The The initial step in our adoption process is the online adoption application. The form must be filled out completely including vet references, if there are no vet references available, 2 personal non-family references may be substituted.

It does not bind you to anything, just helps us to make the best match. Your application will be reviewed and it may take a few days for our volunteers to respond. (Please note all communication is done through email.)

Arrangements will be made for you to meet with the animal (if you have not already met the pet at an adoption day). We usually schedule a meeting at the Hamilton Petsmart, but occasionally we will meet at another store or a local park. If you already own a dog and are interested in adopting a second, we will arrange for the two dogs to meet on neutral territory.

Application Review

From time to time, we will receive multiple applications for the same pet. Please be aware that our animal adoptions are NOT on a first come- first serve basis.

Our sole purpose is to find the best match for the animals that fall under our care. We will carefully review all applications and check veterinary/personal references. We contact your veterinarian references to ensure that current and/or deceased pets were properly taken care of; this means being current on all vaccinations and spayed/neutered.

***Pet Rescue of Mercer reserves the right to deny any applications that we deem unfit or unsuitable for the animal.

The Home Visit & Finalizing The Adoption

If you have been approved to adopt, we will schedule a home visit. A home visit is required to ensure that your home is everything you say it is on the adoption application. It needs to be a suitable safe environment for your new pet. All pets and family members should be home at this time.

Please note that home visits are for dog adoptions only and the dog will be present at the home visit. If the home visit goes well, the dog will stay and we will finalize the adoption. You will need to sign our adoption contract and pay our adoption fee.

***Pet Rescue of Mercer reserves the right to deny any applications that we deem unfit or unsuitable for the animal. Please be aware that our animal adoptions are NOT on a first come- first serve basis. Our sole purpose is to find the best possbile homes for the animals that fall under our care.