ADOPTION INFORMATION
Please take the time to review this entire page
(We take great pride in finding good homes for our stray and abandoned companion pet friends. The information contained within our site will hopefully help you make the right pet selection - after all, a pet can be your companion for what could be up to 20 years
Due to the Requirement of having a home check performed - We Do Not Adopt Out of state. For Indiana and Wisconsin Residents, please email with zip code and we will advise if we have a volunteer available in your area.
Half Way Home Animal Rescue DOES NOT have a shelter, and all animals are awaiting their forever homes in loving FOSTER CARE. By having pets in foster care, we are able to get a jump start on training, learn their unique personalities and ensure they are a perfect match for you!
Half-Way Home Animal Rescue DOES NOT perform “on-site”, “on-the-fly”, nor “on-the-whim” adoptions. Our adoption process of written application, vet-reference, and home visit (home visits are only for Dog adoptions-within a specific radius of zip 60462 - Applications that are over 1 hour one way from 60462 please ask if a home check is viable) yields a higher percentage of successful adoptions, and most importantly, of quality homes for the pets that we place. Additionally, with our support network and quality process, many adopters contact us for a second or third pet.
Not everyone qualifies to adopt. If you are looking for a gentle, loving, family companion who will be a house pet, you’re our kind of adopter. We are looking for pet owners who know that having a pet is a lifetime commitment and that they require good care including vaccinations for their entire lifespan. If you do not plan to provide these vaccinations, cannot afford their needs, have no adequate time, or you’re looking for a backyard/doghouse pet, then please don’t apply.
Please also know that just because someone puts an application in "FIRST" does not mean you will or can be chosen to adopt - We will choose the best environment for the pet as it needs to be the right fit for everyone involved.
We do not "sell" pets, nor do we give them away. We believe that getting a pet is an adoption process!
Before filling out adoption application - Please read the process for adoption rules to see if you are eligible for adoption prior to applying. (i.e. you may be outside of our adoption radius)
Please Download Form, Fill out by Hand - Print legibly - Then email or fax back to get it to us quickly.
Please know this form is not intended to be fill out via computer.
Due to the Requirement of having a home check performed - We Do Not Adopt Out of state. For Indiana and Wisconsin Residents, please email with zip code and we will advise if we have a volunteer available in your area.
Half Way Home Animal Rescue DOES NOT have a shelter, and all animals are awaiting their forever homes in loving FOSTER CARE. By having pets in foster care, we are able to get a jump start on training, learn their unique personalities and ensure they are a perfect match for you!
Half-Way Home Animal Rescue DOES NOT perform “on-site”, “on-the-fly”, nor “on-the-whim” adoptions. Our adoption process of written application, vet-reference, and home visit (home visits are only for Dog adoptions-within a specific radius of zip 60462 - Applications that are over 1 hour one way from 60462 please ask if a home check is viable) yields a higher percentage of successful adoptions, and most importantly, of quality homes for the pets that we place. Additionally, with our support network and quality process, many adopters contact us for a second or third pet.
Not everyone qualifies to adopt. If you are looking for a gentle, loving, family companion who will be a house pet, you’re our kind of adopter. We are looking for pet owners who know that having a pet is a lifetime commitment and that they require good care including vaccinations for their entire lifespan. If you do not plan to provide these vaccinations, cannot afford their needs, have no adequate time, or you’re looking for a backyard/doghouse pet, then please don’t apply.
Please also know that just because someone puts an application in "FIRST" does not mean you will or can be chosen to adopt - We will choose the best environment for the pet as it needs to be the right fit for everyone involved.
We do not "sell" pets, nor do we give them away. We believe that getting a pet is an adoption process!
Before filling out adoption application - Please read the process for adoption rules to see if you are eligible for adoption prior to applying. (i.e. you may be outside of our adoption radius)
Please Download Form, Fill out by Hand - Print legibly - Then email or fax back to get it to us quickly.
Please know this form is not intended to be fill out via computer.
