Adoption Process

The welfare of our rescued Havanese is always our top priority. Our adoption process is designed to help us understand each applicant and make thoughtful matches based on each dog’s needs, temperament, history, and progress.

HALO does not adopt on a “first come, first served” basis. Our goal is the right match.

Basic adoption requirements

Applicants must be at least 21 years old. HALO does not adopt to families with children under the age of 6.

Step 1: Submit an application

Please complete the Adoption Application so we can learn more about you, your household, your experience with dogs, and the type of home you can provide.

Step 2: Telephone interview

After your application is received, a HALO volunteer will contact you to schedule a telephone interview. This usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

The interview gives us a chance to learn more about your home, lifestyle, expectations, and whether a HALO dog may be a good fit.

Step 3: References and veterinary check

If we believe your home may be a good fit for one of our dogs, we will contact your references and veterinarian. This helps us better understand your history as a pet owner and the care you have provided to current or previous pets.

Step 4: Home visit

The final step before approval is a home visit. We will arrange this at a time that is convenient for you. When possible, we ask that all household members be present.

The home visit helps us understand the environment where a HALO dog would live and gives you another opportunity to ask questions.

Step 5: Matching with a dog

Once you are approved, we will talk with you about dogs who may be a good fit. If you are interested in a specific dog, we will consider that carefully, but approval does not guarantee that a particular dog will be the right match.

If we believe another dog would be better suited to your home, we will explain why and share what we know about that dog’s temperament, needs, and ideal placement.

Step 6: Connecting with the foster family

When a potential match is identified, we will arrange for you to speak with the foster family. The foster can share first-hand information about the dog’s personality, routines, progress, and needs.

Applicants may meet a HALO dog only after they have been approved and a possible match has been identified.

Step 7: Finalizing the adoption

At the time of adoption, you will sign HALO’s adoption contract and pay the adoption fee listed for that dog.

Before adoption, each dog receives veterinary care based on their individual needs. This may include a veterinary exam, dental care, spay or neuter surgery, heartworm testing, fecal testing, medications, vaccines or titers, microchipping, and any additional care required for that dog.