Adoption Process

ADOPTION PROCESS

1. Review potential equines online at https://www.wildheartshaven.org/blog/categories/horse-adoption. Contact us via our contact form https://www.wildheartshaven.org/contact, Facebook Messenger https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartsHaven, or call us at 720-404-9032 to discuss potential options. 

2. Complete an adoption application.

3.  Set an appointment to meet potential horses. Once you have narrowed down specific horses you are interested in, a staff member will either add you to an interest list or schedule an appointment if the horse is available. We schedule appointments on a first come, first serve basis. Horse adoptions are finalized based on best fit for the horse. 

4. During your appointment you will be able to:

   1. Meet adoptable equine(s) and get to know them

   2. Watch staff work with the equine(s) and ride if equine is broke to ride

   3. Ride the equine(s) if a riding horse (if deemed suitable by Wild Hearts Haven staff)

   4. Discuss with the staff the quality of the match. It’s important for the safety of both equine and rider that the match is appropriate.

5. Adoption Process

   1. An application must be filled out to continue the adoption process

   2. We may require additional lessons (at cost to you) to ensure a good match of equine and rider

   3. A trainer may be required to help with continued training with the horse you adopt

   4. A site inspection will be completed either in person or virtually. Required elements of a facility are: proper hay/food, clean water, shelter, fence in good condition, and an area clear of debris and hazards.

   5. We will likely ensure that you have an additional companion at the facility where the horse will be staying. Horses are herd animals and most horses do not do well living alone. Fostering another horse may be an option as well.

6. A brand inspection will be completed and ownership will be transferred. Wild Hearts Haven WILL cover the cost of the Brand Inspection.

   1. Brand Inspections are required by Colorado State Law to prove legal ownership of an equine so do not lose this.

7. A veterinary Health Certificate and/or Coggins exam is optional and can be requested during the adoption process. Wild Hearts Haven does NOT cover the cost of the Health Certificate or Coggins exam.

   1. Health Certificates are typically valid for a total of 30 days. Some facilities may require different time frames so please check with your facility on their requirements.

   2. Coggins exams are valid for one year.

   3. Health Certificates/Coggins exams are often required by boarding facilities. If you are planning on keeping your adopted horse at a boarding facility, please ask the barn manager if they require either of these exams during the adoption process.

8. Pre-purchase veterinary exams are optional during the adoption process. Wild Hearts Haven does NOT cover the cost of the pre-purchase exam.

   1. Please contact your veterinarian if you wish to schedule a pre-purchase vet exam during the adoption process.

   2. Wild Hearts Haven Staff will NOT hold equines for the scheduled exam unless deemed behaviorally necessary. Pre-purchase exams can take several hours to complete so please schedule this exam with your veterinarian during business hours. The adopting patron is to be present during the entirety of the exam.

   3. Coordinate with Hearts Haven staff to schedule the pre-purchase exam at most convenient time.

9. Set up a pick up time.

   1. At time of pick up you will pay the adoption fee, receive all medical, farrier, and training notes and sign an adoption contract. We accept cash or check for payment.

   2. Once the paper work is complete we will take your picture with your new equine (given consent by adopting patron) and congratulations you are off on your new journey!!!

Due to the high volume of some adoptions, we are unable to hold horses. We ask that you set up appointments within 3 days of communicating with a trainer. We don’t guarantee the equine you are interested in will be available at the time you have your appointment. We have appointments available 6 days a week depending on trainer availability and they are on a first come first serve basis. Once the adoption process has begun, we will no longer show that horse to potential adopters as long as lessons/pick up are scheduled within the 2 week time frame in which lessons (if applicable) should be completed. We will show the horse to other potential adopters if it is not possible for you to schedule appointments within the 2 weeks. If you have any questions, please call 720-404-9032 or speak with a staff member.

We look forward to helping you adopt your new four-legged friend!