Adopting
Applicants must be 21 years of age or older and be a head of a household. If there are other adults (spouses, etc.) in the household, all members must meet the dog and agree to the adoption.
Please only fill out ONE application. This information will be kept on file for other dogs that you may be interested in, if your first choice is no longer available.
Also, to ensure our ongoing commitment to puppies adopted through Good Karma, we typically only accept applications from individuals living within a one-hour radius of the Detroit Metro-area. For older dogs, or dogs with special needs, we welcome applicants from any area.
Please read below before you begin. If you agree, click on the button at the end of this page.
About the Application Process
Based on the number of dogs available and the number of applications to be processed, it may take up to three days to process your application. We will do our best to contact you as soon as possible.
We often get multiple applications for the same dog and we review each application and try to find the best home for each pet’s specific needs. You might have a great application and still not get the pet you want because another person proved to be a better fit for the needs of the pet. For example we sometimes find that a dog does not like other dogs or cats and a good applicant has no other dogs or cats. We wish we had the time to inform everyone about the specific needs of each pet but we don’t have the staff to support that process. We hope you understand. If you don’t get the pet you applied for, please come back to our site and check again. There are so many animals that deserve a good home.
IMPORTANT
Please consider the following questions before you adopt.
Is it the right time to adopt?
Adopting a puppy is a big commitment and one that should not be entered into lightly. Dogs in general live 12-15 years or longer. Please make sure you are ready to make the commitment for the puppy’s entire lifetime and make sure it is the right time in your life for a pet. Ask yourself some of the following questions.
Have you done your research?
Do you know what type of puppy would best suit your lifestyle? Have you read about things like about housebreaking, obedience training and possible behavioral problems? Do you understand the ongoing daily commitment to care for a puppy? Can you see yourself owning a dog for the next 12-15 years? Are you prepared to make this kind of commitment?
Can you afford a new dog?
The cost of a pet goes beyond the adoption fee. There are veterinarian bills, food, grooming, etc. Typical vet bills will run several hundred dollars a year for exams, vaccinations and flea control. If you go on vacation and can’t take your pet with you, you will need to consider the cost of boarding or pet sitting. If your new pet gets sick suddenly or needs emergency care it could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Do you anticipate any major life changes in the near future?
Are you preparing to move, get married, get a divorce, go to college, have a baby, or change jobs? If so then it probably is not a good time to adopt. Wait until your life is more settled and you have the time to devote to a new family member.
Are you prepared for some damage and inconvenience?
Can you live with a little damage to furniture and floors until your new dog becomes accustomed to your home? Will you take accidents, even flea infestations, in stride? Even housebroken pets can have accidents. Be prepared to clean up a little vomit, pee or poo. It comes with the dog-owner territory.
Do you travel a lot?
What will you do with your puppy when you travel? Boarding and pet sitting can be very expensive. And if you travel extensively how happy will your pet be alone?
Do you have children?
If your children are under the age of 6, are you prepared to handle the extra care and attention that will be required to ensure your new puppy and children do well together? Puppies have extra-sharp teeth and claws and strike back when teased. Smaller dogs may be too delicate for an excited child and large dogs can knock a child over. If you have children, you will have to spend even more time keeping an eye on them with the new puppy.
Do you have the time to devote to a new dog?
Do you work long hours? Will you have the time and patience to train a puppy? Are you prepared to give a dog the exercise and quality time it needs?
Do you already have pets?
If you already have animals, have you checked to ensure that adding another animal will not violate your city limits or be in violation of any regulations of where you live? Are you sure your current pets will tolerate a new pet in the home? Have you considered the well-being of your current pets as your first priority?
Do you rent?
Have you checked with your landlord to see if they allow pets? Does your rental or lease agreement specify that pets are allowed? Do you have to make a pet deposit? Have you anticipated what you might do if you have to move? Are you willing to pay more for a place to rent to ensure that you can take your pet with you?
Does everyone in your home want to adopt a dog?
A dog needs to be a family member and everyone needs to welcome them into your home. Be sure everyone agrees not only on getting a dog but the type of dog. Let everyone in the family meet your new potential family member before deciding to adopt.
The Bottom Line
Please be sure you are ready to adopt before making the plunge. The shelters are full of animals that were purchased or adopted by someone who didn’t think things through and, as a result, didn’t follow through on their commitment. Adopting a dog on impulse is not the way to go – make sure you can make a lifetime commitment to your new pet.
If you’re ready to make a long-term commitment and provide a forever home to one of our rescues, please fill out and submit the application below. If you’d prefer, you can instead download a pdf version and email it to char@adoptgoodkarma.com