How it works

Our goal is to find the best fit for the dog and your family. We have developed a “Matchmaking Questionnaire” to use as a tool to help you find the right dog. We may also ask you questions to get a better idea of what dog in our care is the best fit for your family while taking into consideration what type of pet you are looking for. If we receive more than one application for a dog, the best fit will be chosen. All of our dogs are fully vetted, receiving shots, spay/neuter, flea preventative and heartworm test and preventative. If a dog tests positive we treat the dog and inform a potential adopter. Thank you for rescuing a homeless pet. There are so many without homes. Adopt, don’t shop. Lives depend on it!

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Adoption Process

1. Fill out our adoption application online or in person at our facility
2. We will review the application and email you as soon as possible
3. We will arrange a meet and greet with the animal of your choice
4. We will set up a home visit check (if applicable)
5. You will fill out an adoption contract for your new pet
6. ​You will pick up your new pet (or we will bring the pet to you)

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Adoption Policies:  Please Keep in Mind

A few of our adoption policies are provided below. While, as they say, there is an exception to every rule, these policies are standard for no-kill shelters and used for deciding suitability of a potential adopter. ALL ADOPTION APPLICANTS MUST BE INTERVIEWED AND APPROVED. The interview questions are not intended to be insulting or seem unfeeling. We simply must make sure our animals will never be abandoned, mistreated, or neglected again. AFHAR reserves the right to deny any person or persons who do not meet AFHAR specified adoption policies. You must be willing to give your new animal time to adjust to its new environment (approximately 30 days).

• Must be 21 years of age or older in order to adopt. The person who will be responsible for the pet MUST be 21 years of age or older.
• Proper household setting for all pets, with adequate living space and yard may require fencing.
• We seek fellow animal lovers, who are committed to providing the very best care for their pet as they would for any member of the family.
• Excellent veterinarian reference showing history of shots, spay/neuter, and heartworm prevention.
• No animal will be tied up, kept in a doghouse, pen, run, or kennel, or any type of garage, shed, laundry room, or basement.
• Landlords or rental agents will be called to verify pets are allowed.
• Present and past pet history must be verified.
• All resident pets must be spayed or neutered.
• We keep an ongoing relationship with our adopting families and reserve the right to visit the pet’s home by appointment to verify the pet’s well-being.
• Others may be applying for dogs on-line. It is our goal to find the best home for all considered.
• Adopters must be full-time or part-time residents of Florida.

​Thank you for your patience and understanding.

COMPLETE ONLINE ADOPTION APPLICATION