Adoption FAQs
Our adoption process may feel different — and that’s intentional.
At MARS, adoption begins with rescue and medical care. We prioritize long-term health and stability for pets and people, which means we often complete comprehensive care before adoption and absorb significant costs to support successful outcomes.
About Our Adoption Process
How does the adoption process work?
Our adoption process is designed to be thoughtful, supportive, and focused on finding the best match for both pets and people. It begins with an online application, followed by a review from our adoption team and, when appropriate, a meet-and-greet. From there, we work with you to finalize adoption details and make sure you feel prepared to welcome your new family member home. Our team considers each pet’s individual needs and personality throughout the process to help set everyone up for long-term success.
Do I need to submit an application before meeting a pet?
In most cases, yes — we ask that interested adopters submit an application before meeting a pet. This helps our placement team better understand your home and guide you toward pets who may be a good fit. If you’ve already submitted an application with MARS in the past, there’s no need to apply again — simply email us at Placement@midwestanimalrescue.org and we’d be happy to connect with you. Some adoption events may offer opportunities to meet pets first, but an application is still required to move forward with adoption.
How long does the adoption process typically take?
The timeline can vary depending on the pet, the volume of applications, and scheduling availability. Some adoptions move quickly, while others take a bit more time to ensure the best possible match. Our team is always working to move the process along thoughtfully while keeping each pet’s needs front and center.
Who makes adoption and placement decisions?
Adoption and placement decisions are made by our Placement Team, in collaboration with foster caregivers who know the pets best. We consider each pet’s needs, personality, and history, along with information from applications and conversations with potential adopters. Our goal is always to make thoughtful, well-informed matches that set both pets and people up for long-term success.
Can I apply for more than one pet?
Yes — you’re welcome to express interest in more than one pet on your application. While applicants typically meet with one pet at a time, we may arrange meetings with multiple pets when they’re in the same foster home, such as a litter or pets already living together. Our Placement Team will work with you to determine the most thoughtful and realistic next steps, always keeping the needs of the pets, fosters, and adopters in mind.
We approach every adoption thoughtfully, with care for the pets, foster families, and adopters involved.
Foster-Based Model & Meet-and-Greets
Do you have a shelter I can visit?
MARS is a foster-based rescue, which means our animals live in foster homes rather than a traditional shelter. This helps pets transition more successfully from one home to another and allows us to better understand their needs and personalities in a real-life setting. Meet-and-greets are arranged by our Placement Team once an application is submitted, and many pets can also be met at scheduled adoption events.
Where do MARS pets live while waiting for adoption?
MARS pets live in foster homes while they wait for adoption. Being in a home environment allows them to receive individualized care and helps us learn more about their personalities, routines, and needs. This information helps our Placement Team make thoughtful matches and support successful, lasting adoptions.
How are meet-and-greets scheduled?
Meet-and-greets are coordinated by our Placement Team after an application has been reviewed and a potential match has been identified. These meetings are typically scheduled with the pet’s foster caregiver or at an adoption event, depending on the pet and availability. We work to arrange meet-and-greets in a way that’s thoughtful and respectful of everyone’s time.
Can I meet multiple pets before deciding?
In most cases, meet-and-greets are scheduled with one pet at a time to be respectful of foster caregivers’ time and each pet’s needs. When multiple pets are in the same foster home—such as a litter or pets already living together—we may be able to arrange a meet-and-greet with more than one. Our Placement Team will work with you to determine the most realistic and thoughtful approach.
Meet-and-greets are coordinated with care for everyone involved.
Medical Care & Adoption Fees
What’s included in the adoption fee?
Adoption fees help cover the care pets receive while in foster, including core medical care such as vaccinations, microchipping and registration, spay or neuter surgery, and preventive treatments provided while in foster care. Fees also support reasonable testing and treatment for medical needs identified prior to adoption, along with the overall cost of caring for animals in our rescue. Ongoing veterinary care after adoption is the responsibility of the adopter.
Why do MARS adoption fees vary?
Adoption fees may vary based on factors such as a pet’s age, species, medical needs, and the level of care they received while in rescue. Some pets require more extensive medical treatment or longer stays in foster care than others. Varying fees help us continue providing appropriate care to all animals while keeping adoption accessible.
Do you complete vaccines before adoption?
MARS provides core vaccinations while pets are in foster care, based on their age, medical needs, and veterinary guidance. Some pets—especially puppies and kittens—may be adopted before their vaccine series is fully complete. Any remaining vaccines must be completed through the MARS clinic for us to cover the cost, unless other arrangements are pre-approved by MARS leadership.
Why does MARS sometimes complete more medical care before adoption?
The amount of medical care completed before adoption can vary based on a pet’s age, health, and overall needs. In some cases, addressing certain medical issues while a pet is in foster helps set them up for a smoother transition into their new home. Our veterinary and placement teams make these decisions thoughtfully, always with the pet’s well-being and long-term success in mind.
How are adoption fees used to support rescue work?
Adoption fees help offset the cost of medical care, foster support, and daily needs for pets in our rescue. They also allow us to respond to new animals in need, including those requiring extra care or longer stays in foster homes. These fees play an important role in sustaining our rescue efforts and supporting the animals who rely on us.
