Adoption Application

Thank you for your interest in adopting from Simba’s Paw Dog Rescue. This application is simply a tool we use to help both you and us identify a good potential match for your family and lifestyle. Submitting this application does not mean you are committing to a dog, nor does it guarantee you will be approved.

Before You Apply

A successful placement requires us to carefully evaluate every application to ensure we match each dog to the right home, and depends on a clear understanding of the dog’s needs and care requirements. This process includes reviewing your responses, verifying veterinary and housing references, and maintaining communication with you. These necessary steps demand significant time and draw upon vital rescue resources, including medical care, transportation, and daily supplies. Please review the following information fully before proceeding, and help us with this process by answering the following questions fully and honestly.

Adoption Donations

If you are approved to adopt, you agree to sign an adoption contract and pay a non-refundable adoption donation ranging from $400 to $600 (depending on the individual dog) at the time of adoption. This fee is entirely separate from the initial application donation.

As a 100% volunteer-based non-profit organization, we are committed to making adoptions accessible while sustaining our rescue efforts purely through these necessary donations. If the application or adoption donation presents a financial hardship, please email us at simbaspawdogrescue@gmail.com before you apply so we can attempt to accommodate your situation. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Please note:
  • Applicants must be 25+ years old.
  • We will contact you within 5-10 business days after submission.

    Personal Information

    *:
    Address*



    Phone*
    Email*
    Driver's License #*
    Occupation*
    Annual Household Income*
    Have you ever been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect of any animal?*

    Household & Living Situation

    What type of home do you live in?*
    Do you rent or own this property?*

    Can you show proof of home ownership?*

    Do you have HOA? *

    How long have you lived at your current address?*

    Are you planning on moving anytime soon?*

    What company is your home owners insurance? Is there a breed or weight restriction? If so, what?*

    (If you rent, you must show us a written letter from your landlord and a copy of your lease that you are allowed to have dogs and certain breeds)

    If rent, list landlord's information below
    Landlord Name:

    Landlord Phone:

    If you rent, are you allowed pets? Is there a breed or weight restriction?

    Describe your fence & yard:*


    Do you have a swimming pool?*

    Is it covered?

    Is anyone in your home allergic to dogs?*

    Does anyone in your home fear dogs?*

    Have you discussed this adoption with all members of your household?*


    Names and ages of all permanent residents of your home (adults/children)*

    Who will be the main caretaker of your dog?*

    Who will care for the dog if you are out of town or there is an emergency?*

    Current Pets

    Do you currently have any pets?*

    If you currently have pets, please list them below:*

    If your current pets are not altered, please explain why below.

    Current or planned veterinarian *

    Veterinarian Phone*

    Experience & Lifestyle

    Dog you’re interested in adopting (or “None”):
    Why this particular dog?

    If no dog in mind, describe desired characteristics (breed, age, size, activity level, etc.)

    Are you in contact with other rescues/shelters about a dog?*


    Where did you hear about this dog?*

    What steps have been taken to learn about this breed, and dog ownership in general?*

    Have you fostered or owned a dog before?*

    Your dog experience (check all that apply):*


    Have you ever owned a dog as an adult?*

    Do you work from home or outside the home?*


    On average, how many hours per day will the dog be alone?*
    Describe a typical day for your dog in your home:* What provisions will be made for your dog when no one is home?*


    What behavioral/training issues can you deal with comfortably?* **Please take time to think, be honest with yourself and us when answering this question.
    What behavioral/training issues would make you uncomfortable or are you NOT willing to deal with?*

    Commitment & Suitability

    When will you be ready to adopt?*


    Will you provide regular vet care (including medication)?*

    What activity level do you prefer? *
    What reasons would prevent you from adopting a dog after meeting it?*

    I want to adopt this dog…*


    My adopted dog will…*


    Where will your dog sleep?*


    Do you have experience with crate training? Explain.*

    Will you provide obedience training?*

    Describe housebreaking/potty training.*

    Describe how you would deal with chewing.*

    Describe how you would deal with barking.*

    Reasons for giving up pet (check all that apply):


    Explain reasons for rehoming or returning dog:*

    Reasonable adjustment period?*

    Plan to integrate dog into your family?*

    If vet diagnoses expensive condition, what do you do?*

    Do you plan to get pet health insurance?*

    Fantasy question: What would your dream dog be like?*

    Annual budget for your dog?*

    List previous dogs lived and outcomes:*

    Any other significant information we should know?*

    Additional comments, questions, or concerns?*

    References

    Personal References:* How did you hear about Simba's Paw Dog Rescue?*

    SIMBA'S PAW DOG RESCUE ADOPTION CONTRACT

    For the safety and well being of our animals, we ask you to read carefully and sign only if you agree to all terms set forth in this contract. SPDR reserves the right to reject any application based on information obtained during this screening process. Please understand that our primary goal is the health, happiness, and safety of our rescued dogs.

