WHAT KINDS OF PETS DOES RBARI HAVE FOR ADOPTION??
The Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge currently kennels up to 30 dogs and puppies on the first floor of our building. The second floor contains our cattery, cat playroom, and kitten nursery. At any given time we have up to 50 + adult cats and any number of kitten. During the warmer months (or kitten season) RBARI is overflowing with more than 50 adult cats and 50 kittens on any given day! All of these pets are waiting for wonderful new homes.

WHERE DO I START??
Think about what kind of pet is best for you. You can read our FAQ PAGE about the responsibilities of owning a pet. Then come in and talk to an Adoption Counselor and Fill out our Printable Matchmaking Form (Dogs) (Cats). Please answer each question on our form as thoroughly as possible. This is not a "pass or fail" test. It is designed to help us get to know you and your family, what kind of pet you are looking for, and then to match you with a pet in our shelter that will be right for your family. We are sorry but we will not put animals on HOLD (or reserve) until you have submitted your Matchmaking Form and at least one adult member of the family has visited that particular pet.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR POTENTIAL NEW PET
We ask your entire family to meet the potential newest family member. All humans in the household should plan on dropping by RBARI - and your canine family members will have to meet any new dog you may adopt. This helps to make sure that everyone, 2 and 4 legged get along! The staff of RBARI will be happy to provide you with reading material on basic dog and cat care, and can answer your questions. We can provide you with specific information about the heath and temperament of the pet you are considering adopting. Our Adoption team will be there for you before, during, and after your new pet is home. All questions are welcome! We even have on staff dog trainers to help with any extraordinary canine behavioral problems. Once your family has met and bonded with your new pet, it is time to start the adoption procedure!

THE ADOPTION PROCEDURE
You will start the adoption paperwork and set a date to pick up your new family member. Remember, when you adopt you are making a lifetime commitment (sometimes as long as 15 years) to your new pet. If at all you are unsure about your choice it is best to go home and sleep on it. But if you are sure - get ready because you are about to become a parent!

Your adoption counselor will go over the medical history of your pet, and you will receive a copy of the medical records. You will receive information on Pet Insurance, feeding, etc. and you will need to sign the RBARI adoption contract, and pay an adoption fee. This money (cash, check, or credit card) is used to help RBARI in its mission. Your donation at the time of adoption ensures that RBARI will be able to continue to help more animals in need. The entire adoption process can be as short as a 1/2 hour and can be longer (up to 2 hours!) depending on the needs of your pet and any questions you have, so please allow plenty of time to complete this process. CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU ARE NOW A PROUD PET OWNER AND A MEMBER OF THE RBARI FAMILY!