Adoption

Adoption Procedures

(scroll down for fostering info)

 

** All Adoption Applicants are required to read in full the following information regarding the Adoption Procedures 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 care for their animal, know that we expect them to do everything in their power to address the problem first, including seeking professional training.  Faith N Friends will provide adopters with the support and resources to be successful, but your commitment is crucial to success.

Faith N Friends has established the following procedures and policies concerning the Adoption Process to provide clear and transparent expectations.  You need a minimum of two acres per horse and a minimum of two horses on the property including the adopted horse.  

Read this document in full. It answers most questions we receive regarding the rescue and the adoption process. If you still have questions, email us. 

• ​Complete the Adoption Application online. 
• ​Pay the one-time nonrefundable $20.00 Application Fee online. Your application will NOT be considered without this payment. This fee is one-time only and will not be assessed on future adoptions. The fee in no way guarantees acceptance of an application, is non-refundable, and helps offset the time and cost of reviewing the application.
• This application can be accessed on a desktop, tablet, or phone.  If you cannot complete it online, you can print out the application and email it (emailed forms will take longer to process).​
  • Your application will be reviewed by an Adoption Coordinator.  
  • If any information on the application is incomplete or determined to be false, it will NOT be reviewed. (Ex: if you don’t give us complete references or the vet’s phone number, we won’t be able to review it and will mark it incomplete)
  • If you are considered to be a potential adoption candidate, a volunteer Adoption Coordinator will perform a vet reference check, if applicable.
  • ​If you are approved as a potential adoption candidate based on the application review and vet reference check, you will be contacted by a Faith N Friends Volunteer.   A meeting with your desired horse will be scheduled.  
  • An equine may have several applications pending.  If your desired animal has applications pending, yours will be placed in the queue.  Applications and adoptions are approved in the order in which they are completed, not the order received.  This prevents an adoption from being delayed if an application is stalled (references not responding, difficulty contacting veterinarian, etc.).
  • ​If, after full approval, there is not an available equine that is an ideal fit or it is not an ideal time for you to adopt, we will add you to our Pre-Approved Adopter List.  

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is there an application fee and do I have to pay it for each equine I am interested in?

Faith N Friends charges a one-time $20 application fee. You do not have to pay it separately for each horse you are interested in. The application fee helps us to cover the costs of processing your application and caring for our rescue and is non-refundable. The collection of a one-time fee ensures that applicants are serious about adopting. We receive a lot of applications from all over the country. Charging a fee helps horses get the care they need while eliminating some candidates who are not serious about the process.

Q:  How long does the adoption process take?

A.  Your application will be reviewed in one-to-two weeks.  Faith N Friends is a fully volunteer-run organization. Every member of our team has other obligations. We try to be as efficient and responsive as possible. Each adoption application takes time to screen and we receive several applications each week.  

​Q: Why is the adoption process so detailed?

We realize that our screening process may seem extensive and may occasionally eliminate some good homes; however, it is a process that has been developed through years of experience.  Faith N Friends has a responsibility to place horses with safe and loving adopters.  We want to do everything we can to ensure the adopters and horses are a good fit. Having to return a horse is traumatic for the horse and the adopters. ​

Q: What are the adoption fees?

Adoption fees vary and, in part, cover some of the costs associated with sheltering and caring for the equine while in our care, processing adoptions, and providing revenue that supports the animal adoption program and new initiatives at Faith N Friends.  

 Q: What does the adoption fee cover?

All necessary vaccinations before adoption, up-to-date Coggins report, farrier, and dental care.  Transport is not included in the adoption fee.

Q: Why does Faith N Friends charge so much for their adoptions?

100% of the adoption fee goes back towards the care of the animals cared for by Faith N Friends.  These fees help pay for the cost of veterinary care, high-quality feed and/or 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 comes from fundraising and donations.

​Q: Where is your rescue located?

Faith N Friends is a 100 % volunteer group located in Corryton, TN. We have fosters throughout Knoxville and surrounding areas.  The farm is located on Corryton Luttrell Road and is remote.  Visits to the property are by appointment only to ensure that a volunteer is available to provide the best visiting experience possible.

​​Q: What is your phone number?​

Phone and voicemail:  865-236-0607

Q: Are adoptions first come first serve?

An equine may have several applications pending.  If your desired animal has applications pending, yours will be placed in the queue.  Applications and adoptions are approved in the order in which they are completed, not the order received.  This prevents an adoption from being delayed if an application is stalled (references not responding, difficulty contacting veterinarian, etc.)

Q: What if I have not heard back from Faith N Friends after I have applied?

It does take time to process applications, so please be patient.  Faith N Friends is a fully volunteer-run organization. Every member of our team has other obligations. We try to be as efficient and responsive as possible. Each adoption application takes time to screen and we receive several applications each week.  If you would like to check the status of your application, please wait one week, then feel free to email us.

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.

Q: 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 subject to numerous behavioral and health issues due to stress.  It is for that reason that Faith N Friends requires an adopter to own two or more horses (including the prospective adopted horse) or to board their prospective horse in an approved facility with access to other equine.

Q: Can I do a trial with a horse?

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

Email faith@faithnfriends.org for more information. 

Foster Procedures

Foster homes are one of the cornerstones of Faith N Friends.   They open their hearts and homes to horses who may not be ready for adoption.  In many cases, they provide some training while also fostering.  You need a minimum of two acres per horse and a minimum of two horses on the property including the adopted horse.  

Faith N Friends horses may stay in a foster home for a minimum of 90 days or longer, depending on the needs of the horse and the willingness and abilities of the foster family.  Faith N Friends provides information on the horses and ongoing support should questions or needs arise.

If you would like to become a Faith N Friends foster, please email faith@faithnfriends.org for more information.