Adoption Process – REFURBISHED PETS OF SOUTHERN MICHIGAN

adoption process

RPSM strives to find our fur kids their perfect forever homes. To do so, our application and fostering processes are very thorough. Our animals are temperament tested, vetted, and usually remain in one of our foster homes until their prison term (training) begins. While our animals are in their foster homes, the foster family has time to observe the personality traits of their dog or cat. As the animals settle into the home environment, the foster families observe how the pet reacts to other dogs, including dominant and submissive males and females; other animals such as cats and small critters; and children, and whether or not an age range is recommended for safety of the entire family. Not every pet likes children, or some may be just too big and jumpy to be safe around small children --for these reasons, we may suggest a certain age range of children for a particular dog. The foster family also observes the pet’s actions and reactions regarding prey driving, climbing ability, digging, agility, etc. These factors all contribute to whether or not a fence is mandated for a particular animal, as well as if a certain kind of fence is necessary. If approved RPSM will send you what to expect on adoption day, along with recommended Do's and Don'ts. Although RPSM cannot guarantee that every adoption will be a success, following the simple guidelines will make the transition of a new family member easier for all involved, and especially that special fur kid. If you'd like a copy of our Do's and Don'ts prior to filling out an application, please contact us. Thank you and best wishes in finding your best forever friend.

adoption process

  • application

    1. Fill out the online Adoption Application.

  • contact references

    2. RPSM will contact your references, including your veterinarian(s). Please inform them that an RPSM volunteer will be calling them.

  • homevisit

    3. RPSM will schedule a 30-60 minute home visit to meet you and your family.

  • approval

    4. After our internal review, RPSM will contact you to notify you if you are approved or denied.

  • prisonprogram

    5. If your adopted dog is still in the Prison Program, you will receive weekly reports regarding his/her progress via e-mail. In some cases you may have the opportunity to meet the dog prior to entering the Prison Program.

  • parole

    6. When your adopted dog is paroled you will get to meet your dog. If the meeting proceeds smoothly, you will be able to take your new family member home that day, after the adoption paperwork is complete.

what to expect

o·be·di·ence [ ō bee dee ənss, ə bee dee ənss ] (plural o·be·di·enc·es)

Act of obeying: the act or practice of following instructions, complying with rules or regulations, or submitting to somebody's authority.

While most of our dogs are obedience trained, this does not mean they will have never have any issues. They might require an adjustment period of 2 weeks or possibly longer. A large part of how your future relationship is going to go is based on your willingness to read and follow the Adopter “Dos and Don'ts” during the first 2 weeks. While they adjust to their new home and routine, they might have accidents in your home or exhibit anxiety-related behaviors, such as chewing. Dogs don't know if things are right or wrong unless we gently and consistently teach them. Although they are trained from prison, they will still need to be educated about their new living environment.

RPSM works diligently to create a clear profile on each animal available for adoption. As the inmate trainers learn new information about each dog, we update the profiles. We provide this information so that we can work closely with potential adopters to find the best fit for the animal and the family. We ask that you help us by carefully reading all the available information about an animal before submitting an application. We don’t want you to waste your time by filling out an application for a dog requiring a fence, for example, if you do not have a fence and cannot or will not install one. This helps eliminate disappointment for potential adopters.

Vision Statement

It is our guiding philosophy to improve our communities, making a positive impact by taking advanced measures against animals suffering to perish due to human negligence and illegal, wrongful actions.

We are passionate and ethically committed to save and restore animals to their well-being state of existence while encouraging adoption with hopes of dogs being saved will bring a healing and joyful atmosphere to families helping to promote a positive change. Our vision is not to predict the future but to help create it.

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