Please Think Before You Leap

There are various situations to consider before adopting a life-long friend. It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it's a gorgeous Labrador mix whose tail seems to be wagging just for you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket.​

Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, and commitment-over 15 years worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

So You Want To
Adopt Your New Best Friend?

If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder, they are adorable!

Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional love, loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work.

Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, and commitment—more than 15 years' worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.


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Before Adopting a Pet

WHAT TO CONSIDER

Adoption FAQs

What Animals Are Available for Adoption? +
Mercy Full Project rescues dogs and cats of all ages, breeds, and sizes. All animals receive medical care, age-appropriate vaccinations, and are spayed or neutered when applicable prior to adoption.
Who Can Adopt? +
Anyone who can provide a safe, stable, and loving home may apply to adopt. Our team focuses on finding the best possible match for each animal’s needs and personality.
How Does the Adoption Process Work? +
The process begins with submitting an adoption application. Approved applicants are contacted for a meet & greet. If selected, the adoption proceeds through a foster-to-adopt trial before final approval.
What Is Foster-to-Adopt? +
Foster-to-adopt allows the animal to temporarily live in your home to ensure it’s the right fit. If it works out, the adoption is finalized. If not, the animal returns to Mercy Full Project.
How Long Does the Adoption Process Take? +
Timelines vary based on application volume, animal availability, and scheduling. Some adoptions move quickly, while others take more time to ensure the best match.
What Are the Adoption Fees? +
Adoption fees are tax-deductible donations that help cover veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchipping, and rescue expenses. Fees vary by animal.
What Is Included With Adoption? +
All adopted animals are vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered when age-appropriate, and provided with medical records at the time of adoption.
Can I Adopt if I Already Have Pets or Children? +
Yes. We consider existing pets and children during the application process to ensure a safe and successful transition for everyone.
How Do I Get Started? +
Start by browsing available animals and submitting an adoption application. Our team will review your application and reach out with next steps if you’re a good match.
APPLY TO ADOPT A DOGAPPLY TO ADOPT A CAT
Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.

Many of the shelter's homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old-animals who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the animal.

Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love-for the life of the pet.

If you're ready to adopt a companion for life, please click the links above at the top of the page to see a sample of our many wonderful dogs and cats available for adoption at Mercy Full Project.

If someone tugs at your heart and you would like to meet him or her, please fill out an Adoption Application.

Get an animal for life