1. Application Submission

• The first step in the adoption process is to complete our Adoption Application.
• You may submit it via email or in person.
• Be sure to include 1-2 animals you’re interested in adopting.
• We can provide an application at our facility if needed.
• All adoptions are done by appointment.

2. Proof of Address & Residency

• Proof of address is required (valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID).
• We do not adopt outside of Illinois.

3. Family & Children Guidelines

•  If you have a child under the age of 10, the animal must be older than 1 year of age.
• We do not recommend the adoption of toy breed (dogs under 35 pounds).
• All household members, including children, must visit the shelter to meet the pet.
• Larger-breed dogs may be restricted at staff discretion for homes with children of any age.

4. Apartment or Condo Residents

• Please bring a copy of your lease or condo policies to show pet allowance, weight limits, and breed restrictions.

5. Home Checks

• At the discretion of the Animal Welfare League, certain animals will require a “house check” prior to adoption.
• A “house check” simply means that one of our qualified staff members visits your home and checks for yard space, fencing, etc.
• Certain municipalities have agreed to work with AWL and will require house checks on any adoption processed in their city.

6. Pet Introductions

• We also require that once you have chosen a pet here at our facility, if you currently have a dog, that your bring in your current pet to conduct a “pet introduction”.
• Nothing is worse than bringing home a new dog that just will simply not get along with your dog and you need to bring him or her back to the shelter. We feel that that is just not fair for the dog or for your family.

7. Adoption Approval

• Adoptions are approved on an individual basis in accordance with the animal’s history, disposition, and medical needs, etc..
• Animal Welfare League reserves the right to refuse or deny an adoption.

8. Veterinary Care & Microchipping

• All adopted animals will be spayed or neutered before leaving.
• Micro-chipping is mandatory.
• The Animal Welfare League makes every effort to ensure that the pet you adopt is healthy and well adjusted; however, there are NO guarantees.
• We cannot guarantee the temperament, health, or behavior of a pet.
• Our clinic will provide medical treatment for kennel-related illnesses up to 10 days after the adoption.
• We will NOT assume liability for costs if you elect to take your pet to an outside veterinarian.

9. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

• You have 30 days from the date of the adoption for a refund of your adoption fee, as long as the pet is returned in the same physical and medical condition.
• Your adoption fee will be refunded 14-21 days after return of the pet.

Thank You!

• We thank you for choosing Animal Welfare League.