The Matching Process

The Matching Process

Adopting a dog or cat is a huge commitment and we want to ensure all of our animals find homes where they will be cherished family members. To that end our application and adoption procedure is geared toward matching the right pet with the right family. Whether you are looking for a couch potato or someone to go jogging with, each animal, like people, has its own personality and likes and dislikes. That is why we ask many questions throughout the process to help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle. As our name states, we are looking for a lifelong home for our pets.

What to Expect

Our adoption process can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week or more to complete. It involves contacting your veterinarian to ensure your current pets are up to date on their vaccinations, are spayed/neutered (unless there is a medical reason why they cannot be) and if any dogs are on heartworm preventative. If you are adopting a dog from us we will visit your home to conduct a fence check. We usually prefer a 6ft. wooden privacy fence, but it can depend on the dog you are interested in adopting. Adoptions are only considered for State of Texas residents.

Important Note for Dog/Puppy Adoptions

  • We do NOT allow invisible/electric fences.
  • We prefer a fenced yard.
  • In state adoptions only.
  • The dog/puppy is NOT allowed to be tied or chained out for any reason.
  • The dog/puppy is NOT allowed to run loose for any reason.

VET HISTORY CHECKS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO OUR SCREENING PROCESS!

ALL household pets must be spayed & neutered. ALL household dogs MUST have a history of being kept on heartworm prevention throughout the time the applicant has owned the pet or pets (NO EXCEPTIONS!). We take heartworm prevention very seriously due to the high risk of mosquitoes in our area. We have treated hundreds of dogs for heartworms. The treatment is very tough on dogs and are sometimes at risk to have heart 💔 damage. The treatment is also very costly!

Step 1: Complete the Matching Application Form. Filling out the Information Form is not a commitment to adopt; it is simply the first step in the process.

Step 2: Be interviewed by an Adoption Counselor. Our adoption counselors are well trained and are required to ask for detailed information about the potential living arrangements and lifestyle for our animals. This helps both us and you narrow down your options to a dog or cat that will match your current situation, thereby increasing the chances of a successful lifetime commitment for both of you.

Step 3: Meet the animals.

Step 4: The Review Committee will process your form. Lifelong Friends is not able to accept every application for adoption and reserves the right to reject an application. Applications are PROCESSED on a first come first serve basis but are APPROVED based on which application is the best match for the animal. We have set guidelines for application acceptance and realize that your opinion may differ from ours. Thank you for your understanding.

Step 5: If your Adoption Application is approved, you will fill out an Adoption Contract and other important documents, such as the in-house Microchip Registration Form. The Contract is a legally-binding document that spells out your responsibilities as the owner of the pet you are adopting. In addition, the Contract provides you with a record of the medical care that the shelter provided for the animal.

Adoption Fees

  • Adoption fees are based on the animal. Please call for current adoption fees and discounts.
  • Dogs and cats that are spayed/neutered and over 6 months old.
  • Kittens and puppies that are NOT yet spayed/neutered — (In addition to the adoption fee, a deposit of $50-100 will be required. This deposit is refundable upon showing proof that the animal has been spayed/neutered.)