Hanover Humane Society

The Adoption Process:

To begin the review process, please complete our adoption application on our website. To be considered a valid submission, the name of the animal which interests you must be included on the application. Please note that generic “any dog” or “any cat” applications will not be reviewed by our Adoptions Committee volunteers.
In addition, all other data elements appearing on the adoption application must also be completed. The applicant must agree to the terms and conditions of Hanover Humane’s adoption process, and the application must be signed and dated. Applications which are not signed and/or are missing information may constitute an invalid submission. Applicants must be 18 years of age, and the applicant may be required to provide proof of identification, such as a driver’s license.
Frequently, we receive multiple applications for the same animal. Please note that we will review all applications to determine which home will best fit the animal’s needs. Since each animal is unique and has its own personality, needs, likes, dislikes, etc., our goal is to find the home best-suited for that particular animal. During the review process, our volunteers will work to find the best fit between the animal and a prospective home.
Once submitted, adoption applications become the documentation of Hanover Humane. Applicants will receive an application acknowledgment which outlines the time-frame for handling adoption applications. All applications are reviewed by our Adoptions Committee. Our Adoptions Committee is comprised of volunteers, many of whom work. While we know you’re eager about this adoption, please be aware that many of all our volunteers have full-time jobs, families, and other commitments. Because of these obligations, they’ll do their best to review your adoption application within seven days.
Should you be selected as the new home for one of our animals, our volunteers will contact you within the seven day period. Please understand that our volunteers aren’t always available to respond to emails or phone calls. Should you not hear from our volunteers regarding an adoption placement within 7 days, you may assume that we’ve found an alternate placement for the animal.
Please be aware that the review of an adoption application involves contacting past or current veterinarian(s), leasing agents, and personal references, as applicable and may also involve a home visit. Our goal is to place the animals from our program in a home which is appropriate based on the animal’s needs, temperament, where it will reside, etc. as well as the applicant’s history, experience, family, lifestyle, yard, housing situation, employment, other animals, etc. which affect the long-term health and safety of the animal under consideration. In addition, there may be other considerations which are animal-specific that will impact the animal’s placement such as the animal’s energy level and need for fencing, whether the animal has been socialized with small children and/or other animals, etc.