EVERY TAIL HAS A STORY
Finding Your Perfect Forever Match Starts Here
Adopting a pet is one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. We’re here to make the process as smooth and joyful as possible. Whether you’ve spotted someone special online or you’re coming in to browse, our team is ready to help you find the right fit for your family and lifestyle.
1
FILL OUT AN APPLICATION
When you’re ready, we’ll ask you to complete a short form. Please have on hand: your veterinarian’s name, and proof of homeownership (mortgage stub or tax bill) or your landlord’s name and contact info.
2
MEET YOUR FOREVER FRIEND
Browse our listings online or in your local paper, then come visit in person and chat with our staff to learn more.
3
INTRODUCE THE WHOLE FAMILY
For dog adoptions, all household members, including your current dog, must meet the animal at our shelter before adoption is finalized.
4
BRING HOME YOUR FOREVER FRIEND
We’ll do our best to complete everything before we close. If we can’t finish in one visit, we’ll wrap up the next business day.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW
Tails of Hope reserves the right to deny an adoption at the discretion of the Shelter Director or Executive Director to ensure the best possible placement for every animal in our care.
Our Counselor-Based Adoption Process
At Tails of Hope, adoption is not just a transaction. Our knowledgeable adoption counselors take the time to get to know you, your lifestyle, and what you’re looking for in a companion. We’ll ask questions, share what we know about each animal’s personality and needs, and work with you to find the match that makes sense for your life. We believe the best adoptions are built on the right fit. We’re here to help you find it.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
Come meet the animals in person and talk with our staff; they know each animal’s personality, quirks, and needs better than anyone. Once you’ve found your match, you’ll complete a short Adoption Questionnaire. Please be ready to share:
- Your veterinarian’s name
- Proof of homeownership (mortgage stub or tax bill) or your landlord’s name and contact information
We do our best to complete adoptions the same day. If more time is needed, we’ll work with you to finish up on our next business day. We never want you to feel rushed, this is a big moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Tails of Hope charge an adoption fee?
Adoption fees help cover the cost of care for every animal in our shelter. Every dog, cat, and rabbit available for adoption has been spayed or neutered and is up to date on vaccinations. When you adopt from us, you’re already saving significantly compared to what those services would cost on their own. If the fee is a concern, please talk to us. We want to help find a solution.
What's the purpose of the adoption questionnaire?
We want to make sure the animal you’re interested in is a great match for your family, home, and lifestyle. We do our best to learn whether an animal is good with children or other pets, how much exercise and companionship they need, and whether that aligns with your household. Our goal is to set both you and your new pet up for a happy, lasting relationship.
Do most shelter animals have behavior issues?
Not at all. Many of our animals come from loving homes where owners simply could no longer care for them. Even animals who’ve experienced neglect are often eager to please, affectionate, and well-adjusted. We’ll share any quirks we’ve observed, and our team is always available to answer questions after you bring your new companion home.
Do you ever deny an adoption?
Sometimes, but more often than not, we’re saying “not this animal” or “not right now” rather than a permanent no. If pets in your current household haven’t had recent veterinary care, or if the animal you’re interested in isn’t the right fit, we may redirect you to a better match. We’re always happy to help you find the right one.
What if I can't finish the process in one visit?
No problem. We do our best to wrap everything up the same day, but if more time is needed, we’ll finish up on our next business day. We want you to feel confident and ready.
Dogs & Cats
We do our best to learn how each dog and cat does with other animals and we’ll share everything we know. For dogs and cats, introductions are often more about context and management than hard-and-fast rules. Our team will walk you through what we know and give you tools for a successful transition.
pets & Children
Safety is always our priority. Occasionally a dog will be placed only in a home with children of a certain age, based on factors like handling tolerance and behavior history. Our staff will always make sure you’re aware of any restrictions before moving forward.
Two Pets at Once
While we do adopt out bonded cats, we don’t adopt two dogs or two puppies to the same home at the same time. If you’re interested in adding a second dog, we ask that you wait three months after bringing your first one home.
Learn More
Pet Adoption Notes
adopting vs buying
When you adopt from Tails of Hope, you’re doing so much more than bringing home a pet. You’re giving a deserving animal a second chance at the life they deserve. You’re making room for another animal in need. And you’re supporting a community organization that is working every day to build a more compassionate Rutland County, one adoption at a time.
What do you get in return? A friend who will love you unconditionally, a heart full of hope, and the knowledge that you made a positive impact. That’s something no price tag can match.
Spay & Neuter
Every animal who leaves Tails of Hope already has this taken care of. No scheduling, no extra cost, no worry. Spaying and neutering is one of the most impactful ways we can work together to reduce pet overpopulation and ensure more animals find loving homes. It’s just one of the ways we set you, and your new family member, up for success from day one.
How to Find the Perfect Pet
Not sure where to start? That’s what we’re here for. Browse our available animals online anytime, or come visit us Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM-4 PM, and let our team guide you. Some animals are in foster homes; we know them well and can tell you everything about them. Whether you fall in love at first sight or need a little time to find the one, we’ll walk alongside you every step of the way. Your perfect match is out there and we have a feeling they’re already waiting for you.
The Adoption is Just the Beginning
Bringing a new pet home is just the start of your journey together and we want to be part of it. That’s why we check in with every adopter at 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after adoption. Whether you have questions, need a little guidance during the adjustment period, or just want to share how wonderfully things are going, we’re here. No question is too small, and no update is too big.
And speaking of updates; we love hearing from our forever families. Have a happy tale to tell? We’d love to feature your story and celebrate the love you’ve found together.