The adoption application process usually takes up to 10 business days. Your patience is appreciated as we receive many applications each day. We do not do same day adoptions.

The process consists of filling out an adoption application, making an appropriate animal selection, and verifying the application information.

There will be a home visit as part of the adoption process. The process is required for dog adoption and sometimes required for cat adoption.

We only accept applications from the following areas (see map below): South of Harrisburg, PA; North of Annapolis, MD; East of Gettysburg, PA; West of West Chester, PA (see map below)

We do not ship our animals.

People who have applied in person will be considered first. We are based on a first-come, first-served policy. However, if the first “hold” is not accepted, we move to the second “hold” and so on until the right home is found for that particular animal. Submitting an application for an animal online does not place a "hold" on the animal.

Puppies and kittens must be at least 6 months old to be adopted into a family with children under 6 years old.

You must be at least 21 years of age to adopt.

We do accept second and third applications on an animal.

Animal Rescue, Inc. reserves the right to refuse an adoption to anyone for any reason.