Adoption Process at Josies Misfit Ranch
Our adoption process is detailed and comprehensive because we want to ensure that the animal we entrust to you is a good fit for your lifestyle, home environment, needs and expectations. Our goal is not simply to place animals in homes, but to create lasting, rewarding, happy relationships between our animals and their humans. We hope each of our animals find the best home possible for their particular circumstances. Not every animal is suited for every family or situation.
We provide support throughout the adoption process and beyond, helping you with questions and concerns and providing you with access to training resources so you are able to build the best relationship possible with your new pet. Because we place a high value on helping you and your new pet create the best relationship possible, we do not adopt animals out of the state because we can’t adequately support you if you are too far away.
We try to process all applications as quickly as possible, but ask for your patience if it takes longer than you would like as we make sure this is a perfect match! Please contact us if you have questions about your application.
Our Requirements:
Approved adopters must have a commitment to the full life of the animal, have a vet committed to taking the animal as a patient, and be allowed to have animals in their place of residence. They must also reside in the state of Washington, where we can adequately support them or get the animal back if there are issues.
Rescue dogs will only be given to families with appropriately fenced yards and/or appropriate exercise routines (depending on their breed and level of activity). For larger dogs and dogs of certain breeds, we will also check to make sure there are no restrictions in your home or municipality.
Rescue cats will not be given to homes in which declawing is considered acceptable. Cats adopted from JMR must also remain indoors or in a proper enclosure (catio), as studies show cats who are allowed to roam outside have a significantly lower life span.
We will only adopt to families whose current pets are up to date on vaccinations and who are fixed. We do not adopt to homes with small children (under the age of 5) except under special circumstances.
Other things you should consider before you adopt
an animal at Josie’s Misfit Ranch.
Know the 3-3-3 rule when adopting a dog
The 3-3-3 rule helps you understand what to expect in the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after bringing your dog home. We have all experienced the feeling of being unfamiliar with a new place, new people and new rules. It takes time to adjust, and your animal will need some time too.
Not all rescue animals do well in all homes
You may want to adopt an animal that we don’t feel is a good fit for your lifestyle or environment. However, we may suggest other animals in our program that may be a better match. This helps ensures that our adoptions are successful and everyone is happy in the end.
Having a new animal takes patience, commitment, and sacrifice
When considering adding a pet – especially a dog – to your home, there are some commitments and sacrifices you need to be willing to make, including but not limited to:
● Taking your dog for a walk at least twice a day for 30 minutes.
● Going for walks even in bad weather.
● Cleaning up after your new pet in your home.
● Engaging in stimulating activities with your pet – That means spending time giving them affection and play time.
● Coordinating pet care when you travel.
● Taking financial responsibility for regular vet checks, emergency vet visits, preventatives, food, beds, bowls, and other supplies.
● Making a 10-12 year commitment depending on breed and age of dog at adoption. For cats, the commitment can be 20 years.
● Making a commitment to training and meeting your dogs needs.
There is no perfect animal
Just like there is no perfect person, there is no perfect animal. And just like humans, animals need patience, love, and education/training to be their best. You will have to invest time and energy toward creating positive routines and consistent expectations and be patient as they adjust to their new home and life.
Puppies are cute, but take extra work
Puppies are so cute and cuddly and lovable! But they take a LOT of work. In addition to all the standard commitments and sacrifices needed when adopting a dog, puppies come with some additions.
While we begin this process, you will still need to be prepared for these additional needs:
● Potty training. This means they’ll need to go outside every two hours, day and night. Plus, there will likely be messes in your home that will need to be cleaned up.
● Crate training. Crate training takes advantage of your dog’s natural instincts to seek out a comfortable, quiet and safe place when the environment around them becomes too loud or overwhelming. It’s an important tool in preventing dogs from chewing on items in the home or during housetraining. Crates are also a safe way to transport your dog in the car.
● Consistent routines and schedules.
● Outlets for all their energy – especially in their chewing stage (between 3 and 6 months).
● Training.
● Socialization.
● A home that is “puppy-proof”.
● Regular walks and exercise.
Special needs animals make awesome companions!
Josie’s Misfit Ranch prides itself on taking in animals that others may consider less than perfect because of physical conditions. Often times these animals are euthanized because people are afraid of the extra time it takes to care for them. But many of these animals don’t need much more than their able-bodied counterparts. Often, they are even more grateful to be given a chance to love and be loved, and will inspire you with their zest for living their best life.
If you are interested in one of our special needs animals, we will help educate you on their care and needs and show you just how easy it is to love them. Older dogs may be a good choice for families who aren’t as active and want a fur friend to snuggle with on the couch. Animals with missing or deformed limbs often can run and do the same activities as other animals with only some minor adjustments. Blind and deaf animals can live happy lives and may fool you into thinking there’s nothing wrong with them because they adjust so well. And dogs with megaesophagus need a special chair to eat in and high calorie food, but can otherwise lead a normal life.
