Pre-Adoption
Certification Program
Our Program
The Not Today Pre-Adoption Certification Program is designed to prevent impulsive pet acquisition and ensure responsible, long-term ownership.
This program introduces a structured process that prepares individuals before they take a pet home.
Why this program exists
Companion animal abandonment is often not caused by a lack of care, but by a lack of preparation.
Many pets are acquired impulsively, without fully understanding the long-term responsibility involved.
This program is designed to shift adoption from an emotional decision to an informed and responsible commitment.
The goal is not to restrict adoption, but to ensure that every pet is placed in a prepared and capable home.
How it works
1. Visit a pet shop or animal shelter
(animal shelters are recommended)
2. Register your application
3. Begin the mandatory 6-weeks waiting period
4. Complete the education program
5. Pass the certification assessment
6. Receive your adoption license
Application
Requirements
Before certification, applicants must submit:
-
criminal record review
-
annual income estimate
-
housing situation
-
time availability & work schedule
-
household Member Agreement
-
self allergy status
-
household member allergy status
-
prior pet experience
-
personal statement
-
explaining why they want a pet
This application helps ensure that the adopter is
financially, physically, and emotionally prepared for ownership.
6-week Course Curriculum
During the waiting period, all applicants must complete the following modules:
Module 1:
The Reality Behind Pet Shops
Why this matters
Learn how puppy mills, pet shop supply chains, and poor breeding conditions affect animal health and behavior.
What you will see
-
puppy mill structure
-
pet shop supply process
-
health and behavior problems
-
real videos and news reports
Check your understanding
- Multiple-choice questions
- Short written response
Module 2:
The Reality of Abandonment
Why this matters
Understand what happens when pets are abandoned and why shelters are already overwhelmed.
What you will see
-
abandonment statistics
-
shelter conditions
-
euthanasia realities
-
real abandonment cases
Check your understanding
- Quiz
- Reflection response
Module 3:
The True Cost of Ownership
Why this matters
Learn the real financial responsibility
of owning a pet.
What you will see
-
initial costs
-
food and supplies
-
veterinary expenses
-
lifetime cost estimates
-
emergency cost scenarios
-
vaccination schedule (puppy basics)
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common diseases (parvo, tick-borne diseases, coronavirus)
-
preventive care (check-ups, parasite control)
Check your understanding
- Budget calculation
- Scenario-based questions
Module 4:
Lifetime Responsibility
Why this matters
Pet ownership is a long-term commitment that includes care, aging, illness, and death.
What you will see
-
10–15 year responsibility
-
daily care expectations
-
senior care
-
basic pet first aid & CPR training
-
end-of-life care
-
owner interviews and farewell stories
Check your understanding
- Short written response
Module 5:
Pet Development & Training
Why this matters
Learn what pets need at different life stages and how to handle common behavior issues.
What you will see
-
socialization stages
-
training stages
-
potty training
-
barking
-
separation anxiety
-
real behavior problem cases
Check your understanding
- Match the stage to the need
- Scenario response
Module 6:
Decision Check
Why this matters
This is the final step before certification.
What you will see
-
complete a background check
-
submit a personal statement
-
answer scenario-based questions
-
pass a final quiz
Examples
Q. Your dog barks loudly every night
and your neighbors start complaining. Despite trying basic training,
the problem continues.
What would you do?
Q. You get a new job that requires you to be away from home for 10–12 hours a day.
Your pet starts showing signs of stress
and anxiety. What would you do?
Certification
Outcome
Only individuals who successfully complete the program will receive an Adoption License.
This license is required before taking a pet home.
Applicants who do not pass must repeat the program before reapplying.
No certification, no adoption.
Who Runs
This Program?
This program is implemented through collaboration between:
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Local governments – establish and enforce the system
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Animal welfare organizations – develop and deliver education programs
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Certified institutions – administer training and assessments
Together, they ensure the system is both effective and sustainable.
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Support the Change. Make Adoptions Responsible.
