The first step on your adoption journey is to complete our detailed application form.

This helps us get to know you—your lifestyle, experience, daily routine, and what kind of companion you’re looking for. Whether you live in a busy family home, a quiet countryside retreat, or something in between, we want to understand what will suit both you and the dog best.

The more information you can give us, the better chance we have of finding a sled dog whose personality and needs are the perfect match for your home. There are no right or wrong answers—just honesty and openness.

Once we’ve reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch to arrange a friendly chat—either over the phone or in person, depending on what works best for you.

This isn’t a test or formal interview—it’s just a chance for us to get to know you better, answer any questions you might have, and talk through what life with a sled dog might look like in your home.

We’ll chat about your routine, your experience with dogs (if any), your living arrangements, and what kind of personality you’re hoping for in a new furry friend. It’s also a great time to ask us anything you’d like to know about the adoption process or specific dogs.

Once we’ve reviewed your application, we’ll arrange a relaxed home visit to make sure everything’s safe, secure, and suitable for one of our sled dogs.

This isn’t an inspection—it’s a friendly check and a chance to get to know you better, answer questions, and help set you (and your future dog!) up for success.

What we’re looking for:
✅ A secure, escape-proof garden or outdoor space
✅ Safe, dog-friendly areas inside your home
✅ Any hazards (like toxic plants, loose wires, or gaps in fencing)
✅ Where your new dog might sleep, eat, and relax
✅ Calm introductions if you have other pets or children

If there’s anything that needs adjusting, don’t worry—we’ll work with you to find solutions. Our goal is to make sure your home is a safe and happy space for your future furry friend.

After a successful home check, we’ll arrange a meet and greet with the dog you're interested in adopting.
If you already have a dog—or children—they’ll be invited too. This is an important step to make sure everyone gets along and that the match is right for both the dog and your family.

Next comes a “sleepover” — a short overnight stay with your chosen dog.
This gives you a chance to see how they settle in your home and interact with your family in a relaxed setting.

If all goes well, you’ll begin a two-week foster period.
This trial run allows both you and the dog to get used to each other, with ongoing support from our team throughout. It’s a vital step in making sure the match is right—for everyone.

Only after the foster period is successful do we move to formal adoption.
At that point, we’ll guide you through the final steps and welcome you officially into the R.E.A.C.H. family of adopters!