At Mercylight, we prioritize finding the right match between each dog and their future family through a gradual transition process. The adoption journey typically spans 2-3 months and includes shelter visits, bonding sessions, short outings and home staycations. This is inclusive of a 3-week home trial, allowing both you and the dog to gradually settle into life together before the adoption is finalized.
How It Works
1. Preparation
Adopting a dog is a big decision and long-term commitment. We encourage you to take time to consider why you would like to adopt and how a dog would fit into your current lifestyle, family and daily routine.
2. Submit An Adoption Form
Once you are ready and have shortlisted a dog you are interested in, feel free to submit an Adoption Form. We appreciate detailed responses, as they help us better understand your background, experience, and suitability for adoption.
3. Internal Review
Our team will review your adoption application carefully, considering compatibility between you and the dogs in terms of lifestyle and personality. Due to the high volume of applications and limited manpower, please allow 10-14 days for processing. If you have not received a response after this period, kindly check your spam folder or reach out to us directly.
4. Next Steps
If your application is approved, our team will contact you regarding the next steps. Before beginning the 3-week home trial, adopters can expect to visit the shelter approximately 4-8 times. Each session typically lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the objective of the visit.
What to Expect
To ensure a good match, all members of your household, including your helper (if applicable), are required to attend every visit.
- 1st visit
You'll get to meet the dogs, feed them treats and take them for a walk. - 2nd visit
Most adopters shortlist their preferred dog during this stage, as many families end up connecting with several dogs - sometimes different from the one they initially selected. - 3rd visit
This session will be focused on bonding with your shortlisted dog. You'll learn how to prepare their meals, feed and walk them, and spend quality time interacting with them in the shelter. This also allows the dog to become familiar with your presence and mannerisms. - 4th & 5th visits
You will learn how to bathe the dog in the way they are used to in the shelter. You will also bring the dog to parks (neutral ground) to build trust and strengthen your bond with them. Bringing them out of their comfort zone allows them to rely on you. - 6th & 7th sessions
These will be short staycations in your home (for e.g., 2D1N followed by 3D2N) to help prepare the dog for the 3-week home trial. This gradual transition allows the dog to adjust to your home environment and ease their transition away from their family pack. A 30-minute home orientation will be conducted before the staycation begins. - 3-week home trial
If the above goes smoothly, you will begin the 3-week home trial. During this period, regular communication through photos and videos is essential so both parties can monitor the dog's adjustment and progress. Either party can stop the trial if the adoption process is not working out.
At the end of the home trial, the final adoption decision must be made and the adoption paperwork will be completed.
For HDB adopters, both the adopter and dog are required to complete a basic obedience course within 4 months from the date of adoption, as stipulated by NParks and HDB.
Gentle Reminder
Adoption is not first-come, first-served. Our priority is always the long-term wellbeing of each dog, which means we look for the most suitable placement rather than the fastest one.