All of Hope's rescue animals live in volunteer foster homes in Des Moines and surrounding communities.  An Application MUST be completed before progressing in the steps and for a meet and greet to be set up

Click here to learn more: Are you ready for a New Dog?

Step 1: Adoption Application

-Fill out a Dog Application or a Cat Application This is not a binding contract.
-If you have a specific animal in mind or would like help identifying a suitable match, the completion of the application starts this conversation.
-All applications go through a verification process before moving on to Step 2.
-Vet Record Verification: We check to ensure that current pets are spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations.. All existing pets must be spayed/neutered prior to us moving forward with an application.
-Home Ownership/Landlord/HOA Verification: We check to ensure pets are allowed at this home and ask about any breed, weight or other restrictions from the landlord, HOA or city.
-If there are any hiccups during the verification process, a volunteer will email you about the status of your application.
-If you haven’t received an email from us within 48 hours of submission, please check your spam folder!
-Please understand that at times we receive multiple applications for the same dog/puppy.  Our volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the best fit for each for all our animals. .

Step 2: Meet and Greet

-Once your application is verified, a volunteer will be in touch as quickly as possible to discuss next steps.
-The adoption coordinator can answer any questions you have about the dog/cat and our process via email, and they will connect you with the foster volunteer to set up a meet and greet.
-We require a meet and greet with all humans and furry residents of the home to ensure we are finding the best fit for everyone.

Step 3: Home Visit (Required for Dog/Puppy Adoptions ONLY)

-A home visit is mandatory prior to any dog/puppy adoption and families with children under 10 are required an in home visit with a dog/puppy and must live within the range for a volunteer in the Des Moines/Ames area to travel to conduct the home visit.
-After a successful meet and greet, a home visit volunteer will schedule a time for a home check.
-Home visits are not meant to be intrusive.  The goal of a visit is to see where our adoptees will live and give adopters a chance to know us better.
-The most important thing for us is to know that our animals are going to safe and caring homes and that all members of the family are prepared for a lifelong commitment to their new companion.

Step 4: Happy Ending!

-After a successful meet and greet and home visit, we select the best fit for each puppy/dog/cat/kitten. If you are selected, we will schedule an adoption! If you are not selected, but pre-approved, we can continue to work with you until we find you the best fit.

-Please note that due to Littermate Syndrome, two puppies from the same litter will not be allowed to be adopted together.
-All dogs/puppies are spayed/neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested (adult dogs), and up to date on age appropriate vaccinations and monthly flea/tick/heartworm preventatives.
-All cats/kittens are spayed/neutered, microchipped, FIV/FeLV tested (adult cats), and up-to-date on age appropriate vaccinations.

Dog Adoption Fees effective June 1, 2019:

$250 Adult (ages 1-9)

$300 Puppy (under age 1)

$150 Senior (age 9+)

Cat Adoption Fees: 

$75  Adults (age 1-8)

$125 or 2 for $200 Kitten (under age 1)

$30 Seniors (age 9+)

**Credit Card Online or Cash Only

**HAR retains the right to refuse any adoption for any reason.
**You MUST be at least 21 years old to adopt from HAR.
**Please note that HAR does NOT have outdoor dogs or cats for adoption.  Our animals have been acclimated to live in homes with families, the garage does NOT count as home.  Our mission is always for the best welfare of the animal.