Joining Petfinder.com opens up a world of opportunities to connect adoptable pets with loving homes. As a leading platform in pet adoption, Petfinder provides invaluable resources and exposure for animal shelters and rescue organizations. If you’re looking to expand your reach and help more pets find their forever families, becoming a Petfinder member is a crucial step. This guide will walk you through the application process, ensuring you have all the information needed to join the pet-loving community at Petfinder.
1. Verify Your Organization’s Eligibility for Petfinder.com Membership
Before diving into the application, it’s important to confirm that your organization meets Petfinder’s membership criteria. Petfinder aims to partner with reputable groups dedicated to responsible pet adoption.
Organizations Not Eligible for Petfinder Membership Include:
- Networking or Referral-Only Groups: Groups that primarily connect people but do not have pets in their direct care for adoption are not eligible.
- Individuals Rehoming Personal Pets: Petfinder is designed for organizations, not for individuals rehoming their own animals.
- Show or Hobby Breeders: Petfinder focuses on rescue and adoption, and therefore breeders are not eligible for membership.
- For-Profit Pet Placement Services: Organizations engaged in for-profit pet placement do not align with Petfinder’s mission.
- Organizations Outside of the US, Canada, or Mexico: Currently, membership is limited to organizations within these three countries.
- Groups Without Formal Adoption Contracts: Petfinder emphasizes responsible adoption practices, which includes the use of adoption contracts.
Organizations Eligible for Petfinder Membership:
- Municipal Public Shelters: Government-run animal shelters are welcome to join Petfinder.
- Private Shelters: Non-profit and privately funded animal shelters are eligible for membership.
- Rescues with Pets in Direct Care: Rescue organizations that house and care for animals in their direct custody are encouraged to apply.
- Veterinary Clinics Rehoming Pets: Veterinary clinics that actively rehome pets as part of their services are also eligible for Petfinder membership.
2. Understand and Agree to the Petfinder Code of Conduct
Petfinder.com maintains a high standard of animal welfare and professional conduct for all its members. Reviewing and agreeing to the Petfinder Code of Conduct is a vital step in the application process. This code outlines the expectations for member organizations in providing a safe, caring, and professional environment for pets awaiting adoption. By adhering to this code, Petfinder members collectively contribute to positive pet adoption experiences.
REVIEW PETFINDER CODE OF CONDUCT
3. Complete and Submit the Veterinary Verification Form
A crucial part of the Petfinder membership application is the Veterinary Verification Form. This form ensures that member organizations work with licensed veterinarians to provide appropriate care for their animals.
Here’s how to complete this step:
- Download the Veterinary Verification Form: Access the form via the link provided.
- Fill out the Form: Complete all sections of the form, providing accurate information about your organization and its veterinary practices.
- Obtain Veterinarian Signature: The form requires a signature from your organization’s local veterinarian, confirming your veterinary relationship and standards of care.
- Email the Completed Form: Send the signed Veterinary Verification Form to [email protected].
Tip: To expedite your application review process, it’s recommended to email the Vet Form on the same day you submit your online application. Petfinder begins the review process only after receiving the completed Vet Form.
4. Find Your Federal Tax ID Number (if Applicable to Your Organization)
Depending on your organization’s status and location, you may need to provide your Federal Tax ID number during the application process.
- US 501(c)(3) Charities: You will need your EIN (Employer Identification Number).
- Canadian Charities: You will need your Charitable Number.
- Mexican Charities: You will need your Business Number.
If you are a U.S. organization and unsure of your 501(c)(3) status, you can verify your status through the U.S. Internal Revenue Service charity search on the IRS website. This verification ensures that registered charities are correctly identified in the Petfinder membership process.
5. Start and Complete the Petfinder Membership Application Online
The final step is to complete the online Petfinder membership application. Ensure you allocate enough time to complete the application in one session, as you cannot save your progress and return later.
Start Application
Once you click “Start Application,” you will be directed to the online form where you’ll input detailed information about your organization, its mission, adoption practices, and contact details. Accuracy and completeness are key to a smooth application review.
We Will Contact You Soon Regarding Your Petfinder.com Application
After you submit your application and the Veterinary Verification Form, the Petfinder team will review your information. You can expect to hear back from Petfinder within 3-5 business days regarding the status of your application.
Thank you for your dedication to helping pets find loving homes. Becoming a Petfinder member is a significant step in expanding your reach and making an even greater impact in the lives of animals. We look forward to potentially welcoming your organization to the Petfinder community!
