You’ve submitted a pet enquiry online - now what?

Helpful advice, next steps, and tips for your adoption journey

You’ve found a pet who feels like they might be “the one,” hit the Enquire button… and now you’re wondering what happens next. Here’s a helpful guide to what to expect, what you can do while you wait, and how to keep your adoption journey moving.

 

First: Double-check your enquiry

✅ Make sure your application is complete

Some rescue groups require you to fill out an external adoption form. If so, this will usually be listed under Adoption details on the pet’s profile. 

✅ Review your adopter profile

Your profile helps rescue groups understand your lifestyle, home environment, and what you’re looking for. Make sure it’s complete and reflects anything important about your household, routines, or experience that supports your application. Find out more about how to make your adopter profile stand out here.

 

What happens behind the scenes

Every rescue organisation has its own process, but generally:

📝 The rescue group reviews your application

They’ll look at your adoption profile and enquiry message to learn more about your lifestyle, environment, and experience to determine whether you might be a good match.

🐾 If they think it could be a good match…

They may invite you to complete an additional form, answer some questions, or organise a meet and greet.

 

Preparing for a meet and greet

If the rescue group reaches out, this is your chance to see how you, your family, and any other pets connect with the one you’re interested in.

Helpful tips:

• Prepare a list of questions about the pet’s behaviour, personality, and health.

• If you have young children, explain that this is just a visit to see if everyone gets along; you want a pet who loves and engages with your kids, not one who simply tolerates them.

• If you already have pets, ask the rescue group for guidance on introductions.
   

What to expect from a home check

Some rescue groups may request a home visit, particularly for dogs. They’ll want to make sure the yard is escape-proof (tall and sturdy fences, without cracks or holes) and there are no potentially dangerous situations your new pet may get into, like open paint tins, insecticides, or loose electrical cords. A quick check and tidy-up beforehand can help things go smoothly.

 

While you wait: Things you can do

We get it, no updates can be frustrating. Why not take this time to prepare for your new pet instead? 

• Explore tips and resources on the PetRescue Library.

• Here are some tips on welcoming a canine companion or a feline family member

• Review your adopter profile for any updates you’d like to add.

• If you haven’t heard back in over 2 weeks, go back to your conversations on PetRescue and send a polite check-in message. See other reasons why you may not have heard back about your application. 

 

If the pet has already been adopted

It happens, pets can receive multiple enquiries very quickly. If the pet you applied for has already found a loving home, your application can still help the rescue group suggest other suitable pets.

Hundreds of new pets are listed on PetRescue every day, so keep searching and set up Pet Alerts to be among the first to know.

 

If your application isn’t successful

It’s worth asking the rescue organisation for feedback and advice, so you’re aware of why you weren’t successful this time, and they can suggest other pets that may be a better match for you, your family and your lifestyle. 

Keep in mind that some rescue groups practice more rigorous screening processes than others, so don’t let that put you off your quest to adopt! Find out more about adoption policy levels here.

Search the Rescue Directory to find other shelters, rescue groups and council facilities in your area, and even if they don’t have the kind of pet you’re searching for listed on PetRescue, get in touch - they may be able to help you find what you’re looking for.

 

Keep your options open

There are thousands of rescue pets across Australia looking for loving homes. If you’re ready to adopt:

• Keep applying for pets that suit your lifestyle. 

• Explore with an open heart (and mind). Your future best friend might just be the one you didn’t expect!

• Search the Rescue Directory to find other shelters, rescue groups and council facilities in your area, and even if they don’t have the kind of pet you’re searching for listed on PetRescue, get in touch - they may be able to help you find what you’re looking for.

Fun fact: Cats make incredible companions, and many are waiting for someone just like you.

 

You’ve started something wonderful

Submitting an enquiry is an exciting first step towards bringing a new companion into your life. Stay open, stay curious, and keep searching; your future best friend might be just one enquiry away. 💚

Start your pet search today: View all pets on PetRescue