Out of the Pits

Adoption Policy

Adoption Requirements & Process

If you submit an application and DO NOT receive a confirmation email, please email adoptions@outofthepits.org

All applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

While we generally do not adopt to homes with children under the age of 5, we understand that every dog and family is unique. We consider each adoption on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the dog’s individual needs, the home environment, and the family’s experience level. Our primary goal is to create harmonious and suitable matches between our adopters and their new furry companions, ensuring a happy and healthy relationship for all.

A home visit is required to ensure the best possible match. A volunteer will visit your home to assess its suitability and safety for the dog you’re interested in adopting. This may include factors such as: fenced yards for larger dogs, stair-free homes for senior pets, and other pet-specific requirements. This step helps us guarantee a amenable and safe environment for both you and your new companion.

Everyone in the home must be in agreement about adding a new dog to the household and it is important to us that you meet a dog prior to adoption. To make sure everyone in the family gets along with the new dog, we require a family meet-and-greet before adoption. Everyone in the home, especially the resident pets, should meet the dog you are looking to adopt to see if they’ll be a good fit for your family.

Any current animals in the home must be spayed or neutered.

When adopting a puppy under 6 months old, you agree to spay or neuter your puppy at 6 months of age*. Please note that permanent ownership of the adopted dog is conditional upon compliance with this requirement. Until the adopted dog is spayed or neutered, Out of the Pits retains ownership, and ownership will only be transferred to the adopter upon confirmation of the procedure. *per New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law (AGM) § 377

We typically place dogs in homes with opposite-sex dogs, with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions may be made when the resident dog is a senior (as determined by us) and the adopted dog is a puppy, for specific breeds that are known to do well with same-sex pairings, if the resident dog is a breed type that is compatible with both sexes and the dog being adopted is also compatible. We consider each adoption on an individual basis, taking into account the unique needs and characteristics of each dog and breed.

We adopt to locations within a 2-hour radius from the Albany, New York (excluding Canada). We DO NOT ship dogs.

If you rent, please verify that your landlord will allow dogs (we will check).

And renters must have a 1-year rental history at current location.

If you live outside New York and own your home, verify that your homeowner’s insurance covers the Pit Bull breed (if not, we would be happy to give you the name of companies that do not breed discriminate).

Please verify that your community does not have any breed specific legislation.