Additional adoption info
ADOPTION FAQS:
How do I adopt a pet? What instructions to I need to follow post-adoption?
For instructions on how to adopt; our adoption fees and what is included with those fees; and post-adoption instructions and requirements, see How to Adopt on our public webpage (www.muttsandmore.org).
Do you adopt animals to locations outside of the Twin Cities area?
Our primary service area is the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area; however, if the right opportunity presents itself for one of our beloved animals, we will extend our range to within approximately 125 miles of the metropolitan area.
Do you require a home visit before I am allowed to adopt an companion animal?
Yes, in order to ensure an appropriate match, Mutts & More does require that a home visit be conducted prior to relinquishing the client animal to its new home. We may ask an affiliate or other rescue group to conduct a home visit in situations where we may not be able to perform it ourselves due to time constraints or location.
Can I take my new pet home the same day as the home visit?
In many cases, yes. We actually prefer for you to take your new pet home so that he/she can get started being a part of your family. If you know you are in the market for a pet, it is a good idea to have some things ready for your new pet such as bedding, food, bowls, and toys. That way, when you fall in love with the right one, you both will be ready. Please contact us for a list of items that will make your new family member’s transition successful.
Has my new pet already been vaccinated?
Yes, your new pet will have had all of the vaccinations he/she needs up until the point of adoption. This means that you may have to obtain more vaccines or boosters as they become due, but we will have taken care of what they need up until the date of adoption.
Has my new pet already been spayed/neutered?
Pets in our program will have had spay/neuter surgery prior to adoption unless because of age (either too old or too young) or for medical reasons.
Can I get a new pet before he/she is spayed/neutered?
Generally speaking, no. See answer above.
What if a dog I am interested in is Heartworm Positive?
Because heartworms are prevalent in Minnesota, we may have dogs that have tested positive for heartworms in our program. In general, we will process your adoption and then give you recommendations on how to get the treatment done once your pet acclimates to your environment. We can give you lower-cost options for treatment, and in some cases, will reduce the cost of the adoption fee.
It is important that a dog undergoing heartworm treatment is calm and relaxed for a few weeks following treatment so we prefer for the treatment to occur in your home as opposed to being in our program.
What is your return policy?
If you choose to relinquish your adopted pet, we cannot guarantee that we will take the animal back after more than 14 days. Companion animals that have been in your care for over 14 days may have to go through our our program that is designed to assist owners in rehoming their pets and you may be asked to foster the animal until it can be placed in another foster or permanent home.
Can I get my adoption fee refunded if my new pet doesn't work out?
In general, no. We want potential pet owners to be sure they are ready to adopt. We would rather you think about it before you adopt rather than after. We are willing to work through most issues that arise and, depending on the situation, we may be able to offer an exchange (if the pup or cat you chose doesn't get along with an existing pet for example) or a partial refund (for extenuating circumstances).
I found a pet that I want to adopt but am not sure if he/she will work out in my home with my other pets. Can I do a trial adoption?
We do trial adoptions only in certain situations, usually just for our adult pets. If you are interested in a trial adoption, please tell us your situation. You will be required to do all of the adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee, but your contract will have a stipulation that entitles you to a full refund if you return the pet to us within a certain time frame, generally 14 calendar days.
We generally don't do trial adoptions with puppies. Puppies will almost always get along well with the other pets in the home. We would prefer that an adopter be 100% ready and committed to that puppy before adopting. If you have concerns about raising a puppy, please talk to a volunteer. You might discover that one of our older dogs will be a better fit for your lifestyle since they are usually much less work than a puppy.
What do I do with my new pet if he/she gets sick after I adopt him/her?
If your pet becomes ill within 72 hours of adoption, please contact us so that we can help you find low-cost solutions.
What if I'm having problems with the pet I adopted from Mutts & More and need help?
We try to set the right expectations about anything that we know about the dog or cat before you adopt (dogs/puppies need training and possibly housebreaking, separation anxiety is possible in dogs abandoned at shelters, puppies tend to cry the first few days, dogs/puppies need regular exercise to be good dogs, etc…), but if you are experiencing a problem, we want to help you fix it.
We can introduce you to trainers willing to help with behavioral issues (fee based), as well as veterinarians that can offer advice on what to do with medical problems (also fee based).
We will attempt to follow up with you 7, 30 and 90 days after you adopt from us to ensure that you have the support that you need. If you need to contact us before that, please email us at adopt@muttsandmore.org or give us a call at 651-408-5836. If you do not reach a live person, leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
