Check out the answers to the most common questions about adopting from our organization!
What are your hours of operation, and where may I come by to see your animals?
Long Way Home is a foster-based program, which means we do not have a physical facility that is open to the public. Once your application is approved, we schedule a meeting between potential adopters and the foster home.
I have filled out my adoption application. Now what?
Applications are automatically submitted through the form, but we may take a couple of days to process them. We are an almost entirely volunteer organization, with only a small handful of paid staff on hand, so please understand we may not be able to get to them the same day they are submitted. It also depends on how long it takes your references to return our calls, if your vet clinic is closed for the weekend, etc.
I have submitted my application. When can I come get my new pet?
Submitting an application does not guarantee adoption. Applications must first become approved by evaluating answers and checking references.
My application has been approved. Does this mean I can adopt this pet now?
Unfortunately, sometimes we have multiple approved applications on a rescue animal. Because Long Way Home does not do “first come, first served” adoptions, it means that we have to turn away some very worthy homes for that particular pet. However, we encourage applicants to look at our other adoptables via Petfinder or Facebook. With an approved application, you may be expedited for another rescue animal in our program.
What happens if I get approved to adopt, but it doesn’t go well when we get home?
All adoptions come with a 5 day grace period in which the animal may be returned to us. The adoption donation will be held during that 5 day grace period, but on the 6th day, it becomes a non-refundable donation.
If I submit an application first, does that guarantee I get the pet?
All of our rescue pets live in foster homes. Foster parents find out what the animals like or dislike, what type of family structure would serve them best, and which home environment would allow them to flourish. Because we have this information, Long Way Home Adoptables does not use a “first come, first served” approach. We evaluate all approved applications based on what would be the perfect home for each particular animal based on their own unique personalities and needs. We are pleased you have chosen to adopt your next companion animal and honored that you have selected a Long Way Home rescue to become part of your family. Our organization runs almost entirely on dedicated volunteers who often have families and pets and work full time jobs, so your patience during this process is appreciated!
What is your adoption fee?
Our adoption fee is $250 for dog adoptions, and $100 for cat adoptions. Healthy adult dogs receive around $450 in care and supplies, and that cost increases depending on what health issues he dog may have. The fee only covers a portion of the costs it takes to rescue a shelter pet, but we believe in making adoptions as affordable as possible. Please see what all is included with each adoption fee below.
What all is included with an adoption fee?
With your fee, your future rescue dog will be fully vetted and will have all vaccinations and medical testing that are considered age appropriate at the time of adoption. After the adoption, any remaining veterinary care will be the adopter’s responsibility. If your pet is old enough, it will be:
— Spayed or neutered (if older than 20 weeks of age). If the pet is not yet old enough for surgery, we will cover that expense at our clinic once the pet is of age.
— Microchipped.
— Current on the following vaccines: rabies (if older than 12 weeks old), bordetella, leptovirus (if older than 12 weeks old) distemper and parvovirus (after 6 weeks old).
— Heartworm tested (for dogs older than 6 months old) and current on monthly heartworm prevention. If the dog tested heartworm positive, they will be current on treatment, and that treatment cost will be covered at our clinic, unless the adopter chooses to sponsor that cost independently.
— Flea free and on monthly flea prevention.
— Dewormed and fecal tested.
All veterinary care and expenses after the adoption are the adopter's responsibilty, unless explicitly stated otherwise by the director.
Do you adopt out of state?
YES! In fact, we have adopted our babies out to several states all over the country. State of residence has no impact on our adoption application.
If I live several hours away or in another state, how does this adoption work?
No problem! The majority of our adopters are not local to our area. Some families cash in their frequent flyer miles and come in, since our pets are small enough to bring on board as carry-on. Some families drive in from other states, or other parts of Texas.
If you need transport assistance, please read about the costs and options here.
Ready to get started?
Apply to adopt today!