Adoption fees help make rescue work possible while allowing us to continue caring for animals with a wide range of needs.
Foster-to-Adopt
What is foster-to-adopt?
Foster-to-adopt is a short-term foster arrangement for approved adopters who intend to adopt the pet. It allows the pet to transition into the home while giving both the adopter and placement team time to ensure the match is a good fit. During this period, the pet remains under MARS care until the adoption is finalized.
Are all pets eligible for foster-to-adopt?
Not all pets are eligible for foster-to-adopt. Eligibility depends on a variety of factors, including a pet’s current situation, medical or behavioral needs, and placement considerations. Our Placement Team will let you know if foster-to-adopt is an appropriate option for a specific pet.
How long is a foster-to-adopt period?
Foster-to-adopt periods are typically 3–7 days, depending on the individual pet and situation. Factors such as the pet’s age, medical or behavioral considerations, and the number of other interested applicants may influence timing. Our Placement Team will talk through expectations with you so everyone feels clear and supported.
Is adoption guaranteed through foster-to-adopt?
No — adoption is not guaranteed through foster-to-adopt. The foster-to-adopt period is intended to ensure the match is a good fit for both the pet and the adopter before finalizing the adoption. If it doesn’t feel like the right fit, our Placement Team will help determine next steps with care for everyone involved.
What happens if it’s not the right fit?
If it turns out the match isn’t the right fit, our Placement Team will work with you to determine next steps. This may include coordinating a transition to another foster home, though timing can vary and moves are not always immediate. We’ll stay in communication and provide guidance to ensure the process is handled thoughtfully and with the pet’s well-being in mind.
Our goal is to support positive transitions and lasting matches for both pets and adopters.
Eligibility, Location & Logistics
Do you adopt outside of Minnesota?
Yes, MARS may place pets outside of Minnesota on a case-by-case basis. Adopters must be able to travel to our adoption center to complete the adoption and bring the pet home, and all members of the household—including existing pets—must meet the pet prior to adoption. In most cases, unsterilized pets are not available for long-distance or out-of-state adoptions. This guideline helps ensure appropriate follow-up care, and our Placement Team is happy to help identify pets who are medically complete and ready for out-of-state placement.
Do you transport pets to adopters?
No — MARS does not transport pets to adopters. Adopters are responsible for traveling to our adoption center to meet the pet and bring them home. This helps ensure meet-and-greets happen thoughtfully and that pets transition safely into their new homes.
Can I adopt the same day I apply?
In most cases, no — applications need time to be reviewed by our Placement Team before adoption can move forward. At some adoption events, it may be possible to meet pets before applying, but applications are still reviewed before any adoption is finalized. We appreciate your patience as we work thoughtfully through each application to ensure the best possible match.
Are puppies always available?
Not always — but most of the time, MARS does have puppies available for adoption. Availability can vary based on intake, foster capacity, and the needs of animals currently in our care. We encourage adopters to check our website regularly and keep an open mind, as dogs of all ages can make wonderful companions.
Can I place an adoption hold on a pet?
No — MARS does not place adoption holds on pets. Pets remain available to other approved adopters until an adoption is finalized. This approach helps ensure pets move into permanent homes as efficiently and fairly as possible.
Can I adopt a pet and take them home later?
In some cases, yes — but we typically do not recommend finalizing an adoption until you’re ready to take the pet home. When a pet remains in a foster home after adoption, it limits that foster’s ability to help another animal in need. If a foster caregiver is willing to keep the pet for a short period after adoption, this is handled as a personal arrangement between the adopter and foster, and MARS is no longer legally responsible once the adoption contract is signed. The adoption refund policy is not delayed and begins on the date the adoption is finalized, regardless of when the pet goes home.
These guidelines help set clear expectations while allowing us to consider each adoption on a case-by-case basis.
After Adoption Support
What support does MARS offer after adoption?
MARS remains a resource for adopters after adoption is finalized. Our team can help answer questions, provide guidance, and connect adopters with available resources as their pet settles into their new home. Adopters may also access services through the MARS clinic and training programs, as available. While ongoing care becomes the adopter’s responsibility, we’re always happy to help point you in the right direction when questions come up.
What if my pet needs medical care after adoption?
After adoption, ongoing veterinary care becomes the responsibility of the adopter. Adopters may schedule care through the MARS clinic or work with their own veterinarian. If questions come up about your pet’s medical history or follow-up care, our team is happy to help provide clarification or share available resources.
Do you recommend pet insurance?
Yes — we strongly encourage adopters to consider pet insurance. Insurance can help offset the cost of unexpected illnesses or injuries and provide peace of mind as your pet ages. Plans and coverage vary, so we recommend researching options and choosing one that best fits your needs and your pet’s health.
What if my circumstances change after adopting?
If your circumstances change, adopters are responsible for continuing to meet the terms of their adoption contract. If you are considering rehoming your pet, MARS requires that the pet be returned to our care rather than rehomed independently. While adopters do not need to involve MARS in every decision, we support both pets and people and welcome open dialogue when questions or challenges arise.
We’re here to support both pets and people, and we welcome conversation as families grow and circumstances change.
Still Have Questions?
Every adoption journey is a little different, and we’re happy to help you navigate yours.