Adoption Events: What to Expect
Because Lucky Dog does not have a physical location in the Washington, DC metro area, adoption events provide the best way for you to meet multiple animals at once. Smaller Saturday events provide a calmer environment to meet a select number of dogs while larger Sunday events feature most of our adoptable animals. As soon as you arrive, be sure to check in with the adoption table to confirm the animals you are interested in are still available, and be sure to arrive early.
Attending an adoption event can be overwhelming, but we promise to help you find the ideal family member. Even if your first choice is not available, new arrivals are constantly coming into our care, each one deserving of love and companionship.
Join us in our commitment to adopt, don't shop, and discover the joy that comes with welcoming a new four-legged family member into your home.
Where are Adoption Events?
Lucky Dog’s adoption events rotate throughout the DC metro area and are held at partner pet stores and other locations. All event time and locations can be found on our calendar.
What is the difference between a Saturday and a Sunday adoption event?
Our Saturday dog adoption events are smaller and feature a smaller number of dogs or cats. We post a list of attending animals the night before the event on our Facebook page and on our calendar. Our Sunday events are much larger and often have 60-100 animals on site.
Can I do a “same day” adoption at a Lucky Dog adoption event?
Yes! There are three ways you can adopt same day at a Lucky Dog adoption event.
- You are pre-approved to adopt and have a 30 minute “priority” on a specific dog. In this instance, you have been in touch with the Adoption Counselor prior to attending the event, and they have determined you would be a good fit for this animal. You would have gone all the way through the counseling process, including a conversation with the Adoption Counselor and any applicable landlord checks, vet checks or home visits.
- You are pre-approved to adopt but have not picked your dog or cat. Once you meet a dog or cat you at the event, be sure to let the adoption table know as soon as possible. Adoptions are prioritized on a first-good-fit basis. Pre-approved adopters have gone all the way through the counseling process, including a conversation with the Adoption Counselor and any applicable landlord checks or vet checks.
- You have not started the process, but you submit an application on site, and Lucky Dog is able to have a conversation with you and perform any needed checks to proceed with an adoption.
Other questions
Is there anything I need to bring?
If you are not pre-approved, please be sure to bring (1) your lease if you rent so we can confirm you are allowed pets (TIP: we may need to speak to your landlord so please have them ready for your call); and (2) veterinarian records to demonstrate your current animal’s vetting status and/or the status of any animals owned within the last 3-5 years.
What do I do when I arrive?
Check out the dogs and cats. However, as soon as you choose a dog or cat, make sure to go to the adoption table to put your name down. While, generally, adoptions are prioritized by the order in which you indicate your interest, pre-approved adopters take priority over people who are seeking to go through the adoption process on site.
Please note: We cannot guarantee an on site adoption, but we do everything we can to expedite getting dog and cats into homes.