Applicant identity
Collect full legal name, date of birth, and government-issued ID details for background verification and to establish a reliable contact for follow-up or reclaim processes in case of emergency.
A standardized application improves review consistency, documents applicant eligibility, and creates a defensible record of the rescue’s decision process. It clarifies expectations for health care, licensing, and follow-up.
Reviewers use the completed application as the official record for approval, conditional placement, or denial decisions, and retain it per recordkeeping policies.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Required fields | Mark name, address, vet contact, and signature as mandatory |
| Authentication | Use email verification or SMS code for applicant identity confirmation |
| Attachments | Require uploaded proof of vaccination as PDF or image |
| Reviewer routing | Auto-route completed apps to intake lead for review |
Ensure the chosen system meets privacy and recordkeeping needs and can export signed records for retention and reporting.
Collect full legal name, date of birth, and government-issued ID details for background verification and to establish a reliable contact for follow-up or reclaim processes in case of emergency.
Document home type, landlord contact and lease permission when renting so the shelter can verify that the prospective owner is allowed to keep a dog at the residence and avoid future displacement.
Request clinic name, phone number, vaccination dates, and spay/neuter status to confirm the dog’s medical care continuity and to screen for potential health or behavior risk factors.
List household occupants, ages, and any known allergies or concerns to assess compatibility with the dog’s temperament and to identify potential safety or supervision issues.
Obtain personal and veterinary references with permission to contact; use standardized questions to confirm prior pet care and reliability of the applicant.
Include fee disclosure, return policy, post-adoption follow-up requirements, and a signature block confirming understanding of responsibilities and consent to shelter checks.
7–14 days for intake screening and reference checks
Typically within 7 days of clearing initial review
Clinic confirmation may take 3–7 days depending on response
Adoption fee due at time of final approval or pickup
Vaccination and microchip transfer provided at adoption completion
Applicant completes and signs the adoption form
Staff verifies completeness and contacts references
In-person or virtual inspection confirms suitability
Shelter approves placement and arranges transfer
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
A family submitted complete vet records and landlord permission
An applicant omitted landlord contact and failed to list current pets