Animals come into The ARK's possession via rescue
of abandoned and stray animals, relinquishment by owners, request by law enforcement, etc. It is the goal of The ARK
to adopt these animals into long-term, suitable homes.
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Adoption is facilitated by contact with the public, The ARK web site, newspaper
ads, other media, word of mouth, and adoption days.
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The policy of The ARK is that animals will be sterilized before adoption, unless
extenuating circumstances do not permit. If an unsterilized animal is adopted, the adoptive family will have agreed
to spay or neuter as part of The ARK Adoption Agreement. Follow up will be conducted by The ARK foster representative
and expected as agreed upon. Failure to sterilize an adopted pet will result in The ARK reclaiming the animal.
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If an animal is
seen by a interested person/family, the official ARK Adoption Questionnaire will be provided by hand delivery, mail, or the
web site. Upon completion (either by the applicant or an ARK member) and receipt of the questionnaire or written evidence
of an interview, an ARK member will review for appropriate circumstances and suitability of a particular animal.
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Unless pre-approved,
the adoptive family may be asked to wait for verification and reference review of the application.
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ARK members reserve the right to deny
adoption based on their experience and knowledge of the animal's needs and the suitability of the interested
person/family to meet those needs.
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When an adoption is agreed upon, the adoptive person/family will pay a requested Adoption Fee and
will sign the official ARK Adoption Agreement. The adoption fees:
Dogs--$100
Cats--$50
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If
due to extenuating circumstance the animal is not sterilized at the time of adoption, the scheduled fee will be collected
and a special Spay/Neuter Voucher will be given to the new owner for use at the next available low-cost clinic.
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The adoption forms,
adoption fee, and the adoption application or written evidence of an interview, and copy of the special spay/neuter voucher
when given should be forwarded to The ARK office of record.
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Application Review Procedures
The Board recommends patient and thorough review of all applicants. If possible, the review
process should include background review via other ARK members, veterinarian references as allowed by the adoption form, review
of certain ARK rosters, etc.
05-26-09
