Step 1) Complete our online dog or cat Adoption Application
We use this Adoption Application form to determine if a particular pet is the right match for your family. You must be at least 21 years of age to adopt. We ask that you are serious about adopting and be interested in a specific pet before completing the Adoption Application. Our application review and approval process normally take 2-5 business days to complete (but sometimes more). We will contact your Vet, Personal and / or Landlord References listed on the application. Please notify your vet’s office and landlord to expect our call and to release information to us. Please do not apply to adopt a pet if you are not prepared to bring it into your home within two weeks of applying (unless the pet will not be ready to go home for some reason).
Please be sure to check your email periodically after submitting the application, as that is how we will communicate first. For adopters outside of Tennessee, please review our Long-distance Adoption Questions.
Step 2) Phone / Email Interview
Since all of these pets have lost their homes at least once, it is now our goal to make sure their next home is their last. Therefore, we have adoption screening processes such as the application, reference checks, home visits, etc. We are doing the very best we can to find the right match for the pet and their new family. We are all unpaid volunteers. Our only concern is finding the right home for a particular pet. Seeing a well-matched happy pet and a happy family is our reward!
Step 3) Finalizing your adoption
Once your application is approved, the adoption coordinator will send you instructions on finalizing your adoption. If you are local or will be coming to pick up your new family member in Tennessee, we will set up a convenient time and place for your meeting. If you are out of state and your new pet requires transportation, the adoption coordinator will give you various transport options. Our adoption donations vary per pet. Please ask a volunteer about the adoption cost of the animal that you are interested in if it is not listed on their profile. We do not accept checks, but do take cash or cards for adoption costs.
A.A.R.F. REQUIRES THAT ALL ANIMALS BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED BEFORE GOING TO THEIR FOREVER HOME – THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.