Adoption FAQs.

Most adoptions are finalized within 5–14 days from your initial application. Timing depends on the animal, your availability for meet-and-greets, and how quickly references can be verified. We don't rush — getting the match right matters more than getting it fast.

Four steps: (1) Submit an application, (2) Meet the animal in their foster home, (3) Sign the adoption contract and pay the fee, (4) Welcome them home. See the full adoption process for details on each step.

We require an application before scheduling a meet-and-greet. This protects the foster family's time and ensures only serious adopters meet each animal. Applications are free and don't obligate you to adopt.

The most common reasons: (1) Landlord wouldn't verify that pets are allowed, (2) References didn't respond or had concerns, (3) The specific animal needs a different setup than your home can offer, (4) Mismatch between your experience level and the animal's needs. We're happy to discuss alternative animals that might be a better fit.

Adoption fees vary by animal and are listed on each pet's profile. Fees help cover the vet care, vaccines, and transport we've already invested in each animal.

Every adoption includes: spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, flea/tick prevention, microchip with lifetime registration, and a vet exam. Most animals also come with a small bag of food, a collar, and any toys or comfort items they've grown attached to.

Each animal costs us hundreds to thousands of dollars in vet care, transport, food, and medical treatment before they're ready for adoption. The fee recovers a small portion — your donation makes up the rest, which is why we encourage adopters to also become donors or fosters.

No, but some specific animals may need one — usually noted in their profile. Many of our dogs do great in homes without fences as long as you're committed to leash walks. Cats live exclusively indoors at Rescue Network.

Yes. We'll verify with your landlord that pets are allowed, including any breed or weight restrictions. Have your landlord's contact info ready when you apply.

Yes, with careful matching. Each animal's profile notes their experience with kids — some thrive with them, some prefer adult-only homes. Be honest about your kids' ages and behavior on the application so we can find the right match.

We adopt within our 6-state service area: Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Outside this region we generally cannot accommodate the meet-and-greet and home-check requirements.

Yes — most of our adopters have other animals. Existing pets should be spayed/neutered, current on vaccines, and emotionally ready for a new family member. For dogs, we typically require a meet-and-greet with your current dog before finalizing.

We're committed to your animal for life. If it ever doesn't work out — whether after a week or after years — we want the animal back. Our adoption contract requires you to return the animal to us rather than rehome them elsewhere.

Yes — our Foster to Adopt program gives you 5 days at home with the animal before committing. If it's not the right fit, no harm done — you've helped them by being a temporary foster while they wait for their forever home.

Lifetime. Our team and your animal's former foster are available for behavior questions, vet recommendations, or just check-ins. We also send adoption-anniversary reminders and welcome alumni photos for our success stories.

Because foster homes are better. Animals in shelters often shut down or develop stress behaviors that don't reflect their real personality. In a foster home, we see exactly how an animal behaves around kids, other pets, strangers, and home routines — which means better matches and fewer returns.

In foster homes across Minnesota and our other service states. Each animal's profile lists their general region. Meet-and-greets happen at the foster's home or a mutually agreed neutral location.