The first step is to fill out an application, which can be found on our website, the link in our Instagram bio, or in the post about the dog. The application helps us with matching our dogs with the best possible forever home. We will then contact you to further discuss if your application is selected for screening, we will answer your questions along the way.

Our turnaround time for processing each adoption is around one week and often sooner. Please watch our Facebook/Instagram page for updates. When applications close, or a dog is adopted, we will make an announcement there!

Based on what we know of the dog’s history, as well as what our fosters have observed, this is what we believe the dog needs in order to really shine! You are welcome to apply anyway, but our process is to find the best match for each dog.

We are a foster-based rescue, meaning that our dogs are placed with fosters who generally live within one hour of the Greater Toronto Area. Upon the successful screening of an application, an applicant is invited to meet the dog of interest at the foster’s residence. While we welcome applicants from anywhere in Ontario, you must be prepared to travel, at your expense, to where the foster is located to meet and adopt the dog.

Your application to be reviewed WITHIN ONE WEEK of receipt. Once the interview process begins, you may end up with a new family member in as little as 10 days! If you are not ready to welcome a pet right away, please wait to apply closer to that date. Sometimes the adoption is delayed if the dog is still waiting for vetting results. Your assigned adoption coordinator will keep you updated.

Please still apply if you are open to be matched to similar dogs. Our adoption coordinators are experienced with assessing your lifestyle and experience level and can help match you with a dog who would be best suited to your household! We have hundreds of dogs coming through our rescue each year and each and every one of them is deserving of a forever home!

All incoming dogs receive a physical exam, a 4DX test (to test for Heartworm and tick borne diseases), deworming, and flea/tick preventatives during the warm months, and heartworm preventatives for the duration they are in our care. Spay/neuter surgeries are also covered.

Some of our dogs need life-saving procedures such as surgeries, Heartworm treatment, or emergency procedure that far exceed the amount of the adoption fee. We rely on donations and sponsorship to help cover those costs.

This is on a case-by-case basis – the short answer is yes, but it depends on what we know about the incoming dogs. If they have been previously fostered with cats safely, then we have a better prediction of how the dog may act with your cat.

Absolutely not, but if you have one it’s great. The dogs need to go for walks and get out into the world to bond with their foster home and grow their confidence!

Absolutely. So long as you are able to provide the time and exercise required for your dog.

Yes, you can. We will match dogs that our rescue partners indicate are appropriate to place in families with children. We do our best to assess a dog going into a foster home with children. Most dogs do very well with children as long as there is a general understanding and respect for the dog’s space. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that children are aware of how to interact with the dog and must always be supervised when doing so.

The short answer is yes, lots of dogs do very well with other dogs in the household.

With that being said, It depends on the other variables of your situation… how much time do you have for the dog individually, how much structure and leadership do you have in your home, how big is your house and property, how well mannered are your other dogs in the household, etc. Send in an application and when we get to know you more, we will better understand if you can provide a safe and beneficial environment for the dog.

Absolutely! You will be responsible for transportation to and from the meet and greet and we will organize pick up and drop off after the adoption is confirmed.

Please send an email to info@hopeshaven.ca to advise of the additional dogs of interest. You do not need to complete an application unless we do not find yours on file.

Hopes Haven is a not-for-profit that is run exclusively by volunteers. Depending on the country of origin, age and expenses incurred, our adoption fees can vary. $900 is the adoption fee for most dogs in our care, and we will advise if a higher fee applies. Fees are subject to change based on fluctuating costs such as oil prices, international freight costs, age of dog, veterinary expenses, etc. We’d be happy to tell you the fees for the dog of interest.

There are many costs associated with preparing a dog for adoption. This includes, but is not limited to: vet visits, vaccines, spay/neutering, food, supplies, flights (some of which are via cargo), and other transportation, administrative costs, supplies, etc. We are a non-profit and 100% volunteer run. We keep our fees as low as possible, with any additional funds being used to rescue or treat the dogs that need us most.

It’s not so much about standing out as it is about being honest. Each dog is unique, and we are looking for the best match for that dog. At the end of the form there is a section where you can tell us more about why you think you’d be a great fit, so you can let your personality and context shine there!

Yes, renting is not an automatic disqualifier. What matters most is stability, landlord approval (if required), and your ability to meet the dog’s physical and emotional needs.

These are based on the dog’s observed behavior and history. Some dogs have experienced trauma or lack proper socialization. We want to set both the dog and adopter up for success, so we follow what our fosters and trainers report. These aren’t judgments — just guidance for a happy match.