If, after your appointments, you have found your perfect match, you will then complete an Adoption Application Form, which will be provided by our adoption team. Along with the application form, we require a nonrefundable $50 application fee, which is deducted from the final adoption fee. This fee can be paid online.

Horses are available for adoption under two different contracts: Adoption Program and Guardian Program (GP).

Horses available in the standard adoption program have varying adoption fees, and ownership deeds are provided to the adopter 12 months after the adoption. For horses younger than two years old, DEFHR retains ownership until the horse is at least three years old. Release of ownership deeds are dependent on an approved final facility profile report and satisfactory horse care provided by the adopter.

Horses available in the GP have varying adoption fees, and DEFHR retains the titles for GP horses throughout their lifetime. DEFHR requires annual facility profile reports and health updates on GP horses. Horses in this program are either over 20 years of age or require special treatment and attention due to a medical condition. While caring for the GP horse, any expenses incurred by the caregiver are tax-​deductible, including but not limited to feed, stall bedding, veterinary care, farrier care, medication, and supplements.