Adoption Policy
We understand that all rehoming organisations operate independently and have their own policies and procedures when matching potential adopters to suitable pets.
The differences can be vast and potentially tricky for prospective adopters to navigate, particularly if they are new to the adoption experience. And attracting new adopters is vital if more rescue pets are to find homes!
All PetRescue member rescue groups, shelters and councils have the option to select a policy level that best represents their adoption policy so that potential adopters are fully aware of how flexible or strict the groups are when they make an enquiry about a pet.
This policy-level information is visible on each pet listing underneath the 'Adoption details' heading.
Why is this recommended?
Communicating adoption policy information helps pets and adopters connect to the right organisation for them quickly and smoothly.
It helps prospective adopters understand requirements early in the process, enabling them to understand the requirements for your rehoming organisation.
This helps set expectations from the get-go, which means better matches faster. And that means more lives saved!
What are the policy level options?
These policy level descriptions are intended as a guide only to help adopters in their journey to find a new furry family member. A rehoming organisation may undertake some of these processes and requirements, but not others, during the enquiry and adoption process.
Flexible
An organisation with flexible adoption policies and procedures is one that embraces open adoption philosophies. The enquiry and adoption process is simple, with ongoing support available after adoption. This MAY include:
- Short or no application form
- Phone chat or email contact
- Meet and greets
- Interstate adoption may be available
- Adopt-on-the-day may be available under certain circumstances (i.e. in a shelter or vet situation, in-store adoption events etc.)
Moderate
An organisation with moderate adoption policies and procedures undertakes a more in-depth application process or may have particular home requirements for pets. This MAY include:
- Application form required before meet and greet
- Interview via phone chat
- May have specified requirements for individual pets (i.e. indoor pets only)
- Home check may be required
Strict
An organisation with strict adoption policies and procedures undertakes a detailed and involved screening process before a prospective adopter meets the pet. This MAY include:
- A full application form is required before the group will contact a prospective adopter
- Lengthy and detailed application form
- Interview via phone or face-to-face
- Universal requirements regardless of individual circumstances (i.e. all adopters must be over 25yrs, no young children etc.)
- Home check required
- May require a vet reference or other checks
How do I select an adoption policy level for my organisation?
Please note that only a Group Admin can set a policy level.
- Proceed to log in to your admin account on PetRescue
- From there, click on 'My Group Profile' on the main toolbar
- Once on your group profile, click the 'Edit' button
- Scroll down to the 'Group Settings' and click the + button to open these options
- The adoption policy level will then appear (see below image). Simply select the level you would like to be displayed on your group profile and pet listings
- Once updated, be sure to click the green 'Update Group' button at the very bottom to save your changes
If you have any questions or feedback about adoption policy levels, please get in touch with us at members@petrescue.org.au.