Adoption Process

Once you have decided that you would like to adopt one or more of our rescues, here are the steps to take and expect:

 Application
The first step is to fill out our application. It’s a thorough application but we want to get all the information needed to know that our rescues are going to not only good homes, but the right fit homes.
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Veterinarian & Reference Checks
The veterinarian check is to ensure that you meet our standards and requirements as a pet owner. Includes ensuring you use preventatives for heartworms, fleas, and ticks. The reference checks are to hear from others on how you would be as a dog owner.
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  Introductions
If your application and vet/reference checks are approved, the next step is meeting the rescue dog you would like to adopt. Introductions are usually done at the foster home. This way you can meet the rescue dog in an environment they are comfortable in. Introductions may also be done at our weekly meet and greets. Our foster volunteers will be there to tell you all about the rescue dog and answer any questions you may have.
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Home Visit
After introductions, the next step is a home visit. During the home visit, the rescue dog will accompany Hands, Hearts, & Paws (HHP) volunteers to your home. The volunteers will inspect your home to ensure that it will be a good fit for everyone. We do ask that everyone who lives in the home be present during the home visit.
*For homes that are outside of Nebraska or a few hours from Omaha, the home visit may happen before introductions. Volunteers through our connections will do the home visit.
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Adoption!
The final step after a successful home visit is the actual adoption! The adoption involves signing a contract and paying the adoption fee. Followed up by an adoption photo with everyone’s happy faces that will be posted on our Facebook page!
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Adoption Goodies
Along with the love of your new family member, you will receive coupons to local pet stores. You will also be invited to join our Facebook alumni page to share pictures and give updates of your new loved one. The alumni page is also a great resource to ask questions and get advice from a great group of people with extensive dog knowledge.