Scan/email applications to: mailto:[email protected]
NOTE: ALL Adoptions will take place in Orland Park, IL 60462
NOTE: ALL Adoptions will take place in Orland Park, IL 60462
When coming to adopt an animal please be sure to give you and your family enough time to get to know the pet you are interested in adopting. Also, please bring identification (for the application).
PROCESS FOR ADOPTION (RULES)
** ALL ADOPTERS MUST BE OVER 21 Years of Age
If you are approved for an adoption - Cash or PayPal is the only payment accepted.
- All potential parents must fill out a written adoption application (above)
- No animal will be sent home with a potential 'parent' the same day as the request for adoption unless approved.
- All potential parents must have a reference/veterinarian check (if applicable)
- All potential adoption parents must have a home inspection (DOG adoptions only)
- DUE TO COVID-19, HOME CHECKS WILL NOW CONSIST OF PHOTOS OF YARD AND LIVING SPACE EMAILED TO US
- We will allow out of state adoptions for Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa. Provided adopter comes in person to our location (we do not ship pets)
- For those with a current pet or past pet - those pets must be or have been regularly up-to-date on shots, heart worm preventative, a negative fecal and are currently spayed/neutered will be allowed a home visit and be eligible for adoption.
- (DOG ADOPTIONS ONLY Require Home Checks) Home visits are to verify that your home is the best environment for the pet.
- Home Checks will only be performed on homes WITHIN a particular mileage radius or time rate of Orland Hills, IL (60462).
- If you are beyond 30 min (one-way) of zip code 60462 (and we have the time) there will be an additional fee added to the adoption fee, to cover the gas/transportation cost of the home check
- We reserve the right to refuse adoptions/applications to those who are outside our radius.
- Reasons, including but not limited to time, available volunteers, gas prices, etc.
If you are approved for an adoption - Cash or PayPal is the only payment accepted.
- All adoptions will receive a confirmation email with detailed amount
- All adoption appointments - you are required to have 2 copies of your application brought with you (if you submitted the application via email)
- We do not adopt to persons for breeding or who are considering breeding.
- Follow-up checks could be performed on animal adoptions.
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR ADOPTION
Bringing any animal into your home and family is a financial commitment for the lifetime of the animal. The initial adoption fee that we charge is just the beginning, but it is reasonable to ask for what services are included in the adoption donation, and what additional expenses will be required.
Pre-Adoption Expenses (Mandatory):
You will be expected to provide these items prior to adoption (at your own cost)
All Felines - Must be adopted / taken home in a Cat Carrier (at the adopters expense)
Basic Adoption Expenses, covered by the HWHAR Adoption Fee:
* Spaying or Neutering
If pets are not sterilized and microchipped at time of adoption, adopter is required by law (225 ILCS 605/3.3) to have sterilizing and microchipping procedures performed within 14 days after a licensed veterinarian certifies the dog/cat is healthy enough for these procedures. If pet is not healthy enough, this must be noted in your medical chart with that clinic.
Please See ADOPTION CONTRACT FOR ALL SPECIFICS regarding spaying/neutering pets
* Microchipping - All pets (if not already chipped) will be sent home with a Microchip for a vet to insert.
It is the adopter's responsibility to have this inserted and registered at their own expense.
* De-Worming (if required/necessary) prior to adoption.
* Distemper vaccine.
* Rabies (Vaccine will be paid for if pet is 5 months of age or older at time of adoption)
Note: Tags are to be purchased at adopter's expense.
* Heartworm check (dogs) and heart worm preventative medication (up-to-date) at time of adoption.
* Felv/FIV Feline Lukemia check (cats) prior to adoption.
* Flea/tick prevention (up-to-date) at time of adoption.
Once a time is scheduled for the formal adoption the HWHAR volunteer and adopting family will complete paperwork (adoption contract and medical records transfer only while the pet has been in our care), answer any questions and go over what the current pet is eating as well as assist you with purchasing any other items the pet may need (if necessary).
