Adoption FAQs
What is the adoption process?
Submit an Adoption Application
Please allow 3-5 business days to process your application.
Application Status - Approved or Denied
The foster parent for your inquired animal will reach out for a meet and greet if you are approved. Please email info@405animalrescue.org if 5 business days have passed and you have not heard back.
Meet and Greet
Ideally this will take place in the potential adopters home. If not, this can be done in a public setting. Puppies with less than 3 rounds of DHPP shall not have paws on the ground in public whatsoever to prevent illness.
Schedule the Adoption Day
Adoptions are scheduled after a successful meet and greet with an official 405 Animal Rescue adoption counselor via our scheduling link. We do not do same day or “on-site” adoptions.
Pay the Adoption Fee
You will receive a PayPal invoice for the adoption fee prior to adoption. Should you prefer cash or check, this can be handled at the time of adoption with an official 405 Animal Rescue adoption counselor.
PayPal can be sent to: info@405animalrescue.org
Take Your New Family Member Home
LOVE THEM UNCONDITIONALLY
Adoption fee is only refundable within 24 hours, upon request.
It is expected of you to give your animal ADEQUATE time to adjust. Every animal adjusts differently, and if you expect your animal to be perfect right off the bat, you’re not the adopter we’re looking for, unfortunately. Adopted animals (typically) take 3 DAYS to decompress, 3 WEEKS to start to know your routine and 3 MONTHS to start to feel at home. Give them that chance.
If the animal is no longer wanted, as stated on the adoption application/contract, the animal must be returned to 405 Animal Rescue with proper notice to find a new foster family. (NEVER rehomed or taken to the shelter) Please note it can take several weeks for placement to be found.
If needed, we can recommend trainers, veterinarians, food, advice, etc. We do not make any guarantees.
Please keep in touch and send pictures!
What are the adoption fees?
Puppies* (UNDER 1 YEAR OLD) are $300
Dogs* (OVER 1 YEAR OLD) are $200
Kittens (UNDER 1 YEAR OLD) are $100
Cats (OVER 1 YEAR OLD) are $80
Small Animals are $115
*Some breeds or dogs with extensive medical bills may have an adjusted adoption fee.
What is included in the adoption fee?
All canines are spayed/neutered, up to date on age appropriate vaccines, heartworm tested (if 1+ year), dewormed and microchipped.
All felines are spayed/neutered, up to date on age appropriate vaccines, FIV tested, dewormed and microchipped.
Are the adoption fees negotiable?
Unfortunately, no. We cannot negotiate and we do not offer discounts under any circumstances. As a 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue, we are constantly raking up pennies to try to save as many lives as possible. We truly cannot afford to give discounts whatsoever, otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to continue to save lives. If you are looking to adopt an animal with a lower adoption fee, please consider adopting from your local shelter.
What if I am fostering and want to adopt my foster?
We have our fosters follow the same process as if anyone wanted to adopt. The first step is to fill out an adoption application. We will still continue to fully process this application just like any other application. Our team strives to make sure each and every animal goes into a home where it is a match made in heaven. Often times, existing fosters will have their adoption applications pushed for review under our board of directors. While fostering is feasible for a temporary living situation, we cannot guarantee that your adoption application will be approved, depending on the circumstances, for the particular animal(s) you wish to adopt.
What if I am applying for an animal that is not yet able to be fully released for adoption?
Pre-Adoption
This option is available as well, if you chose not to participate in our foster-to-adopt program.
Placing a hold on an animal for “pre-adopt” means that the animal is not completely ready to be adopted. This can be for reasons including but not limited to: not medically up to date, in training, getting over an illness, needing more socialization, too young to be adopted, etc. We would require the full adoption fee to be paid in full up front via PayPal invoice to the email address found in your application to guarantee a pre-adopt hold.
If this falls into any of the above categories and a 405 Animal Rescue team member confirms this is approved, then you are eligible for pre-adopt. This means, you have already filled out the adoption application, been approved, conducted the meet and greet, and paid the adoption fee in full. Once these steps are completed, the animal will be adopted out to you once he/she is ready.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ADOPT AT THE TIME THE ANIMAL IS READY THEN YOUR SITUATION WILL APPLY TO THE BELOW, AND THE ANIMAL WILL BE POTENTIALLY “ON HOLD” DEPENDING ON THE BELOW FACTORS.
What if I need to back out of the adoption?
Although we recognize that “life happens,” we expect our adopters to fully commit to these animals, as that is the least that they deserve. The adoption fee cannot be refunded to you, but the monies paid can then represent a donation to the rescue.
Why do you require the full fee up front?
Many times, in the past, potential adopters have chosen to place a hold on the animal, and during that time, the same animal has lost opportunities to find other good, stable, adoptive homes. It is unfair to that animal to hold onto them while they miss out on other wonderful homes, when they have otherwise been rejected previously in their lifetime.
