Adoption Process
So you are interested in adopting! What’s next?
The adoption process works like this:
- First you need to complete the adoption application and email it to CeCe Calli (gerlfoster@aol.com), the Adoption Coordinator. There is no cost or obligation to apply.
- Once your application is received and approved, GERL will arrange for an Area Coordinator to come out to your farm (or the location where you will board) and approve the facilities to ensure that your place is safe and appropriate for a horse.
- When your home study is complete, we arrange for you to meet the horse you are interested in adopting. If it is a “match” then you pay the non-refundable adoption donation, sign the contract and take the horse home.
- We monitor you twice during the first year to check on the health and well-being of the horse.
- At the end of that year the adoption becomes final, and we sign the horse over to you permanently. During that first year you may not breed, sell, or give away the horse, and you may not move it to a different location without notifying GERL and having the new location approved.a
Please see our list of frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) below. If you have a question
or concern that is not addressed, please contact CeCe Calli (706-376-2410) and she will be happy to help you. Thanks for your interest in adopting a GERL horse!
F.A.Q.
Does it cost money to apply for adoption?
No, there is no cost or obligation to apply.
Does it cost money to adopt?
Yes, depending on the level of training and age of a horse.
Where does that money go?
Our donations help us to recoup a small portion of the investment we have in the horse – feed, vaccines, wormer, dental care, hoof care, gelding, medical treatment, etc. Rescuing a horse can involve hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Many of our horses received little or no veterinary care prior to entering our program, so we have to play catch-up.
Can I adopt a horse, train it and then sell it?
You are not allowed to sell or give away a GERL horse for the first year. We want to find “forever homes” for our horses, not bounce them from place to place, or run them through horse traders’ barns.
Where do I go to see the horses and pick the one I want?
GERL does not have a central location; our horses are housed in foster homes all over the state. We encourage you to select a horse or two that you are interested in adopting from our website. We also will make every effort to help match you with an appropriate choice.
Can I meet the horse I want to adopt before I commit?
Of course! We would not expect you to adopt a horse sight unseen! However, we do NOT release information about our foster homes until the approval process is complete. This is for the safety and privacy of our foster homes. By eliminating the folks who just want to drive around on weekends “looking” at horses, we try to ensure that the people who visit are serious about adoption. Please understand that only about 5% of the inquiries that we receive actually turn out to be serious adopters. There are lots of people just looking for a free horse.
Are GERL horses current on their coggins?
All GERL horses are up to date on coggins, vaccines, and worming. We do not release a horse for adoption until they are in good health and at a normal weight. If a horse has a chronic medical condition or an unresolved medical issue, we let the prospective adopter know up front.
I want to adopt a horse, but I don’t have a horse trailer. Can GERL deliver the horse?
GERL will make every effort to work with you on arranging transportation for your adopted horse.
If I adopt a horse and then can’t keep it, what happens?
During your initial monitoring period, if you change your mind or your circumstances prevent you from keeping the horse, GERL will take the horse back into our adoption program. However, your adoption fee donation is non-refundable.
What is GERL looking for when they come to visit my home?
GERL expects the horse to have a safe area for turnout, adequate grazing, shelter and access to clean water. We are not looking for fancy, we are looking for safety. We prefer board, electric or horse-wire fencing and not barbed-wire. However, we will accept a barbed-wire fence if it is in excellent condition. We also look at the condition of any other animals on your property. If you have ten skinny dogs chained to trees in your backyard, you are not going to meet our standards.
Why is GERL so picky about who adopts?
We are selective because we have a lot invested in our rescues, both financially and emotionally! We aren’t trying to “get rid” of these horses; we want to find them the best homes possible. These horses have come from bad situations, and we want to make sure they aren’t going back into one. By being thorough up front, we try to ensure that each horse is going to a wonderful forever home where they will be loved and treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
