Adopt Your New Best Friend
Every dog at Finn’s Rescue Ranch, whether you meet them at our ranch in Harper, Texas or through our adoption partnership in Maryland, goes through the same process before they’re ready for a home: an application, adoption counseling, and a home check. It takes a little more time than a same-day walk-out, but it means fewer dogs coming back and more matches that stick.
Step 1: Meeting Our Animals
Our goal is to help you find the perfect pet based on your personality and lifestyle. Stroll through our Pet Adoption Center, visit one of our offsite adoption partners, or browse animal profiles online. When love strikes, simply let an onsite Adoption Coordinator know that you would like to proceed with adoption! We recommend that you bring other household members, including children, to visit with the pets you are interested in.
Step 2: Adoption Counseling
Our Adoption Coordinators are trained to give you the best guidance to prepare you and your new pet for a successful transition home. Adoptable animals are available to go home the same day and don’t require an application. When finalizing your adoption, an Adoption Coordinator will:
- Check your a U.S. Government-issued photo ID and verify that you are at least 18 years of age
- Give you information and advice specific to your home and new pet
- Explain any known medical conditions or behavioral special needs of your new pet
Step 3: Post-Adoption Support
If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance at any point after you’ve adopted, we are here to support you! Is your adopted pet not a match? That's okay! Not every adoption is going to be the right fit, and that’s perfectly understandable. Learn more about our judgement-free Adoption Return process.
Step 1: Meet Your Match
Browse our available dogs online, visit our ranch in Harper, or check listings from our Maryland adoption partner. When you find a dog you'd like to meet, submit an adoption application for that specific dog. We recommend bringing every member of your household, including kids and current pets if possible, once you're invited to meet in person.
Step 2: Apply & Adoption Counseling
Once we receive your application, an Adoption Coordinator will reach out to talk through your lifestyle, home, and what you're looking for in a dog. During this conversation, they'll:
- Verify a government-issued photo ID and confirm you're at least 18 years old
- Walk you through anything we know about the dog's medical history or behavioral needs
- Give you guidance specific to your home and the dog you're interested in
This step exists to set both you and the dog up for success, not to slow you down.
Step 3: Home Check & Approval
Most adoptions include a home check, which can usually be done in person or over a video call depending on your location. It's a standard step, not a sign anything's wrong with your application, it's simply how we confirm the home and the dog are a good fit for each other.
Step 4: Bringing Your Dog Home
Once your application and home check are approved, we'll finalize the adoption fee [confirm exact fee or fee range with client] and schedule pickup. Every dog goes home vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and vet-checked, so you're not stuck handling that first vet bill on your own.
Step 5: Post-Adoption Support
If you have questions, concerns, or just need advice at any point after adopting, we're here. Not every adoption is the right fit, and that's okay. If it's not working out, reach out to us directly about our judgement-free Adoption Return process rather than rehoming the dog on your own.
FAQ
What's the first step to adopt a dog from Finn's Rescue Ranch?
Start by browsing available dogs, either on our Texas ranch in Harper or through our Maryland partnership. Once you find a dog you’re interested in, submit an adoption application for that dog so our team can start a conversation with you about the next steps.
Do I need to fill out an application before meeting a dog?
Yes. Every adoption starts with a short application. This isn’t meant to slow things down, it helps our Adoption Coordinators match you with a dog whose energy level, history, and needs actually fit your home, and it’s the same standard whether you’re adopting from our Texas ranch or through our Maryland partner.
Will I need a home check before I can adopt?
In most cases, yes. A home check is a standard part of our process, and it can typically be done in person or over a video call. It’s not a test you can fail outright, it’s a conversation to confirm the home and the dog are a good match.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Adoption fees typically cover the cost of vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and a veterinary exam, so they tend to run higher than a municipal shelter, generally in the $250 to $450 range industry-wide. Each dog’s individual listing will show their specific fee.
How long does the adoption process take from application to bringing a dog home?
Once your application and home check are approved, many adopters are able to bring their new dog home within the same week, though it can vary depending on the dog and your availability for a meet and greet.
What's included when I adopt a dog?
Every dog is vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and given a full veterinary check before being listed for adoption, whether they come from our Texas ranch or our Maryland partnership. You’ll also get information about their known medical history and behavioral needs during Adoption Counseling.
What if the adoption doesn't work out?
We’d rather know than have a dog rehomed informally. If a placement isn’t a fit after adoption, reach out to us directly. Our judgement-free Adoption Return process exists exactly for this, not every match is the right one, and that’s okay.