Adoption FAQs

Q: How long does the adoption process take?

• The adoption process usually takes only a few days. However, we are a fully volunteer-run organization so please be patient if you do not have an immediate response. Every member of our team has many other work and family obligations, but we try to be as efficient and responsive as possible. Our primary obligation is to the dogs entrusted to our care, and we appreciate your interest in rescuing one (or more) of them!

Q: Where are you located?

• We are based in Virginia Beach, VA, but we have dogs in foster homes and boarding facilities in various locations. Since we are a foster based rescue, we do not have a brick-and-mortar location. For more information on becoming a foster, please email us at adoptionsecondchance@gmail.com or text 757-630-6181. Thank you!

Q: I saw Fido on Petfinder/Facebook. Can you give me more info? Can I meet him? Is he still available?

• If the dog is posted and not marked as adoption pending, then we are still accepting applications for that dog. The information posted is as much as we know about the dog. Meet and greets are arranged once we have an application on file and have had a chance to review it. We do want to be flexible however, and, sometimes, a meet and greet is fine after a conversation.

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Q: Can you tell me the status of my application?

• Yes, please feel free to reach out at any time. We often receive a number of applications at once and it may be a challenge to keep everyone updated along the way, but we will do our best. The reality is that we are a small group of volunteers with other obligations (full time jobs, families, etc.), and with that comes cleaning up potty accidents, chauffeuring dogs to and from meet and greets and vet appointments, dispersing medications and supplies to dogs in foster homes, and a plethora of other pup related chores. Also, the adoption process can take several days to a week or more due to scheduling meet and greets, home visits, etc., and sometimes we get to the end of the process and it just doesn’t work out, so we go back to our stack of applications and start over. But with all that said, we appreciate each and every application and each one will get full consideration. If your application checks out, an adoption coordinator or the foster family will reach out to schedule a meet and greet. Again, please feel free to reach out at any time to check in. Your inquiries are always welcome! Thank you for your patience!

Q: Why is the adoption process so detailed?

• While we realize that our screening process may seem extensive, we do this on behalf of the dogs so that they can be successful in their new homes. We want to do everything we can to ensure the dog and adopters are a good fit. Having to return a dog to the rescue is traumatic for a dog and typically the adopters as well. This is why Second Chance Habitat does its due diligence during the application process.

Q: What are the adoption fees?

• Our adoption fee is $350.00, but we welcome any additional donations. The adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, microchip, heartworm test, deworming, heartworm and the core vaccines: DHPP, Bordetella, and rabies.

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​Q: What is your phone number?

• You can call or text ​Second Chance Habitat at 757-630-6181 or 757-653-6440 and email adoptionsecondchance@gmail.com. You can also message our Facebook page. 

 Q: Are all adoptions first come first serve?

• We do not adopt dogs on a first-come, first-served basis. All applications will be screened to determine the most suitable match for the dog and the adopter. We try to get to know the dog as much as possible, including their needs, level of socialization, and the type of home that will best suit them. We only take dogs who are deemed dog friendly and will make good family pets. The needs of the dogs are our highest priority. Applying for a dog you’re interested in quickly does increase the likelihood your application will be considered though.

Q: Do you do same day adoptions?

• ​Second Chance Habitat does not do same day adoptions. The point of the applicant screening procedures used by animal rescue groups is to ensure the safety of both the animal and their new families, as well as to reduce the chance that the animals will be returned because of an inappropriate match. All applicants are requested to go through the adoption or foster process outlined above.

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Q: What if I have not heard back from Second Chance Habitat after I have submitted an application?

• It does take time to process applications, so please be patient. One of our volunteers will try to respond to your application within a day or two. And please feel free to reach out at any time.

• If at any point during the application process your application is determined to be incomplete, misleading or not factual, it will be denied.

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Q: Can you hold a dog for me until I am ready to adopt him or her?

• We understand that you may be interested in adopting but you also have travel plans, or other obligations that make it difficult to adopt at a certain time. We are unable to hold dogs for adoption, as this takes up vital space in a foster home that could be used in saving the life of another dog in need. Please check back with us when you are ready to bring a new family member dog into your home or apply to get pre-approved for a future dog.

Q: Can I do a sleepover or trial with a dog?

• We do encourage a two-week foster to adopt period, so that the potential adopter can get to know the dog on a daily basis. We understand that adding a dog is a lifelong commitment and we want the match to be a good fit. The adoption contract would be finalized after the trial if the dog and family are a good fit, and the adoption fee would be due at that time. 

Q: Am I able to return a dog if he or she doesn’t work out in our home?

• Yes, we do take dogs back.  We will always take a dog back into our care if an adoption should fail. However, we do ask that you do the best you can to address the problem first, including professional training. We will provide you with support and resources to be successful, but your commitment is crucial to success.