-year or 3-year depending on the individual animal
– Core vaccinations, including Leptospirosis
– Heartworm testing when age appropriate
– Year-round heartworm, flea, and tick prevention while in our care
– Lyme disease testing or treatment when indicated
– Annual Lyme testing when appropriate
– Deworming and fecal testing upon intake and as needed
– Bloodwork and other medical testing when appropriate
– Dental care when needed
– Medications and necessary veterinary treatment
– Microchip with lifetime registration and unlimited updates
– Complete veterinary records
– New collar and leash
– Harness when appropriate
– Transition scent blanket
– Nutrition guidance
– Approximately 5 pounds of the dog’s current food
Veterinary care varies according to each animal’s age, medical history, and individual needs.
Most importantly, AHSr adopters receive lifetime support.
We are always here to help. We are in this together.
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FOOD & NUTRITION
AHSr generally feeds Next Level or Victor Ocean Protein unless a dog requires a prescription or specialized diet.
Your dog will go home with approximately 5 pounds of their current food to help with the transition.
Please speak with Cyndie before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.
WHO CAN APPLY?
If you have not previously adopted from AHSr, you must complete an adoption application.
Every adult in the household must:
– Be at least 18 years old
– Provide a valid photo ID
– Provide proof of current address
– Complete the required basic background check
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YOUR HOUSEHOLD
Everyone living in the home, including children, must participate in at least one meet-and-greet.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to meet the dog and be part of the decision.
Current Pets
All current household pets must meet the prospective new family member.
Accommodations can be discussed when needed.
Current pets must also be:
– Fully vetted
– Current on required vaccinations
– Current on rabies vaccination
– Current on annual heartworm and Lyme testing when appropriate
– Maintained on year-round heartworm prevention without a lapse
– Examined by a veterinarian within the previous 12 months
If your situation is unusual, talk to Cyndie.
Accommodations and exceptions may be possible depending on the circumstances.
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🏡 HOME VISIT
A home visit is required.
This is not a housekeeping inspection.
Lived-in homes are expected and welcome.
We simply want to make sure the environment is safe and appropriate for the specific animal being considered.
Depending on the circumstances, the home visit may be completed separately or, when appropriate, around the time of adoption.
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CHILDREN & DOGS
Every dog has different needs and comfort levels.
Some dogs do well with children. Others require an adult-only home.
When children are part of the household, we look for respectful, age-appropriate interactions and proper supervision.
Children should understand:
– Animals are not toys
– Dogs need personal space
– How to interact appropriately
– How to recognize when a dog is uncomfortable or stressed
– When an adult needs to step in
– How to respect a dog’s space and boundaries
The right match protects both the child and the dog.
We will only place an animal in a home with children when we are confident that the placement is appropriate and safe for everyone involved.
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🚗 MEET-AND-GREETS & TRAVEL
Our foster homes are located throughout Indiana.
Applicants must be willing to travel for meet-and-greets.
Multiple visits may be arranged when appropriate.
Accommodations may occasionally be available, but they are not guaranteed.
If traveling is not possible for you, please let us know early in the process.
Out-of-State Adopters
Out-of-state applicants are welcome!
All travel associated with the adoption is the adopter’s responsibility, including transportation for meet-and-greets, adoption, and any required home visit arrangements.
We do not ship our animals.
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🐾 PREVIOUS AHSr ADOPTERS
Have you adopted from AHSr before?
Please tell us when you apply—or reach out to Cyndie directly.
Former AHSr adopters do not pay an adoption fee.
A donation of your choice is welcomed and greatly appreciated.
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🎓 TRAINING DOESN’T END AT ADOPTION
Bringing your dog home is the beginning—not the end—of their learning.
We expect adopters to continue working with their dogs through:
– Consistency
– Structure
– Patience
– Positive reinforcement
– Clear expectations
– Appropriate boundaries
– Appropriate discipline
A training plan may be required depending on the individual dog. Ask Cyndie if you have questions.
We work with each dog individually and, when appropriate, as part of a pack. We focus on teaching positive choices and helping dogs overcome challenges and unwanted behaviors.
We prepare our dogs as much as possible before adoption, but no rescue can erase every behavior or challenge.
Continued training is part of responsible pet ownership.
If you are not ready to make that commitment, AHSr may not be the right rescue for you.
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❤️ LIFETIME AHSr SUPPORT
When you adopt from AHSr, you are not suddenly on your own.
Cyndie and the foster family remain available by phone or text for questions, guidance, and support.
We believe successful adoptions are a team effort.
We are in this together for the life of the animal.
When our capacity allows, we may also care for adopted AHSr dogs while their families travel. This allows them to stay with people they already know and trust.
We simply ask families to make a donation to the rescue when using this service.
Once an AHSr dog becomes your family, we are still here.
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🚨 BEFORE YOU APPLY
Please make sure you understand:
✓ No same-day adoptions
✓ New AHSr applicants pay a $50 non-refundable processing fee
✓ The processing fee is separate from the adoption donation
✓ Adoption donations are due in full at adoption
✓ No payment plans
✓ All household members must participate
✓ Current household pets must meet the prospective dog
✓ Current pets must meet our veterinary requirements
✓ A home visit is required
✓ Applicants must be willing to travel
✓ Out-of-state adopters are welcome at their own expense
✓ We do not ship animals
✓ Placement is based on compatibility and the animal’s best interest
✓ Continued training and responsible pet ownership are expected
✓ AHSr provides lifetime support to our adopters
If you are comfortable with our requirements, we would love to hear from you!
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❤️ WANT TO ADOPT?
APPLY TODAY!
Questions?
Email: rescueah@yahoo.com
Call or Text Cyndie: 317-660-1155
When we have our first phone conversation, simply provide the word listed in the dog’s individual profile.
This lets us know you have read the profile and are ready to discuss the adoption process.
Please take the time to read the complete profile for the animal you are interested in adopting before applying.
