Adoption FAQ

Where do I apply for a YVPR adoptable pet?
To apply to adopt a pet through YVPR, please visit our Adoptions page.

Do you know the pet’s breed?
All information about the pet’s breed is within the Petfinder biography. Many of our pets are from litters of puppies or kittens with an unknown father or are found as strays. In situations where we do not know the breed, we make our best guess of the breed in order to list the pet on Petfinder.

Do you know the pet’s history?
Some of our pets come to us from owners who must give up their pets for various reasons. In these cases, we do know the history of the pet. Most of our pets have an unknown background, and we make our best guess as to the pet’s age and other information. We strive to be as accurate as possible in our assessments of the pets.

What does “pending” mean?
A pet will be listed as pending when an application has been approved and an adoption date set. The pet will not be removed from Petfinder until the pet has gone to its new home.

How long does the application process take?
Usually you will receive a response from us within a day or two, but at times it may be longer. Our rescue is run by volunteers who respond to applications as quickly as possible. Response time also depends on the volume of applications being received.

If I apply, am I guaranteed to adopt the pet?
No. Many of our pets receive multiple applications, especially puppy and kitten applications which can become very competitive. In these cases, we review all of the applications and choose those we feel are the best fit for the puppy or kitten. In all cases, if we do not feel your application is a good fit for the pet, we will not approve the application.

How do I know my application is approved?
We will contact you if your application is approved.

Why might my application be denied?
There are numerous reasons why an application may be denied. Our decision is based on the needs of the pet and your ability to meet those needs. For example, some dogs need to be an only dog. If you have dogs in your household, we may not approve your application because your home does not meet the needs of the dog.

Will I receive a response?
We attempt to respond to each application but it is not always possible due to the volume of applications we receive.

Will you hold a pet?
We expect the pet to be picked up within one week of application approval. However, we will hold a pet for up to one additional week if the adoption fee is pre-paid using PayPal. Adoption fees are non-refundable.

Can I meet the pet?
All of our pets live in foster homes. We do not have a shelter facility that is open to the public. After you apply for the pet and are approved for adoption, you will have a chance to meet the pet and ask additional questions.

Will you transport the pet to me?
No, all pets must be picked up in Yakima at a pre-determined place/time.

Do you adopt to people outside of Yakima?
Yes, we adopt to anyone who is able to drive to Yakima to pick up the pet. Please visit the Canada Border Service Agency website for more information about transporting pets into Canada.

How much is the adoption fee?
All adoption fees must be paid with Debit/Credit only. YVPR uses PayPal to process debit and credit card transactions. Please include the pets name in the “Note” section before you submit your payment. 

Fee information is available on our adoption webpage.

Why is the adoption fee so high?
YVPR uses the adoption fees to spay and neuter dogs and cats prior to adoption, vaccinate, spay mama dogs and cats, and provide medical care to sick animals that come through our doors. In addition to fees, we also hold fundraisers throughout the year to help pay our expenses, which allow us to keep our adoption fees lower.

How can I donate?
Donations can be made with your debit or credit card through our secure PayPal Account:

or you can mail a donation to:
YVPR
P.O. Box 944
Yakima WA 98907