Are adoption fees tax deductible?
No, they are not. Only donations for which you do not receive any type of physical goods from the rescue direct are not tax deductible. Adoptions require a fee, which results in a transaction of animal for monies, therefore, this is not considered a donation.
Can I adopt if I am out of state?
Yes you can! All out of state adopters must provide their own means of transportation. Typically, out of state adopters choose to drive to OKC to adopt the animal, or fly here personally and take the animal back. If flying, or animals CANNOT go into cargo and must be sitting with you on the plane. We do not assist in transportation or logistics, and all transportation and logistics must be handled by the adopter.
What environment do I need to provide in hopes of adopting an animal from 405 Animal Rescue?
The perfect home for a rescue is a home that is committed 100% to that animals happiness. While we prefer homes with nice, enclosed, safe yards, we will not rule someone out for not having a yard, as long as you are an active person with a solid plan for their exercise. Here are some good questions to ask yourself before adopting!
Will the animal be home alone for long periods of time? This is not ideal. This applies to anything excessive of your typical 9-5 job.
Will the animal have plenty of exercise and attention?
Will you be able to work with the animal on any training needs they may have?
Will you be patient with them while they potty/litter train?
Will you be able to pay for any medical treatments they may have over their life, or even sudden emergencies?
What would you do if the animal had fear-based aggression?
What would you do if your current animal and the new animal did not get along?
Are the animals potty trained? Do they bark/meow? Do they shed?
We encourage you to have no expectations of the animal in which you would like to adopt. Many of our animals come from rough situations, where they ultimately were not wanted/loved, which in turn, can lead to lack of training, socialization, good habits, etc. We fully expect our adopters to know that animals DO bark/meow, make noise, can shed, can have accidents inside the home, etc. Having the expectation for your animal to be less than perfect when looking to adopt is not the right mindset that is necessary when bringing any new animal into a brand new environment.
If I want to adopt, why does an animal need to be fostered first? Why can’t they be adoptable right away?
It is every legitimate animal rescue’s responsibility to ensure every animal within its program is sterilized and medically up to date. As if we spend countless hours picking up after people’s irresponsible messes of unwanted animals within the community. Please do not take it personally when we must take care of all medical ourselves before adopting out.
Did you know, on average, it costs around $400 to fully vet your animal yourself when you buy from breeders or pick up animals for free? As a 501c3 nonprofit, we are awarded special discounts for vet care, so our discount is your discount which is reflected in your adoption fee. In addition, we have a contract with our local shelters that we must handle all sterilization ourselves and provide proof that the animal was sterilized under our care. Under no circumstances will we risk any of the above chances to adopt out an animal that has not been provided all the right medical care. Please consider foster-to-adopt if you want to adopt an animal that currently is only eligible for foster.
What if the animal I adopted from 405 Animal Rescue passes away or suddenly becomes ill?
If this happens within 24 hours of adoption, you will be reimbursed for an animal that passes away, only if you can prove it was not negligence on your end, with a necropsy report from a Veterinarian. It has never happened before and we certainly hope it never does. If the animal gets sick within 48 hours of adoption, please contact us and we will help provide vet care only at our approved vet locations, as long as you can prove this is not due to negligence on your end. If any of the above ever happens, please email us at info@405animalrescue.org
Foster FAQs
405 Animal Rescue relies on fosters to continue rescuing animals in need.
When you foster an animal, you save two lives: the animal you bring home and the next animal for which room was made within the rescue.
What does being a foster mean? What do I do?
Being a foster means that you bring a rescue animal in need of a home into your own, temporarily, while we get the animal ready for their forever home. This means feeding, exercising, socializing, administering medication, bringing the animal to scheduled vet appointments at approved locations, basic training, attending adoption events, and loving the animal as if they were your own.
How do I become a foster?
Please fill out our online foster application on our website.
Can I choose the animal I want to foster?
Based on your foster application and our communication with you, we will help you find the best animal to foster suited to your home and lifestyle. We FULLY expect our fosters to be accepting of all breeds upon submitting a foster application.
What do I have to pay for as a foster?
We cover veterinary expenses and all medical at our approved locations. All vetting, covered by 405 Animal Rescue, MUST be done at ONLY our approved vetting locations, or otherwise, with explicit permission by a team member. Any vetting/grooming, etc. done outside of these provisions cannot be financially covered by the rescue, and ultimately is to be covered by whomever took the animal to the unapproved location.
We are able to help with food, bedding, supplements, crates, leashes and collars, treats, toys, etc. when donations are made available.
How long does it take to foster?
