8505 Corryton Luttrell Rd. faith@faithnfriends.org 865-236-0607

Adoption

Adoption Procedures

All Adoption Applicants are required to read the following information in full before submitting an Adoption Application.

Adopting an equine from Faith N Friends is a lifetime commitment. While we will always bring a horse back into our care should an adopter become unable or unwilling to continue providing for their animal, we expect adopters to make every reasonable effort to address challenges first—including seeking professional training and guidance.
Faith N Friends will provide support and resources to help adopters be successful, but your dedication is essential.

To ensure the health and well-being of our equine partners, Faith N Friends has established the procedures and policies below to provide clear and transparent expectations.
A minimum of two acres per horse and a minimum of two horses on the property (including the adopted horse) are required.

Please read this page carefully; it answers most of the questions we receive about the rescue and adoption process. If you still have questions after reviewing it, please email us at
faith@faithnfriends.org.

Step-by-Step Adoption Process
Submit the Adoption Application
  • Complete the online Adoption Application in full.
  • Pay the one-time, nonrefundable $20.00 Application Fee online.
    • Your application will NOT be considered without this payment.
    • The fee applies only once and will not be charged again for future adoption attempts.
    • The fee does not guarantee application approval and helps offset administrative costs.
  • If you cannot complete the form online, you may print and email it; however, emailed applications take longer to process.

Application Review

An Adoption Coordinator will review your application.

Your application will not be reviewed if:

  • Required information is incomplete
  • References are missing or lack accurate contact information
  • Any information is determined to be false or misleading

If you are considered a potential candidate, we will conduct a veterinary reference check, when applicable.


Meeting the Horse

If your application and vet reference check are approved, a Faith N Friends volunteer will contact you to schedule a meeting with your desired horse.

Please note:

  • An equine may have multiple applications pending.
  • Applications are placed in a queue and processed in the order in which they are fully completed, not simply received.
  • This prevents delays caused by incomplete applications or unreachable references.

Pre-Approved Adopter List

If, after full approval, there is no available equine that is an ideal match—or if it is not the right time for you to adopt—you may be added to our Pre-Approved Adopter List.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Why is there an application fee? Do I pay it for each horse?

Faith N Friends charges a one-time $20 application fee per applicant, not per horse. This nonrefundable fee helps cover the cost of processing applications and caring for the horses. It also helps ensure that applicants are committed to the adoption process.


How long does the adoption process take?

Applications are typically reviewed within 1–2 weeks. Faith N Friends is a fully volunteer-run organization; each application takes time to screen, and we receive several each week. We do our best to respond as promptly as possible.


Why is the adoption process so detailed?

Years of rescue experience have shown the importance of thorough screening. Our priority is placing horses into safe, loving, and appropriate homes.
A horse returning to rescue is traumatic for both the animal and the adopter, and a careful process helps ensure the best long-term match.


What are the adoption fees?

Adoption fees vary. They help cover shelter and care for the horse, veterinary attention, training (as needed), administrative costs, and support for ongoing rescue efforts and new programs at Faith N Friends.


What does the adoption fee include?

Each adopted horse receives:

  • All necessary vaccinations before adoption
  • An up-to-date Coggins report
  • Farrier care
  • Dental care

Transport is not included in the adoption fee.


Why does Faith N Friends charge adoption fees?

100% of the adoption fee goes back into the care of the animals at Faith N Friends. These fees help pay for veterinary care, high-quality feed and supplements, farrier and dental care, and training where needed.

The average cost to care for an equine while in rescue far exceeds the adoption fee collected; the difference is made up through fundraising and donations.


Where is your rescue located?

Faith N Friends is based in Corryton, TN, with fosters throughout the Knoxville and surrounding areas.
Our farm is located on Corryton Luttrell Road and is remote and accessible by appointment only to ensure that a volunteer is available to provide the best visiting experience possible.


What is your phone number?

Phone & Voicemail: 865-236-0607


Are adoptions first come, first served?

Not exactly. Multiple applications may be pending for the same horse. Applications and adoptions are approved in the order in which they are completed, not simply received.

This prevents adoptions from being delayed by incomplete applications or difficulties reaching references or veterinarians.


What if I have not heard back after I applied?

It does take time to process applications, so please be patient. Faith N Friends is a fully volunteer-run organization, and each adoption application takes time to screen.

If you would like to check the status of your application, please wait one week after submitting, then feel free to email us at
faith@faithnfriends.org.

If at any point during the application process your application is determined to be incomplete, misleading, or not factual, it will be denied without notice.


Why must I own or board to adopt a horse?

Horses are herd animals and need the company of another equine for their health and well-being. Single horses are at risk for behavioral and health issues due to stress.
For that reason, Faith N Friends requires adopters to:

  • Own at least one other horse (including the prospective adopted horse), or
  • Board their adopted horse at an approved facility with access to other equines.

Can I do a trial with a horse?

We do not allow trial adoptions. Short-term moves add stress for the horse and additional expense to Faith N Friends.
If you are unsure about adopting a horse, we recommend fostering. Fostering a horse requires a minimum three-month commitment.


Ready to Get Started?

If you’ve read through our procedures and FAQs and feel ready to move forward, we’d love to hear from you.
For questions or to check on an application, please email us at faith@faithnfriends.org.