Adoption
Adoption Policy
The goal for every Fresh Start horse is to find a loving, forever home. To help achieve this goal, FSHR has requirements that potential adoptive owners must meet.
1. Complete and return adoption application. Adoption Application
2. Potential adopters must visit Fresh Start at least three times to establish that they are committed to the horse’s welfare. These visits must include “hands-on” interaction with the horse that demonstrates the suitability of the horse and the human for one another. Potential adoptive guardians must demonstrate knowledge of horse care, safety, handling and ground work, or be willing to accept instruction.
3. Reference check and site visit: Fresh Start will check references and conduct a site visit before the adoption is approved.
4. Adopters must complete, sign and return an adoption contract, stipulating they will provide proper food, shelter, vet care and respect for their horse. Adoptive owners must understand that adopting a horse is a commitment for the life of the horse.
5. Adopters will pay an adoption fee.
When the adoption process is completed, the adoptive guardian will receive an adoption certificate and a letter detailing the horse’s medical history. Adoptive families should expect follow-up calls and visits by Fresh Start Horse Rescue representatives.
Adoption Fees
Adoption fees run from $200 to $1500, but can fall outside this range. Fees are determined partially by estimated fair market value based on age, health and level of training; and partially on what expenses have already been put into a horse. The adoption fee seldom covers the full cost of rescue and rehabilitation. The adoption fee collected for each horse goes back into the care of the other rescue horses. Therefore, we can’t accept items in trade in lieu of adoption fees — unless the item is a needed item that will directly benefit the rescue horses. For example, approved commercial feed or good/excellent quality hay.
Payment of an adoption fee supports the rescue, and it also demonstrates an appreciation of the value of a horse. Rescued horses are not worth less than other horses just because they are rescues. Payment of an adoption fee also demonstrates the adopter’s commitment to the lifetime of the horse. We will not adopt out a horse for a fee so low that the adopter can just take it to the sale barn hoping for a profit. We will not adopt out an animal to someone who does not show respect for the horses — at any price.
Twenty-plus horses are a lot of work, and we can always use volunteers. If you are interested in adoption, volunteering is a great way to get to know the horses.
If you would like to volunteer or are interested in adoption, e-mail us or contact us directly.