adopting an awfa animal
Thank you for applying for one of our animals! Please note, we are currently receiving an influx of applications and do not have the resources to reply to all applicants. However, we read every single application and consider every home.
Once you have completed your adoption application online, one of our adoption team members will reach out to you IF YOU ARE APPROVED for the dog you applied for. We have so many qualified applications for each individual dog, but we can only accept one.
Our dog adoption process is designed to help homeless and abandoned dogs rescued across Southern California. We are located in both Orange County and Los Angeles and cannot ship dogs to be adopted. If you are from out of town, you will have to come to either LA or OC to pick up your new forever friend!
A WISH for animals adoption process
How Do I Apply?
The first step is to fill out an Adoption Application which can be found on our website. If approved, a home check will be required. Depending on the breed/dog you may need to do an interview with a member of our team. Upon adoption, you will be asked to sign an Adoption Contract and pay the non-refundable adoption fee.
Note: If you are planning to adopt from our private adoption event, you must have a pre-approved application and home check video!
Adoption Fees
Our adoption fees start at $500 for puppies and $400 for dogs over a year. Cats start at $150. The adoption fee covers the first three initial puppy vaccines, three weeks apart, for parvo and distemper, and their spay/neuter, microchip, and rabies vaccine at six months. If you are adopting from out of state, you would need to cover expenses for coming to LA or OC. Additionally, we only cover spay/neuter at our vets based in Orange County.
Home Check Videos
We look for a safe, positive, and healthy environment for all our animals. Depending on the animal’s breed and age, our requirements will change. In general, we want to make sure the dog cannot escape and is not exposed to any hazardous objects/materials/substances. Home check videos include all areas of the home that a dog would reside including backyard, indoor areas, and front yard if gated.
What Should My Application Include?
Please be as detailed and thorough as possible on your application. Please use the dog's name as listed on AdoptAPet, not their ID number. Please make sure you are committed to adopting a dog now. Why are you the best possible fit for this dog? What makes you stand out amongst other applicants for this dog? Are you willing to provide for your new best friend for 10-15 years?
Discuss with your family members or household members on how you will train the dog. Be on the same page about potty training, rewards and discipline and be prepared to share that in the application.
Research the vet you will bring your dog to and why. Research the diet you will put your pet on and why. Understanding the quality of life you can provide your dog is important. To view our guide on food and diet, click here. Decide how you will handle behavioral issues and obedience training. Are you qualified to handle it on your own or will you be sending the pup to training?
The more detailed and prepared you are for the application the better! We love to see people who have thought through owning a dog and know how they will handle multiple different situations as they arise!