We have had foster parents foster from any range between 7 days to over 360 days. We cannot guarantee or force people to choose your foster animal to adopt, but statistically, the more you show up for adoption events, the more detailed bio you write for your fosters, the better pictures you take, and more frequent personal social media promotion, results in potential adopters being naturally inclined to give your foster more interest at a potential home. We provide professional photo shoots for you to take advantage of, which will increase your fosters odds of getting adopted at a fairly quick rate.
What if I can no longer take care of my foster?
When taking in a foster animal, we expect our fosters to hang onto them until adoption. However, sadly this is not always the case. We need typically 30 days notice to find new placement for your foster. Before applying to foster, please be aware that 405 Animal Rescue is run 100% by unpaid volunteers and team members. Our volunteers and team members work full time jobs elsewhere, and are not available to move animals 24/7. Additionally, our foster parents are on a volunteer basis, as well, and do not always have room for one more. It is VERY difficult to remove an animal immediately, or with only a few days notice, unless it is an absolute emergency., and honestly, it is doing a huge disservice to that particular animal, as well as animals sitting on death-row, where energy has been removed from saving them to replace your foster. When you apply to foster, please be sure you can commit to foster until you can see out your fosters adoption.
What if I am fostering and want to adopt my foster?
We do give our fosters the option to adopt their foster! In order to do this, please fill out an adoption application. We will still continue to fully process this application just like any other application. Our team strives to make sure each and every animal goes into a home where it is a match made in heaven. Often times, existing fosters will have their adoption applications pushed for review under our board of directors. While fostering is feasible for a temporary living situation, we cannot guarantee that your adoption application will be approved, depending on the circumstances, for the particular animal(s) you wish to adopt.
Can I still foster if I have a trip planned or cannot make an adoption event?
Absolutely! We have a private page between all of our foster parents where we all support one another and help each other out. We help with dog/cat sitting as well as transportation. We cannot guarantee your foster will be babysat for each time you travel, however, you can have a friend or sitter watch them once they fill out a foster application. We sadly are unable to financially help with boarding costs, as this takes away from death-row animals that need it the most.
What does temporary or “temp” fostering mean?
If we make a post saying specifically that a temporary foster is needed, it can either mean one of two things:
We need a foster as soon as possible to rescue an animal from an urgent situation. Once another foster is found, the animal will then be transferred to its new permanent foster.
The animal has a scheduled adoption and is only needed to be fostered for a specific and short amount of time.
Do I get to be involved in who my foster is adopted out to?
Yes you can! Nobody knows your foster animal better than you do. At this point you’ve gotten to know him/her, written a bio, taken pictures, gotten them to all medical appointments, and now adoption applications are coming in for them. Once our team carefully screens each application, we then will send the approved application to you. You will then conduct meet and greets to determine the best fit for your foster animal. We would expect you to have an opinion to weigh in on who your adopter of choice is! At 405 Animal Rescue, we want our animals to thrive not only in our program, but in the home where they will be spending the rest of their life in. We will never settle for less than perfect for our animals.
What environment do I need to provide in hopes of fostering an animal for 405 Animal Rescue?
The perfect foster home for a rescue is a home that is committed 100% to that animals happiness. While we prefer homes with nice, enclosed, safe yards, we will not rule someone out for not having a yard, as long as you are an active person with a solid plan for their exercise. Here are some good questions to ask yourself before fostering!
Will the animal be home alone for long periods of time? This is not ideal. This applies to anything excessive of your typical 9-5 job.
Will the animal have plenty of exercise and attention?
Will you be able to work at home with the animal on any training needs they may have?
Will you be patient with them while they potty/litter train?
Will you be able to teach them manners that potential adopters might like to see? i.e. no jumping, sit, down, stay, etc.
What would you do if the animal had fear-based aggression?
What would you do if your current animal and the new animal did not get along?
If I want to adopt, why does an animal need to be fostered first? Why can’t they be adoptable right away?
We encourage you to have no expectations of the animal in which you would like to adopt. Many of our animals come from rough situations, where they ultimately were not wanted/loved, which in turn, can lead to lack of training, socialization, good habits, etc. We fully expect our adopters to know that animals DO bark/meow, make noise, can shed, can have accidents inside the home, etc. Having the expectation for your animal to be less than perfect when looking to adopt is not the right mindset that is necessary when bringing any new animal into a brand new environment.
What if my foster destroys my personal belongings, or hurts my personal animals, children, partner, self, etc.?
As signed in your foster application/contract, 405 Animal Rescue is not responsible for any destruction made by your foster to your home, other animals, etc. Please read your welcome email we send out as we go over proper introductions among many other questions not listed here. Under special circumstances, the rescue may provide a special crate, medication, or other right tools necessary to help highly destructive animals. For the rare problematic animal we may receive into our program, we may provide training and all the necessary tools to get your foster on the right track.