Da Vinci’s Dream is a foster-based nonprofit animal rescue based in Kentucky. We are a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to rescuing cats and dogs from high-risk shelters, difficult situations, and off the streets, then placing them in loving forever homes through a careful adoption process.
Unlike a traditional shelter, our animals live in foster homes rather than a public facility. This allows us to learn more about each animal’s personality, habits, and needs in a home environment so we can make thoughtful matches for long-term success.
Yes. Da Vinci’s Dream is entirely volunteer-run. Because our team is small and all applications are reviewed manually, response times can vary depending on application volume and foster coordination.
Our rescue is based in Kentucky, and our animals remain in foster homes throughout the region until adoption day.
No. We are entirely foster-based and do not operate a public shelter facility. Because our animals live in private foster homes, visits are arranged only after an application is approved.
Da Vinci’s Dream is a board-governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue organization. Learn more about our leadership structure and governance here.
To adopt, complete the adoption application on our website. Applications are reviewed carefully, and if selected, we will contact you to move forward with the next steps.
Our adoption process begins with a completed application. We review all applications for each animal and work closely with fosters to determine the best fit based on the animal’s needs, personality, and long-term success in the home.
Because our animals are in foster homes, we require an approved application before scheduling a meet-and-greet. This helps protect volunteer time, respects foster schedules, and allows us to focus on serious applicants.
We review all completed applications for each animal and work with foster input to choose the home that best fits that animal’s personality, needs, and long-term success.
Most applications are reviewed within 10–15 days, though response times can vary depending on application volume and volunteer availability.
As a volunteer-run foster-based rescue, every application is reviewed individually. We also coordinate with fosters, who know the animals best, before making placement decisions.
Because we are volunteer-run and receive a high volume of applications, we do not send individual denial emails. If you do not hear from us within 10–15 days, it means we've decided not to move forward with your application or another application has been selected for that animal.
To respect volunteer time and focus our efforts on active placements, we do not send individual denial notices. This policy is explained on our application and automated confirmation messages.
No. Submitting an application does not place a hold and does not guarantee approval.
Yes. If you do not hear from us within 10–15 days, you are welcome to apply for another animal that may be a better fit.
If an animal is still listed as available, applications may still be under review and a final selection may not yet have been made. If an animal is marked “Pending Adoption,” it means an applicant has been selected and the animal is awaiting a meet-and-greet or scheduled transport before the adoption is finalized. Because adoptions are not considered final until the animal is physically picked up and paperwork is completed, availability can occasionally change.
Pre-adoption follows the same application process as adoption. The only difference is that the animal cannot go home until old enough to leave its mother or complete required age-based veterinary milestones.
Because animals are in separate foster homes, coordinating multiple meetings requires significant volunteer time and foster travel. Approved applications help us focus on the best possible match first.
For local appointments, we may coordinate a limited number of animals depending on foster availability. For transport meet-ups, only one animal is typically scheduled.
No. Because we are foster-based, an approved application is required before scheduling a visit.
We accept online payment by credit card or PayPal.
Payment and adoption paperwork are completed when you are present and ready to take the animal home. If preferred, payment and paperwork may also be completed in advance.
Adoption fees help cover veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchipping, food, transport, and rescue operations.
Adoption fees help cover age-appropriate veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping, and other rescue-related expenses.
Fees can vary depending on age, veterinary needs, breed type, and transport requirements.
Yes. We regularly adopt to families in multiple states.
Animals remain in Kentucky foster homes until adoption day. Some listings appear in transport cities to help reach adopters in those areas.
State law requires a health certificate before an animal crosses state lines.
The additional fee helps cover the required health certificate and transport-related expenses.
Yes. State law requires a health certificate for all out-of-state adoptions, regardless of whether you personally pick up your adopted animal in Kentucky. This certificate must be issued before the animal can legally cross state lines and helps ensure your pet is cleared for travel.
Once a health certificate is issued and transport space is reserved, those costs are paid in advance whether or not adoption is finalized.
The animal returns with the transport team, but transport-related costs already paid remain non-refundable.
Not always. If house training is not specifically mentioned in a dog’s write-up, adopters should expect that continued routine, patience, and training may be needed.
Not always. Many rescue animals come from difficult backgrounds and may still be learning basic leash skills.
Adjustment takes time. New environments, routines, and family members can temporarily affect behavior while an animal settles in.
We share what fosters observe, but behavior can change in a new home environment.
We determine breed based on a combination of factors including appearance, size, age, and veterinary guidance. If a dog comes to us from a shelter or rescue partner, we also use the intake paperwork and breed information provided at the time of transfer.
Because we do not perform DNA testing, breed identification is always our best estimate and cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. Adopters receive available medical records for their adopted animal, including vaccinations, spay/neuter information when applicable, and other medical care completed while the animal was in our care. Medical records are emailed to the adopter as part of the adoption process so they can be shared with their veterinarian for continued care.
If at any time you are no longer able to keep an animal adopted from Da Vinci’s Dream, the animal must be returned to us as stated in the adoption contract. Our goal is to ensure every animal remains safe and properly placed, and we do not allow adopted animals to be rehomed privately, surrendered to another shelter, or given away.
Adopters must be at least 25 years old.
Adoption fees help cover veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchipping, food, transport, and rescue operations.
Yes, animals receive age-appropriate veterinary care before adoption.
Yes. Da Vinci’s Dream is entirely volunteer-run, and we appreciate patience during busy periods.
Animals that meet age and weight requirements are spayed or neutered before adoption whenever possible. Puppies over 4 months old and 4 pounds, and kittens over 3 months old and 3 pounds, will typically be altered while in our care.
If a puppy or kitten has not yet reached the required age or weight at the time of adoption, the adopter will be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of the spay or neuter procedure once the animal is medically ready.
Adopters are required to provide Da Vinci’s Dream with proof that the procedure has been completed, such as a veterinary receipt. Our team follows up to confirm completion as part of our commitment to responsible pet ownership.
Failure to comply with this requirement is considered a breach of the adoption contract, and Da Vinci’s Dream reserves the right to reclaim the animal if necessary.
“After I submitted my application, they called to verify information, arranged a meet and greet, and even followed up after adoption to see how our dog was adjusting. It was clear they truly cared about making the right match.”
Erica K.
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