1) Submit an Application
If you are interested in adopting a dog you see on our website or just adopting in general and looking for help finding the perfect fit, please submit an application. You can indicate which dog or dogs you are interested in meeting, if there is/are specific ones(s). You will receive email confirmation from us that your application has been received and will be assigned and processed.

2) Application Processing
One of our volunteers will be assigned your application, and will reach out to you and get to work processing, including contacting your vet and/or personal references and landlord, prior to scheduling an introduction with the dog(s). Our application processor will follow up with you if any followup questions arise during the screening process.

3) Schedule Meet(s)
After your application is approved, our application processor will connect you to the foster of the dog you're interested in meeting and set up a mutually convenient introduction. Family members are welcome to be a part of this meet.

4) Adoption
After your family has met the dog, if it seems like a good match, you will make the adoption fee donation payment and sign our contract to complete the adoption. You should plan to take the dog home either the day of the meet or within 48 hours, if arrangements are made with the foster. The rescue prefers adoption fee payment via digital means like Venmo, PayPal, or Cashapp, for our fosters' convenience. Other arrangements can be made with advance notice.

SHDR reserves the right deny any application at the sole discretion of the organization. Any one of our volunteers an applicant has interaction with has the power to deny an application at any time up until the time of adoption; please treat our volunteers with courtesy and respect.