Main Line Animal Rescue

Adoption Process & Application


Main Line Animal Rescue’s Guide to adoption:

OUR KENNEL IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING AN ANIMAL PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS…

Main Line Animal Rescue does adoptions in our local community in and around the western suburbs of Philadelphia ONLY, to families with excellent vet references and an installed fenced yard (please do not apply if you do not have a secure traditional or professionally installed electric (see below) fenced area in which a dog can safely play without getting out).

There is a knack to finding a good match for a pet and a family and we pride ourselves on taking time and care in doing that. The comfort and safety of the animals in our primary concern.


Have you considered the cost of caring for a pet? Click here…


  1. You MUST fill out an application before we will consider you for adoption. Please keep in mind that any false, incomplete or withheld information will cause us to void your application. To apply online click here or call 610-933-0606 to receive an application by fax or in the mail. If you do not live in our area (western suburbs of Philadelphia) we will recommendation that you call a shelter in your local area or visit petfinder.com. WE ONLY ADOPT LOCALLY BECAUSE WE DO AN ON SITE INSPECTION AT EVERY HOME BEFORE AN ADOPTION.
  2. If you are in our adoption area we will proceed with checking your vet references indicated on your application.
  3. Someone will e-mail or call you to set up a time to come and visit the animals at the kennel. Our visits are by appointment only so please come at your appointed time.
  4. You will have an opportunity to meet with an adoption counselor who will help you find a dog that is well suited to you and your family. It’s possible that we will not have the right dog for you at this time, in which case we will recommend that you check with another shelter where you may find the perfect match. We sometimes have multiple applications on a particular animal. Applications are not on a first come first serve basis; rather, we strive to find the best possible home for each animal.
  5. If we have a dog that is the right match we will come to your home and check your fence to make sure it is secure. We accept in ground fence systems that have been installed by a licensed, recognized, professional installer: Invisible Fence http://www.invisiblefence.com, Pet Stop http://www.petstop.com, Dog Watch http://www.padogwatch.com and Astro Fence http://www.astro-fence.com. Otherwise you must have a traditional fence which is completely secure to ensure that there is no available area where the dog can escape. We will not release a dog if you do not have a secure area for the dog to play. Please let us know if you would be willing to install a fence if you do not already have one.

  6. Once your fence is approved and you have found a great match your new buddy will be going home! We ask cat adopters to bring their own secured carriers for transport home. We provide collars and leashes and an ID (which must remain on the dogs collar for at least one year) for dogs
  7. Please read your adoption contract carefully and sign it and return it to us immediately.
  8. Someone will follow up with you within a week to check and make sure things are going well.
  9. MLAR is very interested in the welfare of our animals so we will check in with you periodically to see how things are going. We are also happy to help you in any way at any time if you have an issue with the dog. It is our policy that any animal must be returned to MLAR if there is a need to surrender them.
  10. If you are over the age of 21 you may fill out an adoption application click here