Before You Get Started
Be at least 18 years of age
Be able to show proof of a valid photo ID. We accept forms of drivers license, passport, state ID, or matricula consular
Check your lease or HOA for breed and weight restrictions
We strongly recommend that any resident pets be up to date on annual vaccines and wellness care before welcoming a new friend. Reach out to your veterinarian for guidance on what vaccines your pet should receive
Be prepared to bring all residents living in the home to meet your new potential pet (including any resident dogs)
Adoption Process
ADOPTING A PET
STEP 1: Submit an application for an adoptable dog, cat, or bunny on our website. Applications remain on file for one year and can apply to any pet, so please do not resubmit additional applications. Please note that we have separate applications depending on the species of pet.
STEP 2: An Adoption Coordinator will respond to your application within 48-72 hours and let you know next steps. If you *do not* receive an email response within 72 hours, check your spam folder! If you still don’t see a response, email us at [email protected] so we can ensure your application went through our system.
STEP 3: If the pet you originally applied for was not a great fit, keep an eye out on the website for future matches! Your application will stay on file for one year and can apply to any pet (just email us when a new dog becomes of interest!) Please do not submit multiple applications.
Si necesita hablar con alguien en español por favor envíe un correo electrónico [email protected].
Questions?
Dog inquiries –> [email protected]
Cat inquiries –> [email protected]
Bunny and Guinea Pig inquiries –> [email protected]
ADOPTION PROCESS
ADOPTION CENTER: Our Adoption Center is open every Wednesday – Sunday in Bucktown. Our Adoption Center has adoptable dogs. Adoptable cats and bunnies live in foster homes. We work on a first come basis. We are limiting the amount of visitors on site, so you may be asked to be added to the waitlist when you arrive. Visitors must maintain distance from staff and wear a mask covering their nose and mouth during the duration of their visit. We require all family members of the household (including any resident dogs with current vaccination records) to be present at the introduction. We recommend being prepared to adopt same-day as the dogs at our Adoption Center are available for direct adoption and we do not “hold” them for specific applicants.
You can view which dogs are currently at our Adoption Center by selecting “adoption center” in the attributes tab on our Available Pets page.
ADOPTION APPOINTMENTS: For dogs, cats, and bunnies living in foster care our Adoption Team will set up adoption appointments with potential adopters after an application is submitted. We do not have cats, bunnies, or guinea pigs living at our Adoption Center (only dogs!)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Adoption fees include: Spay/neuter*, microchip, initial vaccines and a wellness exam.
* Due to limited appointment availability, some pets may be adopted out on a spay/neuter contract with a refundable $50 spay/neuter deposit which is reimbursed after the surgery is complete.
Walk-ins always welcome at the Adoption Center (dogs) and Tortie & Co (cats)! If you come to visit and fall in love, no worries – you can apply on the spot. Our team will make every effort to process your app while you wait so you can take your new buddy home same-day.
Already completed your application? Awesome! No need to wait for a reply, you’re very welcome to visit our Adoption Center (2144 N Wood) and Tortie & Co. (1468 N Ashland) during open hours to view adoptable pets and take home your new buddy.
Dog Adoption Fees
Puppies under 6 months: $350
Adult Dogs: $300
Dogs 7 years and older: $150
*Senior humans that adopt senior dogs receive a special rate of $100.
One Tail requires adopters of puppies 6 months and under show proof of enrollment in a positive reinforcement training class within two weeks of adoption at the adopter’s expense.
Cat Adoption Fees
Kittens: $150 ($250 for a bonded pair)
Adult Cats: $100
Adopters should be ready to take home their new dog or cat within 1-2 days of being matched. We do not ‘hold’ animals for any period of time. Please note cats and bunnies live in foster homes and are not eligible to meet at our Adoption Center.
If you have reviewed our how-to-adopt information above and would like to submit an application, please visit the link below!
View adoptable pet profiles here!
Adopter Support Programs:
Dutch’s Fund
DUTCH’S FUND was created as a way for One Tail to care for dogs suffering from medical problems, or needing on-going treatment to remain healthy and happy. Fund’s from Dutch’s Fund also help dogs that have already been adopted. The DUTCH’S FUND GRANT allows One Tail adopters to apply for up to $500 in assistance in paying for unexpectedly large veterinary bills. Email [email protected] for more information and to receive a grant application.
Stella’s Fund
STELLA’S FUND was created to assist adopters in need of financial assistance to pay for training. If a dog presents with a troubling behavior after the adoption and you need help getting training, please contact us. We will guide you to a trainer suited to your needs, and help you with training costs. Email [email protected] for more information and to receive a grant application.
