RVAS partners with or has been nationally recognized by the following organizations:
COMPANIONS FOR ADOPTION
FEATURED ADOPTABLE
OSCAR
DLH -
Male - Adult Oscar is a gorgeous long-haired buff colored male with golden eyes. Watch him closely, however, as his eyes do change to green. This loveable guy is playful and cuddly, but prefers to live alone with his human!
Thank you for considering one of our companions for adoption. Our animals are housed in individual foster homes, socialized with other animals, children and learning appropriate behavior. They are healthy, well cared for, and can be viewed once an application is completed. This method allows us to know our animals personalities, provide any special care they made need, and create balanced companions which transition easily into your home. Our goal is to match you with a companion for a lifetime.
We have companions looking for new homes everyday, so please check back often if you don't see a companion of interest.. RVAS networks with many animal welfare organizations and have listed just a few of our adoption partners. These partners are organizations that share our philosophy that all life is sacred and every companion animal deserves a home. You can also expand your search by visiting petfinder.com.
ADOPTION PARTNERS
RVAS networks with hundreds of animal welfare organizations each year, enabling us to save every life that comes our way. If you don't find a companion that interests you in OUR organization, why not consider adopting from one of the organizations listed below? RVAS supports their efforts in saving lives and has worked closely with each organization to offer every companion animal a better chance at life! Don't be fooled by organizations that are out of state. Many of shelters and rescues have transport services, as well as, foster homes right here in Iowa. Your next companion could be sitting in a foster home near you, just waiting for a liftime of love.
West Des Moines Animal Control is unique as it has made gallant efforts of choosing adoptions over euthanasia. A city run shelter, the staff at the West Des Moines Animal Control work with rescues and shelters to save lives. RVAS offers assistance in helping them find qualified places and homes for the thousands of animals they pick up and process every year.
Animals in City Pounds are often forgotten, simply because the public is unaware this is an adoption option. Space and time is very limited and many lose their lives to the simple fact that nobody adopts them quick enough. RVAS is proud to partner with the West Des Moines Animal Control Shelter helping them...save lives. Check out their companions for adoption here.
Feline Friendz in Nebraska is a no-kill rescue operation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming stray and feral cats.Cats are successfully trapped, neutered and returned into managed colonies where they receive daily food, water and shelter by pre-approved caretakers. All cats in the care of FFiNE will receive full veterinary care, including spay/neuter, all vaccinations and testing for feline leukemia and FIV infection. Cats that are adoptable are placed up for adoption hoping to find a forever "indoor" home for life!
H.E.A.R.T. (Hardin-Eldora Animal Rescue Team) is a 501(c)3 non-profit licensed animal shelter in Hardin County. This remote shelter is the only shelter serving the entire county that takes in all types of animals. Located over an hour from Des Moines, RVAS has partnered with H.E.A.R.T. to help bring more adoption opportunities to their adoptable pets by showcasing these wonderful companions at our mobile adoptions. Volunteers from both groups donate their time transporting animals to and from scheduled mobile adoptions so that potential adopters can see, feel and experience first hand the love these animals have to give.
Best Friends Animal Society is one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the country. Best Friends was one of the leading organizations in the Katrina Rescue efforts and works with rescues, shelters & humane societies all over the country, helping them establish such programs as low-cost spay/neuter, adoption, rescue and foster programs giving more animals the chance at a long and healthy life.
RVAS had the privilege to work with Hearts United for Animals during The Randolph Rescue Project in Randolph, Iowa. This national no-kill animal shelter, sanctuary and animal welfare organization is dedicated to the relief and suffering of companion animals. HUA rescues animals from all over the country and specializes in long distance adoptions, as well as, cares for a number of puppy mill dogs left behind.
HUA has even been honored by theSmithsonan Institute for their oustanding use of technology in the placement of dogs though their Jet Set Dogs program.
Save Our Setters, Inc. is devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of Irish Setters all over the U.S. This devoted group of people handles all setters, including special needs. They assisted us with two setters full of problems, discovering they were actually puppy mill dogs. While most people would have given up on them with their behavior and their medical needs, they instead, chose to rehabilitate and provide them with veterinary care needed. We support their valiant efforts and encourage you to do the same.
To begin the adoption process an application must be completed. You may choose to download and application or request an email version. Applications are processed Tuesday through Friday during normal business hours (10:00 am - 5:00 pm). A confirmation email will be sent to you within 48 hours once your application is received. If you do not receive this confirmation, please contact us directly at 515.577.1745.