    Adopted Dog Info:

    Name of Adopted Animal:* Breed:* Color/Sex/Age:* Name of Adoption Applicant:* Adoption Fee: Foster to Adopt:

    Contract Terms:

    • All of the information I have given is true and complete.
    • I agree to give SPDR a copy of my license.
    • I agree that this dog will reside in my home as a pet. I will provide it with quality dog food, plenty of fresh water, indoor shelter, love and affection.
    • I am prepared to make a 10 to 15 year commitment to my dog.
    • I agree that I’m not allowed to physically alter the appearance of my newly adopted dog. (Ear cropping, docking tail, hair dying, etc.)
    • I agree to provide the authorized Simba’s Paw Dog Rescue (hereby referred to as SPDR) representative, or his/her designate access to all parts of my home and property for a home inspection before my application to adopt is approved and also authorize a meet and greet with all other animals in my care at SPDR’s discretion prior to adoption.
    • I agree to contact SPDR if I move or have any change of address so we can update your file.
    • I agree to give the SPDR representatives visitation rights at any time to ensure that the terms of this adoption agreement are being observed.
    • I agree to provide my adopted animal with proper and routine veterinary care, including yearly wellness exam, current, required and recommended vaccinations and emergency care as needed.
    • I understand that I am responsible for all proper and routine animal care including all food, toys, shelter, etc. for my adopted animal.
    • I agree that my newly adopted dog will wear a collar and up to date tag at all times, including our SPDR tag.
    • I agree that dog parks are not allowed for my new rescue dog. EVER! It’s an accident waiting to happen with too many untrained dogs and irresponsible owners. Also you don’t know if dogs have vaccines or are fixed. So many parasites and diseases linger around.
    • I agree I will not do any off-leash introductions with other dogs.
    • I agree that I will not leave my dog unattended in the backyard even with a secured yard.
    • I agree to never leave my dogs unattended in a vehicle. Also never place a dog in the bed of a truck.
    • I understand that SPDR provides no guarantee to the health of my adopted animal and that my adopted animal may have significant medical needs, socialization problems and may not be housebroken.
    • I understand that patience is crucial. My new dog might be confused and not know where they are. I will give my new pet plenty of time to decompress and acclimate. I will not rush my pet into interacting with me, family members, friends, neighbors or other dogs and cats.
    • I understand it will take my new rescued dog an average of 7 days to simply decompress and acclimate to a new environment.
    • I understand it will take my new dog an average of 4–6 weeks to start to learn my routine. I will teach the new dog my routine through repetition and consistency. Feeding schedule, letting out and going for walks at the same time each day, and praising him when he does what I ask.
    • I will take time to introduce my new pet to children and other pets in the household. I understand my home and environment is all new to the dog. Slow intros are the key and I will never force interaction. Just as the dog needs to be taught to be respectful with children, children need to be taught to be gentle and respectful of the dog.
    • I agree never to leave my dog unattended with a child or minor.
    • I agree to not place my face, or allow a child to place their face in the animal’s personal space. Do not smother your animals.
    • I agree that I will not attempt to take bones or food bowl from the animal when it’s chewing or eating. Dogs need their personal space.
    • I agree that all animals must be separated during feeding time or with high value toys/chews/treats.
    • I agree to continue crate training with my newly adopted dog. I will not push, shove, or force my dog into their crate.
    • I agree not to crawl into the dog’s crate or allow other animals or children in the crate. This includes sticking fingers in or taunting the dog while in the crate.
    • I agree to contact the SPDR team immediately if my adopted dog escapes or gets lost.
    • If for any reason I am unable or unwilling to keep my adopted animal, I agree to contact SPDR and return him/her to SPDR. I will not give the animal away, take it to a shelter, place him/her with another person or sell this animal. I must foster the dog until a new placement has been found.
    • I agree to notify SPDR 30 days in advance if I can no longer keep my dog. Failure to do so will hold adopter liable for boarding fees if we don’t have a foster in time.
    • Any abuse, striking the animal, tying the animal outside for extended periods of time and allowing persons to taunt, torment or abuse this animal is strictly prohibited. ANY VIOLATION WILL RESULT IN AN IMMEDIATE TERMINATION OF THE ADOPTION CONTRACT AND SIMBA’S PAW WILL RECLAIM THE ANIMAL IMMEDIATELY FROM THE ADOPTER.
    • I understand that the animal may have come from an uncertain background where it may have been exposed to stress, neglect or abuse. I also understand that while SPDR does its best to evaluate the animal, this animal may possess quirks and problems that have yet to be discovered. I accept responsibility for any and all events that occur in connection with the adoption of a SPDR animal. By signing this contract, I hereby agree not to hold SPDR or any of its agents or volunteers liable for any physical, emotional or property damages that may arise from its involvement with Simba’s Paw Dog Rescue.
    • I agree to send updates when asked, including pictures and videos. We require weekly updates for the first month to make sure everything is working out.
    • I agree that SPDR will always take an adoption photo with the whole family to post on social media.
    • Remember that you made the decision to adopt and care for this pet. They will be a member of your family. We cannot stress enough how important patience is during the first few months with a rescued dog.
    • All adoption fees are non‑refundable and considered a donation.
    • If you would like to donate, you can do so through our PayPal or Venmo. All donations (except adoption fee) are tax‑deductible.
    • PAYPAL: Simbaspawdogrescue@yahoo.com
      VENMO: Simbaspaw707

    Consent & Acknowledgement

    Please read and check each box:





    Review & Submit

    • Review your answers before submitting.
    • After submission, you will receive a confirmation email with next steps.
    Signature of Applicant:*
    Print name:* Co-adopter's name: Date:*