Thank you for your interest in adopting a Secondhand Mutt! Because we are a 100% volunteer- run organization, our process for finalizing the adoption could take up to a week before you can take a dog home. We know our dogs inside and out and require potential adopters to complete the Adoption Application in advance of visiting our dogs.

You can download the application online or request a copy via email by contacting us at rescue@secondhandmutts.org. Once the application is completed and mailed, faxed to 216-373-4902 or dropped off at our facility in person, we will review it and determine if the dog you are interested in will be a match for your household. We are thrilled to schedule a meeting and interview you to discuss your references and passions to provide a loving home for your new pet once we have received the adoption application.

Our visiting hours are posted on our website. After meeting the dog(s) you can then let us know if you want to proceed with the application process to adopt the dog. We do not hold dogs or give first come first serve privileges. We will contact you regardless of your application being approved or not approved. Our goal is to find the best possible match for our dogs, and the decision process is not always easy for our adoption committee. The process will continue as follows:

1. Our volunteers will check your veterinary and personal references and follow up with you if there are any unanswered questions or concerns. This can take up to 72 hours, but can move quickly if you notify your personal references that we will be calling. Please be patient and refrain from calling us during the 72 hours.
2. After references are checked, we will contact you to let you know the status of your application.
3. If your application is approved, we will set up an adoption time that allows you to spend as much time as possible with your new dog after taking him or her home. Typically adoptions are finalized on Fridays or Saturdays, but exceptions are made.
4. When you pick up your dog, you will be asked to sign a contract and pay the adoption fee in cash or check payable to Secondhand Mutts. We will provide you with your dog’s medical records along with other informative printed materials.