The Adoption Process

 Thank you for your interest in adopting a SOS Pen Pals dog or cat.  Our animals are housed and trained in correctional centers throughout Virginia. 

Our adoption counselors and trainers review the information contained in the adoption applications and conduct telephone interviews to ensure that the dogs and cats are placed in homes best suited for their personalities and any special requirements.  The application and interview process makes it easier for us to learn more about you so that we can help find the perfect match for your home.

SOS Pen Pals dogs and cats are selected from shelters, rescue organizations and veterinarians.  The SOS Pen Pals trainers evaluate the dogs to ensure that they are well suited to participate in the training program.

All dogs are spayed or neutered , up to date on vaccinations, heartworm tested and kept current on flea/tick and heartworm preventative.  Other medical needs are provided while the dogs are in the training program.  We fully disclose any known health problems to prospective adopting families. 

Pen Pal cats and kittens are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations and tested for feline FIV and Leukemia.

  

To get started:

Step 1-Print out and complete the adoption application

 Dog Adoption Application  
For SOS Pen Pal  dog adoptions, please fax your application to
804-515-0033 or mail to SOS Pen Pals PO Box 27142, Richmond, VA 23261

 Cat Adoption Application
 For SOS Pen Pal cat adoptions, please fax your application to
804-422-5060. Your application can also be emailed to soscats@comcast.net
Step 2 - The adoption application will be reviewed by adoption counselors who will then contact you. Our counselors and trainers may also recommend that you consider other dogs or cats
 
Step 3 - If you are approved to adopt an SOS Pen Pal dog or cat you will be invited to meet the dog at or near the correctional center or the cat at a local veterinary office.
 
Step 4 - At the time of a dog adoption, families are invited to have a training session with an SOS-Pen Pal trainer and/or the inmate handler with correctional staff present. This is a unique experience for all involved. When your dog(s) are adopted, they are paroled with the SOS Pen Pal collar, ID tag and leash. Medical records and information complied by the inmate handlers are also provided.
 
The adoption fee of $250 for dogs and $99 for cats helps defray a portion of the expenses incurred. Additional donations are always appreciated.
 
SOS Pen Pals reserves the right to  refuse an application if the home situation is deemed to be incompatible with the needs of a Pen Pal animal.