Everything you need to know before bringing a ROOT pet home.
Looking to adopt a dog or cat? You’ve come to the right place. When you adopt from ROOT, you’re not just bringing home a pet—you’re becoming part of our community.
We’re here to celebrate the wins, help you through the adjustments, and stay connected long after your adoption day.
Before You Apply
To ensure the best experience for both our animals and adopters, please review the following before submitting an application:
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ROOT is a foster-based rescue and does not have a physical shelter location
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Visits are by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted.
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Please only apply if you are ready to adopt
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If you're open to similar pets, please indicate that in your application
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The standard adoption application can also be used for applicants interested in foster-to-adopt.
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Foster-to-adopt is available only for dogs / cats over 8 months of age, as younger puppies/kittens typically find homes more quickly.
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Foster-to-adopt families will have one week to decide if the pet is the right fit for their forever home.
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This helps us avoid unnecessary transitions and keep the pet in a stable environment.
Adoption Steps
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Submit Application
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Complete all required fields in the application. If unsure, enter "unknown" or "TBD."
Please allow up to one week for review. Submission does not guarantee adoption.
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Application Review
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Our team conducts background checks and will contact you if additional information is needed.
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Virtual Meeting
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Selected applicants will meet the pet virtually. A brief home check may be required including common areas and outdoor space.
All household members and current pets should be present.
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Meet The Pet
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If approved after the virtual meeting, an in-person meet-and-greet will be scheduled at the pet’s current foster home.
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Our fosters are located throughout New Jersey, so please be sure you are able to travel to the meet-and-greet location.
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Take Your Pet Home
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If everything goes well during the meet-and-greet and you are approved, you may adopt your ROOT pet the same day and take them home. An adoption contract will be signed at that time.
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Apply to Adopt
If you're ready to move forward, please complete an application below. Applications are reviewed by our team and do not guarantee adoption.
Applications will open a new tab
Adoption Fees
Adoption fees for adult dogs include:
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General Wellness Exam
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Spay/Neuter
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Deworming
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Heartworm/Lyme Test
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Rabies & DAPP Vaccine
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Microchip
Adoption fees for adult cats include:
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General Wellness Exam
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Spay/Neuter
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Deworming
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SNAP test (FIV/FELV)
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Rabies & FVRCP vaccine
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Microchip
The adoption fee not only covers the current veterinary care and vetting of your ROOT pet, but also supports any additional medical needs they may have had while in our care. Some pets may require sick exams, dental work, urinalysis, bloodwork, rechecks, grooming or other treatment. Your adoption fee helps both the pet you are adopting and other ROOT animals with higher medical needs. By adopting, you are giving one pet a home while also helping save another life. 💚
All fees go directly back into our rescue efforts, allowing us to continue saving animals in need. Additional donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated, as we are a fully volunteer and donation-supported rescue.
Spay/Neuter Requirement
Most pets are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. However, in some cases—due to age or medical condition—this procedure may need to be completed at a later date. Cats are typically spayed/neutered between 3–5 months of age, and dogs between 6 months and 1 year, as outlined in the adoption contract and coordinated through our partner veterinarians. In situations where an adopter chooses to use their own veterinarian, the spay/neuter must still be completed within the required timeframe. Proof of completion must be provided to us directly from the veterinary clinic.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions about the adoption process, feel free to reach out to our team. 💚