Adoption Policies

• AFRP adopts animals to the first good, qualified applicant and does not place animals on hold.
• New pet guardians must agree to provide their adopted companion animal with healthy food, water, living space, exercise, companionship, veterinary care and lots of love!
• All our adoptable pets are spayed or neutered before adoption. They are current on vaccinations, microchipped, de-wormed and have received flea prevention. Many of our animals have received dentals and major or minor medical care. We share information with our adopters about each pet’s medical history while in our care. Once adopted, the new pet guardian is responsible for providing any vet care the dog or cat might need in the future.
• We understand the importance of raising children with dogs and cats to foster compassion and responsibility. However, due to the fragile nature of young kittens, puppies and small breed dogs, we encourage families to wait until their children are over six years old before adopting these vulnerable animals.
• It is a requirement for the cats and kittens adopted from AFRP to be kept strictly indoors for their own safety and the safety of neighborhood birds and wildlife. With adequate play time and environmental enrichment, cats can live long, happy lives as indoor-only companions. “Catios” and cat-safe fencing are good options for cats that crave some safe outdoor time. If you are looking for an outdoor cat, barn cat or mouser, please ask about our feral/community cat program.
• AFRP primarily adopts to local residents and does not ship pets. We will adopt to families that live outside the Monterey Bay area if the adopter fulfills our adoption requirements and completes the adoption in person. If a dog home safety check cannot be done in person, photos or videos of the home, yard and fencing can be sent to AFRP for approval. Long distance adopters are responsible for all travel expenses.
• AFRP gives a lifetime promise to each animal adopted from our program. While we strive to place each animal in a home where they will be cared for throughout their lives, we understand that unforeseen situations can happen. As a foster based rescue, we will give any animal adopted from AFRP special consideration should they need to be returned. The return of the animal will be based on space, foster availability and a medical and behavioral assessment. Advance notice for a pet return request is required as we are a foster based rescue and do not have a boarding facility.