Adoption
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Adoption
Question
How do I adopt an animal from HAHS?
Answer
The first thing you should do if you want to adopt an animal from HAHS is read through our Adoption Criteria. They can be found on our website. If you meet these preliminary guidelines, the next thing you should do is fill out an Adoption Application. You can print out an Adoption Application, which can be found on the same web site, or you can use the PDF version, complete it and send it right to us electronically. If you do not have access to the internet, we would be happy to fax or mail you the criteria and application.
Once we have received your application, we will give you a call and set up an appointment for one of our investigators to come out and inspect your place. Hopefully, the investigator’s submit a glowing report and we will be able to let you know you have been approved. Then it is time for you to come out to the HAHS farm, to get to know the animal of your choice, to pay the adoption fee and to arrange for transportation. This process might take more than one visit to the farm.
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Question
Do I have to live in Illinois to be able to adopt an animal from HAHS?
Answer
We approve people who wish to adopt one of our rescued animals, whether horse, goat, pig or other hooved animal, very carefully. The reason is simple: we want to make sure the animal goes to a permanent home where he or she receives the best in care, food as well as lots of love and attention. We don’t want them to come back to us or to be bounced around from one owner to another. And we certainly do not want them to be abused or neglected again.
Since our investigators cannot easily make follow-up visits to places hundreds or thousands of miles away, that is why our adoptions take place within the State of Illinois. However, because of the close proximity of our location to states like Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, we have opened our adoption criteria and assess each case on an individual basis.
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Question
Can I adopt a horse from HAHS if I board it?
Answer
Under certain circumstances we do allow a horse to be adopted to people that board. However, at that time the boarding stable becomes the responsible party for the welfare of the animal and it may not be in the best interest of the animal to be put in a situation like that. We prefer that you have horses already, or have had them, and would like the adopted animal to be kept at your place. That way we can be assured that the individual attention is provided.
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Question
Why do I have to already own a horse in order to adopt one from HAHS?
Answer
The best horse for someone new to horse ownership is a middle-aged quarter-horse type gelding who has been well taken care of all his life by a gentle owner. This type of horse will be calm and forgiving should you make a mistake while ground handling, riding or feeding. Unfortunately this does not describe the typical horse that we impound. Ours are of all ages and breeds and personalities. The one thing our rescued animals do share is an abusive and neglectful owner. It will take years of expert handling before some of our horses develop any sort of trust with humans again. Many never do! We suggest that you practice for a few years with a horse that can take care of you, before adopting a HAHS horse that you must take care of.
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Question
I was just wondering if you let kids in 4-H lease a horse from there to use for the summer?
Answer
When horses are adopted from HAHS, it is intended to be a permanent move. We call adopters “forever homes.” Since our horses have lived pretty tough lives until now, we want them to learn to love and trust just one person or family from now on. That way, they never have to worry about when the next meal is coming or when they might have to move again.
And while it might seem like a good idea to place a rescued horse in a private home for even a few months, so they can receive that vital one-on-one care, usually the horses we impound are not broke to ride. In fact, some of them do not even have ground manners. Often the first time they see a halter is when they come to us. At least in the beginning, this type of horse needs an experienced handler to put them on the right track and not get anyone or anything injured in the process.
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