This process can last anywhere from 20 min to 1 hour - depending on the adopter and the pet needs. We then will ask for the cash-adoption fee to help cover our expenses associated with placing the pet you are adopting. (This fee is not negotiable and adopter is advised prior to the home-inspection and before the formal adoption is arranged).
PET FOOD
Please note when adopting any pet from HWHAR: You are REQUIRED to Keep them on the food that our group has been feeding them for at least a week. Then if you are wanting to switch them to a different food, slowly introduce it into their system and wean them off the old food - This will insure minimum amount of digestive disruption to their system.
We ask that people consider their food choice for their pet - The first ingredient should be a meat or fish (Chicken, Beef, Lamb or Fish).
If the first ingredient says 'bone' or 'bi-product' --> Do not buy it. Please reconsider your choice.
Example: (ex:) "Chicken Bi-Product" Bi-Product is a combination of items and can include cartilage, or misc. animal parts.
(ex.) "Chicken Meal" - "Meal" Means Freeze dried - This is acceptable as a first ingredient.
The first ingredients of a pet food means that this is the most abundant food in the product.
You should not feed your pet any food where there is sugar, corn syrup, sucrose or fructose on the ingredient list. (It is like you are feeding them junk-food).
By feeding your pet a 'Nutritionally Sound' food - This can lengthen their life span and be better for their over-all health. Speak with us or your vet if you have any questions regarding your pets health and food choice. Choose your food wisely - It will set them up for nutritional success
Pre-Adoption Expenses (Mandatory):
You will be expected to provide these items prior to adoption (at your own cost)
- Pet Supplies (food, dog bowls, collar, leash, bed, etc.)
- Veterinarian search and care
All Felines - Must be adopted / taken home in a Cat Carrier (at the adopters expense)
Basic Adoption Expenses, covered by the HWHAR Adoption Fee:
* Spaying or Neutering
If pets are not sterilized and microchipped at time of adoption, adopter is required by law (225 ILCS 605/3.3) to have sterilizing and microchipping procedures performed within 14 days after a licensed veterinarian certifies the dog/cat is healthy enough for these procedures. If pet is not healthy enough, this must be noted in your medical chart with that clinic.
Please See ADOPTION CONTRACT FOR ALL SPECIFICS regarding spaying/neutering pets
* Microchipping - All pets (if not already chipped) will be sent home with a Microchip for a vet to insert.
It is the adopter's responsibility to have this inserted and registered at their own expense.
* De-Worming (if required/necessary) prior to adoption.
* Distemper vaccine.
* Rabies (Vaccine will be paid for if pet is 5 months of age or older at time of adoption)
Note: Tags are to be purchased at adopter's expense.
* Heartworm check (dogs) and heart worm preventative medication (up-to-date) at time of adoption.
* Felv/FIV Feline Lukemia check (cats) prior to adoption.
* Flea/tick prevention (up-to-date) at time of adoption.
Once a time is scheduled for the formal adoption the HWHAR volunteer and adopting family will complete paperwork (adoption contract and medical records transfer only while the pet has been in our care), answer any questions and go over what the current pet is eating as well as assist you with purchasing any other items the pet may need (if necessary).
This process can last anywhere from 20 min to 1 hour - depending on the adopter and the pet needs. We then will ask for the cash-adoption fee to help cover our expenses associated with placing the pet you are adopting. (This fee is not negotiable and adopter is advised prior to the home-inspection and before the formal adoption is arranged).
PET FOOD
Please note when adopting any pet from HWHAR: You are REQUIRED to Keep them on the food that our group has been feeding them for at least a week. Then if you are wanting to switch them to a different food, slowly introduce it into their system and wean them off the old food - This will insure minimum amount of digestive disruption to their system.
We ask that people consider their food choice for their pet - The first ingredient should be a meat or fish (Chicken, Beef, Lamb or Fish).
If the first ingredient says 'bone' or 'bi-product' --> Do not buy it. Please reconsider your choice.
Example: (ex:) "Chicken Bi-Product" Bi-Product is a combination of items and can include cartilage, or misc. animal parts.
(ex.) "Chicken Meal" - "Meal" Means Freeze dried - This is acceptable as a first ingredient.
The first ingredients of a pet food means that this is the most abundant food in the product.
You should not feed your pet any food where there is sugar, corn syrup, sucrose or fructose on the ingredient list. (It is like you are feeding them junk-food).
By feeding your pet a 'Nutritionally Sound' food - This can lengthen their life span and be better for their over-all health. Speak with us or your vet if you have any questions regarding your pets health and food choice. Choose your food wisely - It will set them up for nutritional success
Any potential adopters need to:
** If you rent your home/apartment please be sure to have a copy of your lease stating that you are legally allowed to have a pet / if there is a pet weight limit. Also be aware that in many cities, there may be statutes stating certain
pets/breeds may not be allowed to renters (e.g..bully breeds). Please contact local city hall regarding any laws.
Our organization wants what is in the best interest of the animal and we will select the adopters based on this criteria. Every pet is special and for that, every pet deserves a special home that can meet their needs.
*** Please know that all people involved with Half-Way Home Animal Rescue work full time and are volunteering their time for this organization. We make every attempt to contact applicants in a timely manner. If you have not been contacted within a week after applying for an animal - please feel free to contact us.
** If you rent your home/apartment please be sure to have a copy of your lease stating that you are legally allowed to have a pet / if there is a pet weight limit. Also be aware that in many cities, there may be statutes stating certain
pets/breeds may not be allowed to renters (e.g..bully breeds). Please contact local city hall regarding any laws.
Our organization wants what is in the best interest of the animal and we will select the adopters based on this criteria. Every pet is special and for that, every pet deserves a special home that can meet their needs.
*** Please know that all people involved with Half-Way Home Animal Rescue work full time and are volunteering their time for this organization. We make every attempt to contact applicants in a timely manner. If you have not been contacted within a week after applying for an animal - please feel free to contact us.
Pet Parenting Questionnaire - Please read an consider before Adopting a new pet
1. Do I really want a dependent for the next 10 to 15 years?
2. Do I have the patience to house train an animal? Do I want to?
3. Who will care for my pet when I'm away?
4. Can I commit to exercising my dog at least twice a day?
5. Can I afford the basic health care costs (annual shots, licensing, yearly check-ups)?
6. Can I afford unexpected expenses for illnesses or accidents?
7. What if my dog "barks" or "howls" a lot?
8. What if my pet is a "digger" or "scratcher" or claws at the furniture?
9. Am I or are any of my family members allergic to dogs or cats?
10. Does my budget allow for necessities like quality pet food, collars, leashes, bowls, carriers, and toys?
11. What if fleas or ticks become a problem in my yard or house?
12. Do I have the spare time in my day to spend returning my pet's companionship needs?
13. What if the personality or size of my pet as an adult is not what I wanted?
14. Am I willing to clean up the messes my pet creates?
15. What happens to my pet if I move?
16. Does everyone in my household like the idea of having a pet?
17. What if I have children - how will this affect my pet?
18. What happens if I am late getting home?
1. Do I really want a dependent for the next 10 to 15 years?
2. Do I have the patience to house train an animal? Do I want to?
3. Who will care for my pet when I'm away?
4. Can I commit to exercising my dog at least twice a day?
5. Can I afford the basic health care costs (annual shots, licensing, yearly check-ups)?
6. Can I afford unexpected expenses for illnesses or accidents?
7. What if my dog "barks" or "howls" a lot?
8. What if my pet is a "digger" or "scratcher" or claws at the furniture?
9. Am I or are any of my family members allergic to dogs or cats?
10. Does my budget allow for necessities like quality pet food, collars, leashes, bowls, carriers, and toys?
11. What if fleas or ticks become a problem in my yard or house?
12. Do I have the spare time in my day to spend returning my pet's companionship needs?
13. What if the personality or size of my pet as an adult is not what I wanted?
14. Am I willing to clean up the messes my pet creates?
15. What happens to my pet if I move?
16. Does everyone in my household like the idea of having a pet?
17. What if I have children - how will this affect my pet?
18. What happens if I am late getting home?
Now that you are sure you are ready for a puppy what breed should you select? You may prefer the same breed your family had when you were a child; but, if your mom did all the grooming on your poodle, will you be willing to do it now, or will you pay a groomer to do it for you?
