How do I adopt a dog from West Valley Animal Rescue?
Start by filling out our adoption application. This helps us confirm that your home is a great match for the dog you're interested in. Once you submit your application, you must text us at 623-688-1691 to let us know. We don’t receive automatic alerts, so we won’t know to review your application unless you text. We adopt on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot hold dogs — so please only apply if you're truly ready to adopt. If your application shows you’re a qualified and committed adopter, it will be approved and we’ll reach out to schedule your adoption appointment — usually the same day or next day.
How can I meet one of your dogs?
You can meet our dogs in one of two ways – become approved to adopt or attend an event. All of our dogs are in foster homes, out of respect for their time, we only ask them to conduct meetings with approved adopters. We typically hold events in the fall and winter when weather allows, one or two Saturdays a month, but not all dogs go to all events. The quickest way to meet and adopt a dog is to fill out an application and text us when it’s submitted!
Can I bring my dog(s) with me to the adoption appointment?
We kindly ask that you leave your dog(s) at home during the adoption appointment. Our goal is to make sure you can fully focus on meeting the dog you’re considering adopting. All of our dogs have been socialized with a variety of other dogs of different ages and sizes, and most do well with them—unless noted otherwise. Traditional “meet and greets” with multiple dogs can be overwhelming. The travel, new environment, and exposure to unfamiliar dogs and scents can stress both dogs and adopters. Because of this, these visits may not show a dog’s true personality or how they will behave in your home. Keep in mind that building a good relationship between dogs takes time. If you’re adopting to add a companion for your current pet, patience and a gradual introduction process are key. Just like people, dogs need time to adjust and form bonds. Immediate connections are rare, so please be prepared for a thoughtful transition.
Where are you located?
We are a foster-based rescue, so our dogs don’t live in a shelter. Instead, our wonderful foster families care for them in their own homes until they find their forever families.
How long does the adoption process take?
Typically when an application is submitted and the applicant sends a text message letting us know they submitted an application- we look at it immediately. This means you might be able to come adopt a dog the same day you fill out an adoption application. We are a very small, but very responsive rescue. If you are not ready to take a dog home today, we ask that you hold off on submitting your application till you are ready as the dog might not be available still when you are ready. There’s nothing more frustrating than knowing your application was approved, but the dog you had your heart set on gets adopted before you are available to schedule an appointment and if another approved applicant wants the same dog as you, and can come sooner, the dog will be adopted to them. So pretty please, hold off on submitting an application for a dog if you’re not available to schedule an appointment that same day.
Do you come out to our house and conduct a home visit?
No, we do not conduct in-person home visits. Instead, we perform a virtual home check by reviewing your property using Google Maps and other online tools. If we need any additional information or photos, we’ll contact you directly. This process helps us ensure your home is safe and a great fit for the dog without the need for an in-person visit.
Do you adopt out of state?
Yes, we do! However, adopters must travel to our foster homes in Goodyear/Buckeye, AZ, to complete the adoption appointment and meet their new dog in person.
Is transportation available?
We completely understand that some adopters may no longer drive or may not be able to travel the distance to one of our foster homes—especially since we receive applications from all across Arizona. In special situations, and on a case-by-case basis, we’re happy to try and help by arranging transportation to your home. If you’re hoping for transportation assistance, there are just a few things to keep in mind. The adoption donation will need to be sent via Venmo before the transporter delivers your dog, and there will also be a transportation fee based on the round-trip mileage from the foster home to yours. Since this option doesn’t allow for a traditional meet-and-greet, it’s important to understand that the adoption will be considered “sight unseen.” This means that when the transporter arrives, you’ll be asked to sign the adoption contract and welcome your new dog into your home without the option to change your mind at that point. The transporter is there to help make the process as smooth as possible, but they won’t be able to assist with introductions to your current pets. We know this is a unique way to adopt, and we truly appreciate your trust and understanding as we work to find loving homes for each of our dogs.
If my application is the first submitted for a dog, do I get to adopt the dog?
Our objective is to find each of our dogs a loving, safe, committed and secure forever home that is well suited to his or her likes, disposition, habits and needs. That means if the fifth application submitted for that dog is the best fit, that applicant is who we will reach out to! We choose the adopter that is a best fit for the dog. If you submit an application for a dog and later see that dog has been adopted - please feel free to reach out to us and to see if there is another dog that might be a better fit for your home! Not getting selected for a specific dog typically doesn’t mean we won’t adopt to you, just that there was a better fit home for that specific dog.
What are your adoption donations?
Our minimum adoption donations range from $300 to $800, depending on the dog’s size, age, temperament, and breed. You’re always welcome to donate more than the minimum if you wish. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations are tax deductible. Your adoption donation helps cover the dog’s medical care, food, housing, and transportation while waiting for a forever home. It also supports other rescue dogs who may have higher medical needs or longer stays with us. Since we receive no government funding, these donations are vital to keeping our rescue running and helping as many dogs as possible.
Where do the dogs in your rescue come from?
Our primary focus is helping rural shelters by pulling as many animals as possible to prevent overcrowding. We partner closely with all local county animal shelters as well as Humane Societies. When space allows, we also occasionally take in owner surrenders, strays, and dogs listed on Facebook or Craigslist who are unaltered and in need of rescue.
How much can you tell about us about the dogs past?
It is the nature of rescue that we cannot know our dog’s pasts in exacting detail. We will disclose everything we know to you up front, including any history, documentation, medical records and information we have observed. We want to make sure you know as much as we do because we want the dog you adopt to fit your home for life.