Adoption Process
Read ALL of the Contract, This Page, and Application well before applying.

KEY POINTS

• You MUST make sure your references expect to hear from us.
• We do not repeatedly call references. After two attempts, they will be expected to call us back.
• There are no substitutions for a vet and farrier reference if you currently own equines.
• An application, even if approved, may not mean the equine of your choice is a good fit.
• Adoptions are made when the best match possible is found for a SCER-GA equine.
• Our time is limited as we are volunteer-operated. Please do not submit an application until you are reasonably certain you are dedicated to the idea of adoption. Make sure you can either supply transport or afford to hire reputable transport for your adoptive equine.
• Applications take time to process. We try to make sure they are processed within 2 weeks, but reality can mean a longer wait time. Vet, farriers, and other references frequently take quite some time to return phone calls, and our volunteers have to budget application processing into their daily lives. Please be patient!
• We have in our credit over 200 equines helped through rescue, rehoming, sanctuary, and placement through adoption! These came from owners unable to continue caring for their equines, rescuers unable to screen homes, and seizures!
• You must have a farrier and vet reference able to give us solid feedback. Unfortunately, without these two references, we cannot process an application in most circumstances. If you have not owned equines in some time or previously, the vet reference must be willing, and able, to take your new equine as a client.
• A farm visit is sometimes required unless distance does not allow for one.
• Adopters may need to have a face-to-face interview depending on strength of the application.
• Applications from those currently caring for more than FOUR equines are subject to income verification which will allow the rescue to establish the ability to cover care costs of the adoptive equine.
• We do not adopt more than 2 equines to any applicant without an extremely strong application, with income verification, and unless you own your property.
• A shelter must be provided for the equine. Fence generally cannot be barbed wire. T-posts must be capped if used.
• An appointment must be made in 7 days from approval or the next application will be processed. The first approved applicant has the first option to adopt if the adoption is a good fit for equine and person.
  Standards of Care
• The level of care of adopted equines should be the highest standard in the industry.
• The equine must have all the annual shots and maintain a current Coggins test. Shots are to include Strangles, EPM, West Nile, Eastern/Western, Tetanus, Rhino, and Influenza unless otherwise noted by your Veterinarian.
• The equine must be de-wormed by paste as noted by your Veterinarian.
• The equine must have daily turnout of not less than eight (8) hours unless there is dangerous weather.
• A Veterinarian is to be called for any illness and any serious injury. If a diagnosis of injury or illness cannot be treated due to financial reasons, the equine must be returned to Second Chances Equine Rescue Inc. immediately.
• The equine must be trimmed or shod by a qualified Farrier not longer than every eight (8) weeks. The hooves are to be cleaned regularly.
• Each equine must receive the required daily feed allowance plus plenty of good quality forage material.
• Each equine must be offered not less than 15 gallons of fresh water per day, either in buckets or in regularly cleaned out water troughs. A stagnant pond or creek is not an acceptable primary source of water.
• Adoption equines are to have their teeth evaluated by an equine dentist annually.
• The adopter agrees not to work the equine beyond its physical limitations at any time or to put the equine in harm’s way at any time.
• Miniature equines must not hold more than 50 pounds of body weight.
• The equine must have at least one (1) acre of clear-cut pasture with some shade per equine.
• The equine must have at least one shelter in the paddock to block wind and bad weather.
• Your pasture must have acceptable fencing (no barbed wire).
• Variations in facility requirements depend on the equine, the region, and the predominant weather.
• Second Chances Equine Rescue Inc. has the right to do random site checks to assure that the said equine is being properly cared for. Should at any time the equine be found abandoned, mistreated, neglected, abused, etc., Second Chances Equine Rescue Inc. has the right to promptly remove the said equine from the adopter. Any costs incurred in removing the equine from the adopter’s property will be the adopter’s responsibility and must be paid within thirty (30) days.
• Should the said equine become critically ill and require surgery or euthanasia, it is required that the adopter notify Second Chances Equine Rescue Inc. immediately.
• Should the adopter move or relocate (**this includes any personal address change, changing the location where the said equine is residing, etc.), whether it is themselves or just the said equine, Second Chances Equine Rescue Inc. must be informed of the new address immediately so we may keep our records current.
• Adopter agrees to notify Second Chances Equine Rescue Inc. of all significant changes with said equine.
  Our goal is a lifelong home, so you can be assured that we want you to find the right equine for you!
  Prohibited Uses: Adopter agrees and understands that under no circumstances is an adopted equine to be sold at a Livestock Auction or to Slaughter. No equine will be bred.
  Photo Requirements

Facility Photos

1. Facility photos sent in with the application MUST be clear and detailed. Include several fence shots, water sources, all shelters, and stalls.
2. All equines currently owned, if any, must be pictured and be (dated) recently taken.
3. Within 48 hours of adoption, arrival photos must be shared, and the background MUST match the facility photos shared with us in the application process.
4. All Monthly photos shared must be taken in a manner that shows the weight and condition of the equine and shows the correct surroundings depicting the facility (dated in the correct season) which was approved during the application process.
   All photos must be emailed to support@scer-ga.org by the 5th of each month.