Request Via Email
An application will be sent to you via MS Word format to fill out and return via email. Simply open the document in MS Word, complete and return to the address listed on the application.
Fax / US Mail Version
Download the application, print out the form and fill it out completely. You can return the application either by Fax or US Mail. Addresses are listed on the application.
RVAS ADOPTION PROCESS
RVAS has three Phases to their adoption process to ensure that all companions find the right homes for life. With a less than 1% return rate on our adoptions, RVAS makes sure that you and your companion will have a "lifetime" match so these companions never enter the shelter system again. We do not adopt on a "first-come-first-serve" basis. Instead, RVAS focuses on the human-animal bond making the best match for both the human and the companion.
PHASE I - Complete a pre-adopt application in full and submit to RVAS. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received and may take 3-5 days to process depending on reference availability. This process does not guarantee you a companion nor are you committed to adopting a companion. Failure to fill out the pre-adoption application accurately and completely may cause a delay in the processing of your application. Applications are processed during normal business hours (10:00 am - 5:00 pm) Tuesday through Friday.
PHASE II - An RVAS representative will contact you to coordinate a viewing of the companion , as well as, answer any questions at that time. Temperment, behavior and care will be discussed at this time. We recommend you do research on your own of the breed you are interested in and make a list of questions to ask our staff.This may take 2-3 days to coordinate pending availability of both the potential adopter and it's foster home.
PHASE III - A home visit and final interview with an RVAS Adoption Director will be scheduled. This phase requires all members of the household present and can take up to 2 hours to complete.Once approved, RVAS will coordinate the delivery or pick up of the companion where the final processing of all the adoption paperwork is done.
We understand you are excited to find a new companion and we will do our best to expedite the adoption process, but "life-saving" emergencies and rescues come first. These animals are in immediate need and may cause a delay in the processing of your application.
Applicants are notified by telephone, email and/or U.S. mail of the status and progress of their application during the processing portion and our final decision.
RVAS is not responsible for email applications not received. If you would like to check the status of your application simply email status@raccoonvalley.com or call 515.577.1745.
RVAS takes special care to provide each animal the proper medical treatment upon entering into our care. RVAS does not have a veterinarian on staff and works with the generosity of vets and their services within our communities. RVAS does not compromise any animals healthcare therefore, additional medical services may be needed to provide you with a healthy, happy adoptable companion. Adoption fees are determined based on the services provided. Additional services and fees are at the discretion of RVAS and will be provided to the adopter before the adoption process is finalized.
Included In Fee
CATS/*KITTENS
Fee: $95.00-$125.00
Included In Fee
DOGS/*PUPS
Fee: $105.00-$150.00
Yes
Basic Health Assessment
Yes
Basic Health Assessment
Yes
Spay/Neuter Services
Yes
Spay/ Neuter Services
Yes
Vaccinations, including Rabies
Yes
Vaccinations, including Rabies
Yes
Microchip Provided
Yes
Microchip Provided
Yes
Microchip Implantation & Registration
Yes
Microchip Implantation & Registration
Yes
DeWorming (if necessary)
Yes
DeWorming (if necessary)
Yes
Behavior Assessment
Yes
Behavior Assessment
Yes
Lifetime Behavior Counseling
Yes
Lifetime Behavior Counseling
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Included In Fee
CATS/*KITTENS
Fee: Additional
Included In Fee
DOGS/*PUPS
Fee: Additional
No
Flea/Tick Treatment (if needed)
No
Flea/Tick Treatment (if needed)
No
Heartworm Test/ Preventative Treatment
No
Heartworm Test/Preventative Treatment
No
FELV/FIV Test and/or Vaccinations
No
Bath and Groom
No
Nail Trim
No
Nail Trim
No
Ear Clean & Treatment
No
Ear Clean & Treatment
*Kittens and puppies may not be old enough for some medical services. RVAS will coordinate with your vet or participating vets to provide quality health care. Adopter is required to send RVAS "proof" of all services once these services are completed. S/N appointments will be made before the companion leaves our care and RVAS must be notified if the vet appointment changes for any reason.
Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue can help you find the right solution for you and your companion. From in-home consultation for behavior issues with your pet to finding a new home when absolutely necessary, our Rehome and Rehabilitation Program can assist you in making the right decision for you and your companion for life. For more information on our process click here.