Next Steps Toward Adoption

Once you’ve been approved to adopt, you may be wondering: what’s the next step in your journey to welcoming a rescued pup into your home?

Here’s how the process unfolds.

✅ How Will I Know If I’m Approved?

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email welcoming you to GRRMF’s adoption community.

🐶 Matching with Your Forever Pup

When a pup is ready, our team gathers details to understand their needs. If you’re a potential match, our matchmaker will personally reach out to you by phone.

🤝 Preparing for Your Meet & Greet

If it feels like a good fit, we’ll schedule a Meet & Greet so you and the pup can spend time together.

Once the meeting date is set, you’ll receive the adoption contract via email.

📄 What You’ll Need to Provide

In addition to the terms and conditions of adoption, the contract will ask for:

• Your veterinarian’s name and contact information
• Your nearest family member’s name and contact information
• A copy of the driver’s license and photo of each adopter

🐾Adoption Day & What to Expect

Once you’ve met your pup and decided they’re meant to be part of your family, the next step is to complete the adoption fee using the secure link in your confirmation email. We accept credit card, PayPal, Venmo, or personal check.

🎁 What Comes with Your Pup

• Collar and Balance harness
• GRRMF ID tag (blue) and microchip tag
• Personalized daily care notes from your pup’s foster family

🧳 What You’ll Need to Bring

• Leash — please bring one with you
• Food — unless leftover food is provided by foster
• Crate (not provided by GRRMF)

🏡 Taking Your Dog Home – The First Day

We’ll link to the “72 Hour Tip Sheet” here for deeper guidance, but here’s the key sequence for a smooth homecoming.

🐕 Keep Things Calm

• Head straight home to maintain a soothing routine.
• Keep your dog leashed during transport; hold the leash before opening the car door.
• Once home, walk your dog until they go potty — it sets the right tone.

🚪 Introducing Your Home

• Inside, keep the pup leashed until they’re comfortable.
• Secure all doors and gates; if you have children, teach them why these matter.

👋 Introducing Your Family

• Introduce one family member at a time.
• Let your dog absorb each person’s scent and energy individually.

🐶 Introducing to Other Dogs

• Let dogs meet again outdoors, on neutral ground, while both are leashed.
• Remove toys, bones, and other desirable items to avoid tension.
• Feed separately and be generous with attention for both pups.

💧 Hydration & Feeding

• Withhold food for several hours and offer limited water to settle excited tummies.

📆 After Adoption Day

🩺 Schedule a Vet Appointment

• Contact your veterinarian promptly. Records will be sent within 5 days — if they don’t receive them, check the spam folder.

🏷️Update Their ID Tag

• Make a custom tag with your name, address, and phone number. Attach it to your pup’s collar and keep it on at all times.

🔍Microchip Registration

• We’ve pre-registered your pup’s microchip and will remain the primary contact.
• Your info will be added as secondary within 7–10 days post-adoption.
• GRRMF provides a 24/7 response to help recover your dog should they go missing.
• To keep this network active, please notify GRRMF of any changes to your contact info at info@grrmf.org

📞Continued Support

• Our adoption volunteers will follow up with you to ensure a smooth transition.
• You’ll also receive GRRMF’s monthly newsletter with updates and tips for golden-hearted care.