1. At Jacobs Ridge Animal Sanctuary, our mission is to ensure the well-being and safety of all animals under our care. Our fostering and rehoming policy aims to provide clear guidelines to potential foster and adoptive homes, ensuring that every animal is placed in a loving, responsible environment. This policy covers equines, dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, and goats.


2. General Requirements for All Animals;
2.1 Application Process: Interested parties must complete a detailed application form, including personal, household, and lifestyle information. A comprehensive background check will be conducted, including references and a home visit.

2.2 Home Environment: Homes must provide a safe, secure, and clean environment. Prospective homes must have adequate space suitable for the specific needs of the animal. Commitment to providing proper nutrition, healthcare, and companionship is essential.

2.3 Financial Stability: Prospective homes must demonstrate the financial ability to care for the animal, including routine and emergency veterinary care.

2.4 Training and Experience: Experience with the specific type of animal is preferred. Willingness to attend training sessions or workshops if necessary.

3. Species-Specific Requirements

3.1 Equines (Horses, Ponies, Donkeys) Space: Minimum of one acre of pasture per equine. Shelter: Access to a stable or shelter that protects from extreme weather conditions. Companionship: Equines are social animals and should not be kept alone. A companion animal is required. Healthcare: Regular farrier visits, vaccinations, dental care, and routine vet check-ups. Experience: Prior experience with equine care is strongly preferred.

3.2 Dogs Space: Secure, fenced yard is preferred. Apartment living is acceptable if adequate exercise is provided. Companionship: Dogs should not be left alone for extended periods. Prospective homes must ensure regular human interaction and exercise. Training: Basic obedience training is required. Support and resources will be provided for further behavioral training if needed. Healthcare: Regular vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and routine vet check-ups.

3.3 Cats Space: Safe indoor environment. Outdoor access is acceptable if the area is secure and safe. Companionship: Cats should not be left alone for extended periods. Homes must ensure regular human interaction. Healthcare: Regular vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and routine vet check-ups. Litter Box: Clean, accessible litter box, cleaned regularly.

3.4 Pigs Space: Secure, spacious outdoor area with access to a shelter and mud. Diet: Proper nutrition, including a balanced diet specific to pigs. Companionship: Pigs are social animals and benefit from companionship, preferably another pig. Healthcare: Regular vet check-ups and vaccinations. Experience: Prior experience with pig care is preferred.

3.5 Sheep and Goats Space: Secure, spacious pasture with adequate grazing and a shelter. Companionship: Both species are social and should be kept in pairs or groups. Diet: Proper nutrition, including access to fresh water, hay, and minerals. Healthcare: Regular vaccinations, hoof trimming, and routine vet check-ups. Experience: Prior experience with sheep or goat care is preferred.

4. Fostering Guidelines

4.1 Duration and Commitment: Fostering periods may vary from a few weeks to several months. Foster homes must commit to the entire duration. Foster homes must provide regular updates on the animal's progress.

4.2 Support and Resources: The sanctuary will provide funding for all necessary supplies, including food, bedding, and medical care. 24/7 support will be available for any questions or emergencies.

5. Adoption Process

5.1 Matching Process: Each animal's needs and personality will be carefully matched with prospective adopters to ensure a successful placement. Potential adopters will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the animal before finalizing the adoption.

5.2 Trial Period: A trial period of 2-4 weeks will be provided to ensure the adoption is a good fit for both the animal and the adopter. During the trial period, the sanctuary will provide support and resources to facilitate a smooth transition.

5.3 Adoption Agreement: Adopters must sign an adoption agreement, committing to the long-term care and well-being of the animal. Regular follow-ups will be conducted to ensure the animal's continued welfare.

6. Return Policy: If at any point the adopter is unable to care for the animal, the sanctuary will take the animal back.

7. Contact Information: For more information or to start the application process, please contact Jacobs Ridge Animal Sanctuary. By following this policy, we aim to ensure that every animal from Jacobs Ridge finds a loving, permanent home where they can thrive.

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Email: info@jacobsridge.com to start the process and be sure to write ADOPTION in the the subject line. We will come straight back to you with more information.