GRRMF adoption steps

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. After deciding you are interested in a dog, the matchmaker will have the foster call you to tell you more about the dog and also to set up a Meet & Greet.

🤝 Preparing for your meet & greet

• Your entire family, including any dogs, need to go to the meet and greet.
• 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

🐾Getting ready for adoption day

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 purchase

• Leash — please bring one with you
• Food
• Crate, if needed (not provided by GRRMF)
• And, of course, toys & treats!

🏡 First-day tips for a peaceful homecoming

Bringing your new dog home is a joyful milestone—and the beginning of a lifelong bond. The first day can feel exciting and overwhelming, so we’ve outlined simple, calming steps to help your pup settle in with confidence. From the car ride to family introductions, these tips will guide you through a peaceful 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.

Check out our 72-Hour Tip Sheet.

📆 After adoption day

Adoption day is just the beginning of your journey together. In the days that follow, thoughtful post-adoption dog care helps your pup feel safe, supported, and truly home. From vet visits and ID tags to microchip updates and GRRMF’s ongoing connection, here’s what to expect after you bring your dog home.

🩺 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.

For ongoing support, explore these trusted GRRMF resources:

• GRRMF Contact Information.
• Wallet Information Card
• GRRMF Adopter contact information cards: Welcome to our Rescue Family and Resources.
• 🩺 Health & Wellness: Learn how to keep your pup thriving physically and emotionally.
• 🛡️ Safety Tips: From home hazards to outdoor adventures, these tips help you protect your pup.
• 🎓 Training Reference Library: Browse behavior guides and training tools to build a strong bond.