P.O. Box 7261
Fairfax Station, VA 22039-7261
hart90office@hart90.org Fax: 703.783.0489

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HART Owner Assistance Program (HOAP)

Note:

If you need to return a previously adopted HART cat or dog, please contact the HART Office.

The HART Owner Assistance Program (HOAP) is a unique service that assists in finding a new home for your pet, or for a stray that you have rescued. This service is provided on a case-by-case basis as determined by the program directors. It is only available to pet owners in the Northern Virginia metro area.

Why place your pet through HART?

HART is a non-profit, no-kill rescue/support group. We care about all of the animals that we work with and do our best to place each animal in the home where a "best fit" can be made. We accomplish this by interviewing prospective adopters, aided by an in-depth application. We also perform vet checks whereby we ensure that any animals currently or formerly in the prospective adopter's care received shots and appropriate veterinarian services. Lastly, we perform a home check to ensure that the new home is a safe and nurturing one.

Adopters sign a contract with us to ensure that the pet will always come back to HART for rehoming if they are unable to keep the pet for any reason. Adopters are required to pay an adoption fee (as with all of our pets) which helps to defray costs for all animals in our care as well as helping to ensure the new adopter's commitment to the animal. As you can see, there are many benefits to placing your pet through HART.

Requirements

  • You must reside in the Northern Virginia metro area.
  • Your pet must be spayed or neutered.
  • Your pet must be completely up-to-date on vaccinations, tests and preventative medicines. You'll need to provide a copy of your pet's medical records, including proof of:
    Dogs:  Rabies, DHLPP, and, preferably, Bordatella vaccinations and heartworm test
    Cats:  FVRCP and Rabies vaccinations; Feline Leukemia and FIV tests
  • You'll need to bring your pet to as many of our adoption events as possible, not only to remain in the program, but to give your pet the most opportunities to be seen by prospective adopters. HART holds dog adoption events every Saturday from 12-3 at various locations and cat adoption events several times a month on weekends. Additionally, in rare instances, we'll need to show your pet outside of adoption events and would appreciate your cooperation in making them available.
  • HART requires a non-refundable processing fee of $50. Any additional donation, to help us to continue to help you and others, would be greatly appreciated.
  • You must be willing to keep your pet during this process. We simply don't have the space to house HOAP pets. Realistically, it might take several months to find your pet a new home with a loving, qualified new family. If you do not have at least a few months, we will not be able to assist.

How to apply: Dogs

  1. First, complete the Dog HOAP Form. Submitting the form online will speed up the review process and help get your dog posted to our website quicker. Alternatively, you may print out the form and mail or fax it to the HART Office.

    Please complete the application carefully. Be as thorough and accurate as possible with regard to your pet's temperament. We have behavior specialists who can be consulted if necessary. Also, note that completion of the form does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

  2. Mail or fax the following to the HART Office:

    • Dog HOAP Form (if not already submitted online).

    • Signed contract.

    • Dog's medical records, as described above.

    • $50 processing fee. Please make checks payable to "HART".

    • A recent photo of your pet and a short, complimentary narrative in the same style as our web pet listings. (These can be emailed to the HOAP Coordinator once you are accepted into the program.) Remember that a photo on the website is a potential adopter's first opportunity to become interested in your pet. Pets without photos are often overlooked.

  3. Mail all of the above items to: PO Box 7261, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, Attn: HOAP or fax to: 703-691-1730.

    Note:

    Pets will not be considered for HOAP unless a signed contract and the pet's medical records have been received by the HART Office.

  4. You will be notified of your placement status as soon as possible after receipt of your signed forms and medical information.

How to apply: Cats

  1. First, complete the Cat HOAP Form. Submitting the form online will speed up the review process and help get your cat posted to our website quicker. If you'd prefer to print out the form so as to mail or FAX it to us, please contact the Cat HOAP Coordinator (see link below) for instructions on how to do so.

    Please complete the application carefully. Be as thorough and accurate as possible with regard to your pet's temperament. We have behavior specialists who can be consulted if necessary. Also, note that completion of the form does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

  2. The Cat HOAP Coordinator will contact you with further instructions, typically within three (3) business days of receiving your application. (Please be patient if it takes us a bit longer to respond, however, as we are an all-volunteer organization.)

HOAP Contacts

Please contact us with any questions or concerns:
Cat HOAP Coordinator
Dog HOAP Coordinator

In Conclusion

Giving up a pet is a difficult decision and we at HART are sensitive to that. We know that you want to do what is best for him/her. We hope that you will help us help you. Please know that your pet is in excellent hands with HART, whose volunteers are devoted to helping pets and finding a wonderful forever home for them.