• You understand the lifetime commitment required and are able to provide that for your potential pet.
  • You are at least 21 years of age.
  • You are within a drivable distance (typically 60 miles of Durham county) for meet & greet(s) and home visit(s).
  • You will allow home visit(s) conducted by an IAR volunteer prior to adoption. For cat adoptions, these may be virtual home visits.
  • You are not an undergraduate student. This is due to unpredictable schedules, transient housing and ability to financially support an animal.
  • Any future relocations (interstate or overseas) include your potential pets.
  • Any current pet(s) in your home are spayed/neutered.
  • Current pet(s) in your home are up-to-date on vaccinations and have an established veterinarian. Dogs are on year-round heartworm prevention, cats are FeLV/FIV negative and all companion animals are on regular flea/tick prevention.
  • As a policy, IAR does not adopt puppy littermates or puppies of a similar age together.
  • Multiple simultaneous adoptions are only permitted for adult dogs who are known to be strongly bonded.

Kittens need playmates and if left alone all day without a companion, a kitten can become lonely or bored which sometimes can lead to mischief. It is our goal to make the best adoption match for both pet and person and to ensure that each new match made will last a lifetime! For more on why it is so important for kittens to be adopted with a second kitty companion click HERE .

Kittens are cats that are 6 months of age and younger. Kittens must be adopted with another kitten or into a household with a young cat (general guideline of 2 years or younger but on a case by case basis).

What to expect from IAR:

  • IAR will deliver your new cat to your home, signing the contracts and collecting the adoption fee.
  • We’ll also follow up once in a while to see how it’s going and offer tips and advice during the normal adjustment period.
  • Give your animal time to adjust. Please remember that your animal will need time to get to know his new home and to realize he is safe and wanted. Please be patient with your animal and know that this is a big change for him/her. Offer plenty of positive reinforcement.
  • Need help with your shopping list? Here are some basic supplies you will need.

Cat Supplies

  • Good quality food
  • Good quality canned food (optional)
  • Ceramic or stainless steel bowls
  • Litter box and stainless steel scooper
  • Good quality litter
  • Cat carrier for transporting to vet appointments
  • Scratching post, such as a vertical sisal post or the inclined cardboard “Cosmic Catnip Alpine Scratcher”
  • Toys
  • Pet bed

What to expect from IAR:

  • IAR will deliver your new dog to your home, signing the contracts and collecting the adoption fee.
  • We’ll also follow up once in a while to see how it’s going and offer tips and advice during the normal adjustment period.
  • Give your animal time to adjust. Please remember that your animal will need time to get to know his new home and to realize he is safe and wanted. Please be patient with your animal and know that this is a big change for him/her. Offer plenty of positive reinforcement.
  • Need help with your shopping list? Here are some basic supplies you will need.

Dog Supplies

  • Collar to wear rabies tag and ID
  • Simple nylon leash, 6 to 8 feet long
  • Harness
  • Good quality food
  • Ceramic or stainless steel bowls
  • Toothbrush
  • Treats (rawhide not recommended)
  • Toys
  • Pet bed