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Help Center/Adoption Flow/Checking Your Application Status

Checking Your Application Status

After submitting an adoption application, you can track its progress through the LBC dashboard. This guide explains the statuses you'll encounter and what to do at each stage.

Viewing Your Applications

Navigate to /adoptions on the LBC website (requires login). This page lists every adoption application you've submitted, showing:

  • Pet name and photo — Quick reference to the pet you applied for
  • Organization name — The shelter or rescue processing your application
  • Current status — Color-coded badge indicating where you are in the process
  • Last updated — When the status last changed
  • Actions — Links to message the organization or view the pet

Application Statuses Explained

Received

Your application has been submitted successfully and is in the organization's queue. No review has started yet. The pet may still be visible to other applicants at this stage.

What you should do: Wait. The organization will begin reviewing applications in the order they're received.

Reviewing

An adoption coordinator or volunteer has picked up your application and is actively reviewing it. They may be checking your references, verifying information, or preparing follow-up questions.

What you should do: Check your email and LBC messages daily. Respond quickly if the organization reaches out. Delayed responses can slow the process.

Approved

Congratulations! Your application has been approved. The organization believes you're a good match for the pet.

What you should do:

  • Read any approval message carefully for next steps
  • Coordinate a meet-and-greet or adoption appointment
  • Prepare your home for the new arrival
  • Discuss any adoption fees, paperwork, and pickup/delivery logistics

Denied

The organization has decided not to proceed with your application. This doesn't mean you're a bad pet owner — it may simply mean the pet's needs don't match your situation.

What you should do:

  • Read any feedback provided by the organization
  • Consider whether the reasons given are addressable (e.g., renting without a yard vs. lack of experience)
  • Don't be discouraged — look for other pets that may be a better fit
  • You're welcome to apply for other pets; a denial for one doesn't affect future applications

Completed

The adoption is final! The pet has been transferred to your care and the organization has marked the adoption as complete.

What you should do:

  • Visit the Adoption Success Page at /adopt/success/[id] to access post-adoption resources
  • Consider submitting a Success Story with photos to celebrate your new family member
  • Review the post-adoption care checklist

Withdrawn

You chose to withdraw your application before a decision was made.

Communicating with the Organization

While your application is in process, you can communicate directly with the organization through LBC's messaging system:

  1. On the application status page at /adoptions, click the pet's card
  2. Use the Message Organization button to send a message
  3. Ask questions about timelines, additional requirements, or the pet's behavior

Best practices for communication:

  • Be polite and patient — staff may be managing many applications
  • Ask specific questions rather than generic ones
  • Don't message repeatedly — allow reasonable time for a response
  • Use LBC messaging when possible so conversations are linked to your application

What to Do If Approved

Once approved, the organization will guide you through the final steps:

  1. Schedule a meet-and-greet — If you haven't already met the pet
  2. Complete any remaining paperwork — Adoption contract, fee payment
  3. Prepare for pickup — Bring a leash, carrier, or appropriate transport
  4. Post-adoption follow-up — Some organizations schedule check-ins

What to Do If Denied

If your application is denied:

  1. Ask for feedback — Politely inquire about the reason if not provided
  2. Address the issue — If the reason is fixable (e.g., landlord permission), you may reapply later
  3. Look for other pets — Browse the directory for a better match
  4. Don't give up — The right pet for your home is out there

Post-Adoption Resources

After a successful adoption, visit the Post-Adoption Resources section of the help center for:

  • New pet owner checklists
  • Vaccination and microchip schedules
  • Behavioral training resources
  • Community support groups
  • How to share your adoption success story

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