What if the children insist on the same kind of dog they see on a favorite TV show or movie? Public exposure like this has caused several breeds to become over-popular and exploited. Puppies are bred from poor quality parents and sell rapidly based on the appeal of a highly trained dog actor. The average Collie pup will never be like Lassie, especially not right away.
Remember, the dog you select will be a member of your family for ten or more years. Use your head and select one that will compliment your lifestyle, not be a daily irritant or a financial burden.
A PET IS A LIVING, THINKING, and FEELING CREATURE that needs to be loved and cared for. This does not mean a bowl of cheap kibble once a day and a cursory pat on the head. It means a well balanced diet of top quality food, vaccinations and regular veterinary care, brushing, toenail clipping, ear cleaning, adequate exercise, shelter from the elements, house training, socialization, obedience training, and, oh, yes -- lots and lots of patience and love; whether it turns out to be more than you hoped for in your wildest dreams or falls seriously short of even your minimum expectations.
A PET IS A LIFETIME COMMITMENT -- for its entire lifetime - Not Your lifetime.
Please consider this when thinking of adopting. i.e. Should something happen to 'me' what would happen to this pet?
A PET is like a Child - you must invest your time, patience and training into them - They are not instantly perfect and they do not always stay as you might have trained them. They do not know right from wrong - you must teach them. You must love them and put all of your efforts into them for their LIFETIME.
A PET IS NOT A TOY, to amuse your children for a few weeks until the novelty wears off. A puppy is a child itself that requires a great deal of attention and training to become a pleasant companion in future years. If your children are toddlers, they can inflict unintended tortures on a puppy that may permanently scar its personality and behavior.
A PET IS NOT A TEACHING AID, guaranteed to instill a sense of responsibility in older children. It is unfair to your puppy to put its entire well being into a child's hands. The child-dog relationship's greatest value lies in the camaraderie and unconditional love that exists between them. You will end up doing the chores and the dog will be ignored and unhappy.
A PET IS NOT A BURGLAR ALARM, to chain in your yard to bark at all hours of the day and night. It is not a crime deterrent; it is a public nuisance that will at least make you very unpopular with your neighbors and may result in costly fines and civil penalties. Even worse, a dog on a chain is at the mercy of teasing children and vicious strays. This can make your dog turn mean, and what happens when he breaks his chain can land you in court. Your puppy is entitled to an escape-proof yard or dog run for his safety and your peace of mind.
A PET IS NOT A GIFT, unless the giver is very sure that a puppy is wanted and the recipient is able to care for it. This can still be a mistake if the giver chooses a puppy that is poorly suited to the recipient's personality or life-style. Most recipients appreciate the opportunity to personally select the companion they will be responsible for nurturing for the rest of its life.
PETS ARE/IS NOT A FAD like a pet rock or a lava lamp. It will still be there when the breed is no longer “en vogue” and it will still need to be fed, cared for and picked up after.
A PET IS NOT UNBREAKABLE and any “repairs” will be costly. Puppy-hood diseases such as Parvo-virus require hospitalization and intensive care. Swallowed objects and broken bones can require major surgery. If you are going to balk at spending several hundred dollars in the event of an emergency don't get a puppy!
A PET IS NOT AN INVESTMENT to breed to “pay you back”. Breeding a litter is a tremendous responsibility. Experienced breeders consider themselves lucky to “break even” on a litter. Chances are your amateur attempt will jeopardize your pocketbook and the life and health of your companion dog.