Adoption Requirements

St. Louis City & Best Buddy Pet Center Adoption Facilities

  • Reservations are no longer needed to visit our adoption centers.
  • Please be at least 18 years of age, apply in person and have photo identification. Additional adoption requirements and recommendations may exist.
  • To begin the adoption process, please submit your completed Adoption Interest Form at the front desk at least 30 minutes before closing.
  • Please allow sufficient time to get acquainted with the pets as well as complete an adoption application. Completing the application can take 45 minutes or longer; the purpose of the application is to allow clients to consider the care and finances that go into raising a companion animal for – depending on the pet – 15 years or longer.
  • Save time! Print an Adoption Interest Form from home and bring it to any of HSMO’s Adoption Centers. Please note that this is a preliminary application and additional information and/or applications may be required.

Longmeadow Rescue Ranch

Longmeadow Rescue Ranch animals are available for viewing every Friday from 12 to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are not available during those hours, please contact us at 636.583.8759 or via fill out this form.

After you have read these adoption requirements, you can fill out an adoption application.

Shelter

  • Must be man-made with sides facing the north, east and west.
  • Should be large enough to fit all the animals in the pasture or paddock comfortably.
  • Will need a separate area to put an animal that is injured, becomes sick or needs special feed.

Food

  • Good-quality pasture or hay must be available for most species.
  • Animals must be fed twice daily. Depending on the animal’s needs, grain may be required.
  • Animals must be fed a feed that is made for their species.

Water

  • CLEAN water must be available in a safe container that should be checked twice daily.
  • A heater must be added to water to prevent from freezing in the winter.

Fencing

  • The type of fencing will depend on the animal. See Longmeadow Rescue Ranch staff for information on specific animal needs.
  • Can be woven wire, barbed wire, smooth wire, board, pipe or plastic fencing
  • Must be in good condition with no sagging or broken posts.
  • Gates must be constructed in a safe manner.
  • Electric fencing might be needed to keep animals contained.

Training

  • Resistance-free training methods are to be used to socialize animals, to train for veterinarian and farrier visits, and train for riding or cart-pulling.
  • Abusive equipment and training methods are not allowed. Professional training may be required.

Medical Care

  • Adopters must maintain de-worming, vaccinations, dental care, health tests and hoof trimming.
  • Equine adopters are required to have Annual teeth floating performed by an equine veterinarian.
  • A certified farrier must be used for hoof care, as required for each species of animal.
  • Illness and injuries must be promptly addressed by a veterinarian. Pre-existing medical conditions (at the time of adoption) must be treated as recommended by a veterinarian.
  • Equines must not be allowed to become overweight and founder – this is as dangerous to their health as starvation.
  • Other owned animals may require updated veterinary care as needed.

Exercise

  • Adequate daily exercise should be available – stalled horses should be turned out for exercise, separate from their training program.
  • Pasture horses are not always in shape for long weekend trail rides if you haven’t been riding them. Herd size should be appropriate for the size of the pasture/paddock. Larger herds in small areas often result in more injuries.

Adopters

  • Adopters must keep Longmeadow Rescue Ranch informed of any address changes.
  • A resident is required to live on the property where the animals are kept.
  • Adopters cannot sell, give away or slaughter an adopted animal, or use an adopted animal in any research study.
  • Adopters cannot breed any animal adopted from Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.
  • Adopted animals cannot be used in a commercial venture (lessons, pony rides, dude strings, etc.).
  • Adopters must be present when the animal is picked up from Longmeadow for transportation to its new home.
  • Adopters must have recent experience levels appropriate for the training needs of the animal being considered for adoption. Adopter must be willing to work with a trainer should challenges arise.
  • All vaccinations and other health requirements must be up-to-date if an animal is returned to Longmeadow, as it was when the animal was adopted.

Boarding Facilities

Boarding facilities can be approved by following and adhering to the above listed requirements. It is the responsibility of the adopter to make sure the required care is being provided to the adopted animal(s).