Adoption Requirements

Process:

1) Fill out an Adoption application after reading this entire page: This should be completed with little or no omissions or incorrect data. Please understand that we cannot process your application if you do not take the time to fill one out properly.

Pay particular attention to your references and Veterinarian, including phone numbers. It is best if you submit the application online, but print it before submitting. If you need to however, you can mail the completed application to us, or bring it to an adoption clinic. Filling out an on-line application will speed up the process, and will go directly to the HB volunteers who manage applications. Please remember to click the "SUBMIT APPLICATION" button when completed.

If you are not within 40 miles of the Albany Airport, with the exception of Pittsfield, MA, please do not apply. This a distance we decided upon and if you disagree with our definition for out-of-the-area, please feel free to look for a dog in your community. We may adopt dogs to those close to Pittsfield, but this based upon our volunteer availability and will be by a case-by-case selection.

2) Interview: Qualified volunteer (we are all volunteers) interviews you, for numerous reasons. First, we want to find our dogs the best possible homes. Second, we want to match personalities as much as possible. (We really hate to see adoptions fail). Third, we get a kick out of helping to complete families, and who knows, you might get convinced to become a volunteer as well.

3) Reference Check: See the first reason for the interview……

4) Home Visit: See Reference Check … Also, we want to see how our dogs feel about things. We may bring one of our dogs with us to check out your house. Sometimes, personalities clash, and somebody does not like someone else.

5) Contract: (Link to contract) Once we have said our goodbyes, we will meet to handle the paperwork. Once the contract is completed, your adoption fee (CLICK HERE) is paid, your new family member is turned over. We then mail you copies of everything we have about your new dog (medical records particularly).

6) Follow Ups: You may hear from us!! We will try to make follow up calls to check out how things are going.

7) Also, please send us pictures of your new family member whenever possible. We love to see success stories, so please keep in touch. You are very welcome to come to a later clinic with your new family member and show him (her) off. We also love to get Alumni pictures and stories from the new family to post.

For the ADOPTION APPLICATION, (Click Here)

Adoption Clinics:
Saturdays, 10:00-1:00


Benson's Pet Center
197 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12205