Frequently Asked Questions about Adopting a Pet from Coastal Pet Rescue

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Why do I need a veterinary reference?

We will call to check all vet references. If your current pets are not current on their shots by more than two months, or are not spayed/neutered, we will deny the application. It is important for your pet’s lifetime health that they receive their annual shots. Additionally, it is a Georgia state law that all pets, dogs and cats, receive an annual rabies vaccination. It is also essential that pets are kept current on their monthly heartworm preventative. Heartworms are not only deadly to your pet, but the treatments to eliminate them far exceed the cost to prevent.

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Do you allow for out-of-area adoptions?

We do allow for adoptions to homes outside of the Savannah area, however, it may take longer for the adoption to take place due to the time involved in locating a rescuer in your area to conduct the pre-adoption home visit on our behalf. Additionally, we will not ship pets. You will need to make arrangements to meet with one of our Adoption Ambassadors in Savannah to complete the adoption.

Out-of-area adoptions require a non-refundable 50% deposit for adoption.

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We want a pet, but not indoors.

If you are intending to keep the pet as a yard pet, we will typically deny the application. Our pets are raised as indoor animals, and our foster homes spend a tremendous amount of time socializing them as such. In some cases, we receive pets that are conditioned for indoor/outdoor or outdoor living only. The information will be located in the pet’s profile.

Please take a moment and read our article, Dogs (and cats) Should be a Part of your Family, Not Landscape Decor or Security to gain a better understanding of our policy.

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What if my pet gets sick after the adoption?

You are responsible for all medical care after the adoption agreement is signed, unless other arrangements have been made. Each adopter has the option to purchase a pet insurance policy from a third party which covers various illnesses due to parasites, worms or even eating objects they shouldn’t. You will receive copies of all veterinary records with your adoption contract so that your vet will know your pet’s medical history.

If there are any health concerns with the pet you are adopting, the pet will remain in our care until our vet has given a clean bill of health. This may include kennel cough, skin issues, and parasites. Additionally, no pet will be released for adoption until after the spay and neuter has been completed. This is in accordance with Georgia state laws regarding sterilization of pets from animal shelters and rescues.

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Why is my pet microchipped?

All pets that are rescued through Coastal Pet Rescue are microchipped prior to adoption. This is provides information for your pet to be returned to you if he gets lost and ends up at animal control, a veterinary office or another rescue. Keeping your contact information for your pet up to date is the adopter’s responsibility. Depending upon the manufacturer, there may be a yearly or lifetime registration fee involved, which is not included in adoption fees.

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What is a home visit and why is it required?

A home visit is an in-home pre-adoption interview. You will be visited by a Coastal Pet Rescue volunteer and usually the pet you are wanting to adopt. This is to verify the information provided on the adoption application as well as explain our adoption policies. This also allows you to see how the pet may behave in the new environment and interact with any potential four-legged siblings.

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Why is the adoption fee so high?

Coastal Pet Rescue’s adoption fees are as follows: Kittens: $60, Cats (1 year plus): $50, Puppies: $250, Adult Canines (1 to 6 years): $200, Seniors (7 years plus): $100 (unless otherwise specified).

The adoption fee only covers a portion of our investment into the care of your adopted pet. Your pet has been part of a foster home or shelter environment where they have received love, socialization and training. In addition, pets are current on all vaccinations as needed for their age unless otherwise noted, microchipped, and spayed/neutered prior to adoption, which averages $350 per pet, but does not include any other additional care that may have been needed, such as dental work, skin infection, upper respiratory infection, etc. Taking all the costs of feeding and other supplies as well, our adoption fee is really very minimal.

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Will the pet be spayed or neutered?

Per Georgia state law and Coastal Pet Rescue’s mission, all pets are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. There are no exceptions. Pediatrics will be altered after reaching eight weeks of age.

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What if my current pets are not spayed or neutered?

If the current pets in your home are not currently spayed or neutered, we will not move forward with your application. Many territorial and behavior issues are related to unsterilization, and it can cause issues when a new pet is brought into the home. If you are interested in having your pet spayed/neutered so that you may adopt one of our pets, we will happily reconsider your application once proof of spay is provided.

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How long before I may adopt my pet?

All our Adoption Ambassadors are volunteers. As such, applications are typically reviewed after 6 pm, and adoptions will not usually take place the same day as an application is received. Additionally, pets must be spayed or neutered and current on shots prior to adoption. This may seem like a long time for you, however, we want to ensure our pets are going to the best home for them and that you are getting a healthy pet. Please be patient.

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Why do I have to fill out an adoption application?

Coastal Pet Rescue puts much more than just money into our pets. Our shelter volunteers and foster parents treat them as family. We want to ensure that the pet you want to adopt is the right fit for your family as well. We use the applications, vet reference check and in-home interview to ensure this.

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Where may I see the pets available for adoption?

Coastal Pet Rescue is a foster home and sheltering organization. Adoptions are by appointment only as all Adoption Ambassadors are volunteers. Meet and greets are scheduled after adoption applications have been received and approved.

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Is this pet still available for adoption?

Our adoptable pets page is updated daily. Until a pet has received an adoption deposit, they remain listed online. If you are interested in a pet with litter mates, please include a second choice as we review applications in the order they are received, and your choice may already have an application pending review. Even if an adoption is pending, we will still accept applications in the event that the first one falls through.

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