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Special Adoption Programs
We are pleased to offer the following special adoption programs that are created with both potential adopters and foster animals’ best interests in mind! Each program is tailored to feature animals who need a special adopter or home environment to take a chance on them. Learn more about each program below, as well as how to apply for these special animals.
Current Adoption Programs
We're Still Waiting
Sometimes there isn’t any rhyme or reason as to why some animals get adopted quicker than others. Even good boys and good girls go unnoticed! Pets in our “We’re Still Waiting” program have been awaiting adoption longer than others and, in an effort to send them to the loving home they deserve, their adoption fee has been lowered slightly.
Special adoption fees are $200 for dogs and $99 for cats, not including tax.
We're Still Waiting
Animals That Need You Most
These special animals are looking for loving homes and dedicated supporters to help them thrive. Whether they have a chronic condition, require ongoing treatment, or need extra attention to stay comfortable, they are just as full of love as any other pet. You can make a difference by adopting one of these amazing animals or setting up a recurring donation to ensure they receive the medical care they need. Every contribution helps give them the second chance they deserve!
Animals That Need You Most
Seniors for Seniors
If you’re a senior adopter in search of a senior pet to join your retirement home, you’re in luck! We offer adopters aged 65 years and older the opportunity to adopt a senior pet at a discounted fee. Senior pets count as any animal that is over nine years of age or older.
Special adoption fees will be $65 before tax for pets that are nine years of age or older being adopted by someone who is 65 years of age or older. Please let the Application Manager know if you qualify for this program!
Seniors for Seniors
Single & Lovin' It
While to some people being single might be a drag, to these pets, it’s the high life. No other dogs taking up special snuggle or walkie time with your human? Check! No other cat to leave presents in your litter box or steal your spot on the windowsill? Check! All pets in this program are better off as single pets and should not be adopted out to a home with any other animals. If you’re looking for just one pet or are a first-time pet owner who has always wanted to adopt and is now ready to take the plunge, check out these cats and dogs who prefer to live with no other furry houseguests.
Special adoption fees will be specific to each pet in this program.
Single & Lovin' It
Mom & Me
During our spring and summer months, we see a major influx of kittens and pregnant mamas who need rescue. All too often mama does all the work and only her kittens get adopted! To keep families together and allow mama the shot she deserves at a loving home, our Mom & Me program encourages adopters to adopt both mama and a kitten.
Special adoption fees include adopting a kitten at regular price ($250) and adding mama on for only $25!
Mom and Me
Interested in adopting a pet in one of our special adoption programs? Our Adoption Matchmaker would love to discuss which programs and animals would be a good fit for you and your home! Please email us at matchmaker@ruffstartrescue.org to get started. Interested in more than one animal? You are welcome to submit multiple animal applications, but our system may not allow a new application until our team has reviewed your first one. Only one application is needed for a bonded pair. Please contact our Applications Team if you need help submitting another application.
Ruff Start's Foster to Adopt (FTA) Program
Ruff Start’s Foster to Adopt (FTA) program is designed to ease the transition between foster and adoptive home by allowing families to select an applicable animal to foster before completely adopting them. It is an ideal option for those families who would like to “test drive” a new best friend to see how the animal they are interested in fits into the many aspects of their family dynamic before making a full commitment.