Our Adoption Process​

 

We care deeply about making the right match—for the dog and for the adopter. That’s why we approve adopters before meet-and-greets whenever possible. It protects our dogs from unnecessary transitions, and it allows you to adopt the same day if you meet the right match. 

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Step 1: Submit an Adoption Application

Start by completing our adoption application. This helps us understand your lifestyle, household, experience, and what kind of dog will thrive with you.

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Step 2: Phone Interview

If your application looks like a potential fit, we’ll schedule a short phone interview to talk through details, answer questions, and make sure expectations are clear on both sides. 

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Step 3: Home Check

Next, we do a home check (virtual or in-person). This isn’t about perfection—it’s about safety. We’ll review basics like secure exits, yard/patio safety if applicable, where the dog will sleep, and how you’ll handle introductions, exercise, and routine.

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Step 4: Meet & Greet (After Approval)

Once you’re approved, we’ll schedule a meet-and-greet with the dog you’re interested in. Because you’re already approved, if it’s a great match you can often finalize the adoption at the meet-up and take your new dog home (with the foster’s and rescue’s guidance).

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Step 5: Adoption Finalization & Support

You’ll sign an adoption agreement, pay the adoption fee, and we’ll review next steps—transition tips, decompression guidance, and follow-up support. We’re here to help set you and your new dog up for success.

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Our priority is always the dog’s wellbeing and a stable, lasting placement. Thank you for being willing to do the process thoughtfully—it makes all the difference.

 

Our Foster-to-Adopt Program 

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Not sure if a dog is the right fit long-term? Our Foster-to-Adopt program allows you to welcome a dog into your home with the intention to adopt—while giving everyone time to make sure it’s truly the right match. Foster-to-adopt is ideal for families who want to move thoughtfully, especially when there are other pets, children, or lifestyle factors to consider. It also gives the dog time to decompress and show off their sweet personality, which may be challenging for shy, fearful or unsure dogs in the first meetup. 

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How Foster-to-Adopt Works

1. Apply & Get Approved: Start with our adoption application and phone interview. If it looks like a good match, we’ll approve you to begin a foster-to-adopt trial.

2. Home Check: We complete a quick home check (virtual or in-person) to ensure a safe set-up and talk through introductions, routine, and support.

3. Trial Period in Your Home: The dog comes home with you for an agreed-upon period, typically 2-3 weeks. During this time, we stay in close communication and provide guidance to help everyone adjust.

4. Finalize the Adoption: If it’s a great fit, we finalize the adoption, complete the adoption agreement, and celebrate. If it’s not the right match, the dog returns to Soulshine and we help you explore other dogs that may be a better fit. 

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Why We Offer Foster-to-Adopt

We prioritize placements that last. Foster-to-adopt gives dogs and families the time and space they need to make a confident, responsible decision—without pressure. If you’re interested, let us know in your application and we’ll guide you through the next step.

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Adoption FAQ

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1) What is your adoption fee?
Our adoption fee is $300 for dogs over one year old and $350 for puppies. Adoption fees help cover rescue costs such as vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchipping, and medical care.

2) Where do you adopt to?
We can adopt anywhere as long as transport is arranged and the home is a safe, loving, dog-friendly environment. We’ll review the transport plan with you to make sure it’s appropriate for the dog.

3) What if we have kids or another dog and we’re not sure the dog will be a good fit?
That’s very common—and we appreciate your honesty. We may recommend our Foster-to-Adopt program, which allows you to welcome the dog into your home first, with support and guidance, before finalizing the adoption. It’s a thoughtful option for homes with children, resident pets, or specific lifestyle needs.

4) What kind of medical vetting do your rescue dogs receive?
All Soulshine dogs receive veterinary care and are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped whenever age and health allow. If a puppy is under 6 months old, they may be too young to be altered—the adopter agrees to complete spay/neuter when the puppy is age-appropriate.

5) Are your dogs potty trained?
Most of our adult dogs are potty trained or doing very well with a routine in foster care. Puppies are still learning, and accidents are normal during the transition to a new home.

6) Are your dogs fully trained?
Not always. These are rescue dogs—some may come from backgrounds where leash walking, crates, or basic manners were never taught. Many do great with structure and consistency, but adopters should expect to provide continued training, routine, and patience as the dog settles in.

8) What if the adoption doesn’t work out?
We make a lifetime commitment to every dog we rescue. If at any point an adopter is unable to care for their dog, the dog can be returned to Soulshine so they are never abandoned or passed from home to home.

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***Please Note All Our Current & Available Dogs are Listed on Petfinder, Which is Linked in Red Above & Below***