Adoption Application & Matchmaking Questionnaire

Thank you for choosing adoption and considering a shelter pet as part of your family. At Darlington County Humane Society, we believe adoption should be welcoming, supportive, and focused on making the best possible match between people and pets.

This application helps us learn about your lifestyle, expectations, and what you're looking for in a companion so we can help you find your perfect match.

Our goal isn't to create barriers—it's to build successful, lifelong relationships between people and pets through education, conversation, and personalized matchmaking.

Please answer all questions as completely and honestly as possible.
Applications are reviewed in the order received, but approval does not reserve or guarantee a specific animal.
Our team may contact you to discuss your application, answer questions, or recommend other pets that may be an even better fit.
Every adoption is focused on creating the best possible match for both the adopter and the animal.

We appreciate your decision to adopt and look forward to helping you welcome your newest family member home. Thank you for choosing adoption and giving a shelter pet a second chance.


Date *
ADOPTER INFORMATION
Individual or Couple *
Primary First Name *
Primary Last Name *
Primary Date of Birth *
Primary Phone Number *
Primary Email Address *
Confirm email
Secondary First Name *
Secondary Last Name *
Secondary Date of Birth *
Secondary Phone Number *
Secondary Email *
Is your physical address the same as your mailing address? *
Street Address *
City *
State *
Zip Code *
Street Address *
City *
State *
What is the best method of contact? *
HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION
What type of home do you live in? *
If "Other" please describe *
Do you..... *
Landlord/Company Name *
Landlord Phone Number *
Landlord Street Address *
Landlord City *
Landlord State *
Landlord Zip Code *
Are pets allowed? *
How many adults live in your home?
How many children live in the home? *
What are their ages *
Does anyone in the home have allergies to animals? *
If yes, please explain: *
CURRENT & PAST PET EXPERIENCE
Do you currently have any pets in your home? *
Tell us about current pets at your home. Please list names, species, breed, and ages? *
Are all of your pets spayed and/or neutered? *
If your current pets are not spayed or neutered, please specify the reason. *
Have you owned pets in the past? *
What happened to those pets? *
If "Other" please explain *
Have you ever surrendered a pet to a shelter/rescue? *
If yes, please explain: *
ADOPTION INTEREST
What kind of pet are you interested in? *
Are you interested in a specific animal? *
What is their name(s)? If you are interested in more than one pet, please list their names. *
What is their Animal ID number(s)? If you don't know their Animal ID simply state "I don't know." *
Why are you interested in adopting? *
Please tell us why you chose to adopt. *
What energy level are you looking for? *
What traits are important to you? *
Please share what traits you are looking for. *
PETCARE & LIFESTYLE
Approximately how many hours per day will the pet be alone? *
Where will the pet stay when home alone? *
Where will the pet sleep? *
How do you plan to exercise/enrich your pet? *
Are you prepared for routine veterinary care? *
Are you prepared for emergency veterinary expenses? *
Are you prepared for training/behavior support? *
Are you prepared for a lifelong commitment (10-20 years) *
What would you do if the pet developed behavior or medical challenges? *
VETERINARY INFORMATION
Do you currently have a veterinarian?
What is your current vet's name? *
What is your veterinarian's phone number? *
MATCHING & SUPPORT QUESTIONS
What concerns or challenges are you nervous about with adoption? *
What support or resources would help you succeed? *
Are you interested in.... *
Is there anything else you would like to share that these questions didn't cover, but is important for us to know about you or your household? *
AGREEMENTS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I understand that adopting an animal is a long-term commitment. *
I understand that DCHS cannot guarantee breed, age, temperament, or future health. *
I understand that transitions take time and decompression periods are normal. *
I agree to provide humane care including food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and enrichment. *
I understand that DCHS may deny an adoption if it is determined that the placement is unsafe or not in the best interest of the animal or adopter. *
I certify that the information provided is truthful and complete to the best of my knowledge. *

Thank You for Choosing Adoption

Every adoption saves two lives—the pet you welcome home and the one whose space is opened for another animal in need. Thank you for helping us create brighter futures for homeless pets throughout our community.

❤️ Find Your Perfect Match.

Questions about the adoption process?
📍 Darlington County Humane Society
580 E. Washington Street
Hartsville, SC 29550

📞 (843) 823-6080
✉️ adopt@darlingtonhumane.org
🌐 www.darlingtonhumane.org

Our adoption team reviews every application individually to help create successful, lifelong matches. We appreciate your patience and look forward to helping you welcome your newest family member home.

Adoption Application & Matchmaking Questionnaire

ADOPTER INFORMATION

HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION

CURRENT & PAST PET EXPERIENCE

ADOPTION INTEREST

PETCARE & LIFESTYLE

VETERINARY INFORMATION

MATCHING & SUPPORT QUESTIONS

AGREEMENTS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS