Adoption Process — How Does it Work?

Finding the right four-legged family member is a big deal, isn’t it? If you’re living here in the Land of Living Skies, you already know that a home isn’t quite complete without a furry friend to join you on those crisp morning walks or to curl up with during a -30°C deep freeze.

If you’ve been scrolling through social media looking for a new pet to join your pack, you’ve likely come across New Hope Dog Rescue (NHDR), based here in Saskatoon. But if you’ve never adopted before, the process can feel a bit like trying to drive through a prairie blizzard—a little overwhelming and hard to see the path ahead.

To help you out, we’ve broken down the adoption process and some of the most common questions, so you can go from "just looking" to "welcome home" without any hiccups. 

 Step 1: Finding Your Match

The first step is arguably the most fun, but also the most important, the ”window shopping” phase. You want a dog that fits your lifestyle. Are you looking for a high-energy partner to go hiking at the lake, or are you more of a "let’s stay in and watch the Riders game" kind of person?

 Alumni Astro (January 2026)

NHDR has a fantastic variety of dogs. When you’re browsing our site, pay attention to the descriptions. We also host a number of adoption events each month at partner businesses throughout the community. Visit our Facebook page to see where we will be next! If you’re looking for a puppy, remember they require a bit more "elbow grease"—you’ll need to be ready for obedience classes and plenty of socialization. If you’d prefer a dog that already knows how to sit and stay, an adult dog  might be your best bet.

Step 2: The Application

Found a dog that caught your eye? Beauty! Now it’s time to fill out the online adoption application.

Once you hit submit, you’ll get an automatic confirmation. Don’t worry if you don’t hear back instantly—the team at NHDR is often busy helping dogs in the field. They’ll review your application and might give you a shout for some clarification or to let you know the status of the dog you’re interested in.

Step 3: The Meet and Greet

This is where things get real. If the dog is available and looks like a good match, the foster home will reach out to you. Since NHDR doesn’t have a fixed location, all our dogs live in foster homes. This is actually a huge plus for you! The foster parents know exactly what the dog is like to live with day-to-day.

If everyone is feeling good about the match, a home visit is set up. This isn’t a white-glove inspection of your baseboards; it’s just to make sure the dog is going to be safe and happy in your space. This is also a great opportunity to ensure all family members (pets included) get a chance to meet and interact with the potential new family member. It’s also the perfect time for you to ask all those burning questions.

Step 4: Prepping the Home

Once you’ve met your potential new best friend, you’ll have a bit of time to get your house ready. Think of it like "dog-proofing" for a toddler. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Supplies: dog crate, dog bed, dishes, collar, leash, food, treats and maybe a toy or two! The foster will provide three to five days’ worth of food to help transition to your choice of food, but the rest of the supplies are up to you and your family.

• Safety First: Move those breakable knick-knacks off the coffee table (a happy dog tail is basically a wrecking ball) and ensure any household chemicals or toxic plants are tucked away.

Clear the Calendar: It is a great thought to arrange for the dog to come to your home when you or someone in the family is able to be around for the majority of the next couple of days. This helps the dog to settle in, maybe go outside for more frequent potty breaks, and to get to know each other

 

Step 5: Bringing 'Em Home

The big day! After your references are checked and the home visit is approved, you’ll arrange to pick up your dog. You’ll sign the adoption agreement and pay the fee.

Pro-tip for the first few days: Your new dog might be a bit "skookum,” but they’ll also be stressed. Give them a routine, keep things quiet, and maybe avoid the off-leash park for the first week while they settle in.

Frequently Asked Questions (The Nitty-Gritty)

What are the adoption fees? When you pay an adoption fee, you aren't just paying for the dog; you’re paying for peace of mind. Every dog comes with a clean bill of health from a vet. They’ve already been microchipped and are fully up to date on all their age-appropriate vaccines.

If the dog is over six months old, they come fully spayed or neutered. Perhaps the best part is that they’ve been living in real homes with foster parents, learning how to behave on a rug, how to wait for a treat, and other real-world tools to help them succeed the moment they step through your front door.

• Adult Dogs: $295.00

• Puppies (under six months): $495.00 (this includes a $200 spay/neuter deposit that you get back once the surgery is completed).

• Seniors: $200.00

  
  

What if I don't live in Saskatoon?

No worries at all! NHDR does distance adoptions. They can do the home visit via Zoom or FaceTime. Just keep in mind that you’re responsible for the transport arrangements and costs associated.

Can you hold a dog for me until my vacation is over?

Sadly, no. Because NHDR relies on foster homes, they need to keep spots moving to save more dogs. For local adoptions, you generally have two days to pick up your dog once approved. If you need a few extra days, there might be a $10/day fee, but they can’t hold a dog for more than a week.

What if I need help after I adopt?

You aren't just left out in the cold! NHDR has tons of resources and can point you toward great local trainers or provide fact sheets to help you through the "growing pains." Check out our Pawsitive Learning Hub!

Why Choose New Hope Dog Rescue?

When you adopt from NHDR, you aren't just getting a pet; you're joining a community of Saskatchewan animal lovers. By choosing us, you’re supporting a home-grown rescue that puts the dog’s physical and psychological needs first. It’s about more than just a transaction; it’s about that "Happy Tail" ending we all love to see.

So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re in Saskatoon, Regina, or a small town, there’s a dog out there waiting to become your new "buddy." Head over to our website, check out the "Available Dogs" section, and start the journey. Your future self (and your future dog) will thank you!

See you at the dog park!