How to Adopt

A lifetime commitment that is 1000% worth it

How Adoption Works

A successful adoption depends on choosing the right dog for your household and understanding that dog’s needs. Our process is thorough so every match lasts a lifetime.

Find your houndBrowse our adoptable dogs. Not sure you’re ready? Take our “Are You Ready for a Dog?” quiz. Don’t see the right fit yet? Apply anyway and tell us what you’re looking for. Pre-approved adopters go to the top of our list when a matching hound comes in.
Fill out the applicationPlease complete every section. A fully processed application is required in order to adopt. To speed things up, give your vet permission to speak with us and let your references know to expect our call.
We review and check referencesWe check veterinary records, speak with personal references, and talk to landlords when applicable. When several people apply for the same dog, we choose the best match for that dog. It’s never first come, first served.
Meet and greetOnce you’re pre-approved, we’ll reach out to set up a meet and greet. We don’t do same-day adoptions or meet-and-greets before pre-approval.
Adoption dayPay the adoption fee, sign the adoption contract and take your hound home. Every adoption includes a 4-week trial period where your adoption fee is refundable.

Start Your Application

Who Can Adopt

Here are the basic requirements to adopt from Helpless Hounds.

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must own home or have landlord approval.
Must have a valid form of ID with current address.
Adoption applications must be filled out completely and processed in order to adopt.
Must have a good reference from a current veterinarian:
- ALL current pets must be spayed/neutered.
- ALL current pets must be up to date on all vaccines.
- ALL current pets must be current on heartworm, flea, and tick prevention.
Must have two good references from non-immediate family members.
Agree to a home visit when board members think appropriate.
Agree that dog will be an indoor dog, and not left outside a majority of the time.
Understand and agree to the financial responsibilities it takes to feed, vaccinate, and provide medical care.
Be able and willing to spend the time and money necessary to provide the training, medical treatment, and proper care for the dog.
Sign a legally binding adoption contract upon adoption.

Please note: Helpless Hounds reserves the right to deny any application for any reason after reviewing the above requirements. We may also recommend a different dog to better meet your needs. We firmly believe in matching the right dog with the right home, and we never encourage families to pick a dog based on appearance. Breed, activity level, temperament, size and emotional needs always come first.

Adoption Fees

$350 for dogs over a year old. $395 for puppies under a year, plus a $100 deposit until they’re spayed or neutered.

See what’s included →

Not Near Tulsa?

No problem! We adopt all over the country, and our transport team will help get your hound home once you’re approved.

Transport options →

Adoption Application

Please fill out every section. Incomplete applications can’t be processed.