Adoption Process
Thank you for taking the time to visit our website and learn about Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary’s adoption process.
Mackenzie’s is a N0-KILL dog Sanctuary that is dedicated to helping abused, abandoned, and neglected dogs find forever, loving homes. We help (when room is available) other shelters and rescues before they have to consider euthanizing due to medical concerns, behavioral challenges, or lack of space. As a true “home-along-the-way” we are passionate about loving, advocating for, caring for, and getting to know each individual dog for the duration of their stay with us. Our adoption goal is to match applicants with their perfect forever dog based on personality, sociability, and energy level that suits your lifestyles. Our adoption program is very thoughtful and thorough to ensure both you and your new dog have a happy and successful relationship once you go home together.
Adoption Criteria:
- Adoption visits are by appointment only.
- For safety’s sake, we require a physically fenced-in area.
- We DO NOT do same day adoptions, at least two adoption visits are required.
- Adopters must be at least 21 years of age.
- Established home dog(s) must be up to date on vaccinations.
- Established home dogs(s) must have an introduction to the MAS dog(s) you’re interested in.
What to Expect from Our Program:
- The first step in adopting your new best friend is submitting your adoption application online. BE HONEST! Our application is designed to help the adoption team learn about you, your lifestyle, and what you are looking for to best match you with the appropriate dog. You will receive an email confirmation that we have begun processing your application.
- Once your application is approved, we will invite you and your family to visit the sanctuary and meet with the dog(s) you are compatible with. Upon meeting and spending time with the dog(s), we will go over their notes on behavior, health, and sociability. We believe full disclosure of the information we know is key to helping you make the best decision and finding the best fit for your family. Once you have narrowed down which dog is the right fit for you, a second visit will be scheduled.
- After the 2nd visit, we will provide you with additional information on your new forever friend (microchip details, rabies certificate, and their medical history report). We will also send home any medication(s) your new dog is currently prescribed, including their next dose of heartworm and flea/tick prevention. We will go over your new dog’s paperwork and answer any questions before finalizing the adoption!
- If you already have a dog(s) at home, we require a dog introduction at the second visit to ensure your new dog is accepted into your pack before going home. We take all the dogs on a short walk before going to a quiet building together to observe their interactions. Our trained staff will discuss a plan to help the dogs integrate for the smoothest transition into living together.
FAQ’s:
How long does the adoption process take?
Our adoption team processes applications in the order that they are received. Because our process includes contacting references and scheduling multiple visits, there is not an exact time frame for our process. It is a great idea to give your veterinary clinic a call and approve the release of your pet(s) records (information on your pet(s) will not be given to us without your approval first) and giving your personal references a heads-up, as this will help speed up the process. Please keep in mind that your application is one of many being processed. We do the best we can to uphold communication and provide the best experience during this exciting time!
What is the adoption fee?
The adoption fee for a puppy (less than 1 year old) is $250.00, an adult dog (between 1 year old and 7 years old) is $200.00, and for a senior dog (older than 7 years) the adoption fee is $150.00. This fee helps to cover some of the medical costs of spay/neuter, current vaccinations, heartworm preventative and micro-chipping.
What if MAS doesn’t have the dog I am looking for?
Unfortunately, we do not always have the perfect match for you and your family. When this happens, we hold applications through December of each year. At any time, when you see a dog(s), you are interested in (prior to December 31st), please give us a call or an email and we will pull your application and pick up where we left off. After December 31st a new adoption application must be submitted.
I live in an apartment/condo, am I still eligible to adopt from MAS?
Yes! We will process your application and look for potential matches that will not only fit your personal preferences but will also thrive in an apartment/condo with you! We will also have to verify that your new dog follows any rental restrictions your living establishment may have.
I have adopted a dog from MAS in the past, and I would like to adopt again, do I need to resubmit an application?
We are always happy when our adopters come back to adopt for the second, third…or fourth time! Yes, a new application must be filled out. Why? Your original application was specifically processed for your previously adopted dog and is filed with their documents. Don’t worry, you will not have to repeat the entire process like a 1st time adopter.
We will double check if anything has changed (moved, new family members, veterinary clinic, etc.), and then we will schedule your first visit out!
Is my invisible fence in compliance with the fence requirement?
Our physical fence requirement is in place for the safety and wellbeing of our dogs. Invisible or electric fences do not offer a barrier to keep predators or other dogs out of your yard. We have also seen and heard of dogs getting excited (such as chasing after prey) and running through the barrier, unphased due to overstimulation. Then being unable to come back into the yard due to the shock they now feel when no longer overstimulated. Since we often get dogs that have been abused, neglected, or otherwise traumatized we are not comfortable subjecting them to situations that may trigger past negative experiences causing fear, touch sensitivity, and/or hindering trust in your bond. Therefore, MAS has decided against adopting to homes that utilize this type of fencing.
What if I adopt a dog, and need some extra help after we get home?
Our compassion does not stop when an MAS dog goes home. Although we try to send you home with helpful adjustment information, we all know unforeseen situations may arise days, months, or even years after being home. Rest assured, MAS is always here to support and guide you in the right direction!
What our Adopters Have to Say
“We were so appreciative of how thorough and transparent MAS was about all the dogs’ stories and needs and being so helpful along the way. And we are so grateful for how well you cared for our boy!”
- AJ and Annika, adopters of Milton
“This is best friend #2 from Mackenzie’s and I would recommend MAS to ANYONE”
- Ambre, adopter of Mufasa and Elmo
“Such a wonderful facility… between the training, the onsite vet, the beautiful grounds and runs. I decided to open my broken heart again and sent in an application. The response from the Adoption Team was quick and thorough. Both my vet and my references commented on the care and thoroughness of the questions.”
- Kerry, adopter of Sallie
“Most shelters need you to adopt very quickly – time is not a luxury that they have. Mackenzie’s worked with us to help Lola and Todd and I establish a nice bond before getting her home. Mackenzie’s set us all up for success. I realize that time like that is absolutely a luxury, but it was one that has gone an incredibly long way toward making sure that Lola got a very smooth transition from sanctuary life to home life. Thanks to Mackenzie’s focus on making sure that we had the luxury of time and putting Lola’s (and our) need of time first and foremost, it has been smooth sailing at home.”
- Ann and Todd, adopters of Lola
“Great adoption coordinators, they really seemed to pay attention to our lifestyle and help us find a dog that fit well with us.”
- Jo, adopter of Hank
