Adopting a pet is an exciting and meaningful decision—and choosing the right rescue is an important part of that journey.
At Da Vinci’s Dream, we believe in being transparent about how we operate so you know exactly what to expect when you apply to adopt. Our process is designed with one goal in mind: creating the best possible match between each animal and their future home.
Da Vinci’s Dream is a foster-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue based in Kentucky. Every dog and cat in our care lives in a home environment, allowing us to better understand their personality, needs, and behavior.
This approach helps us provide adopters with accurate information and set both animals and families up for long-term success.
Unlike many shelters, we are not first-come, first-served.
Instead, we carefully review each application to determine the best overall fit for the individual animal. We take into account:
Our goal is not just to place animals quickly—but to place them right.
As a volunteer-run organization, our application review process typically takes 10–15 days, depending on the number of applications we receive.
Every application is thoughtfully reviewed, often in collaboration with the animal’s foster, who knows them best.
If you are selected as the best match for a dog or cat, a member of our team will reach out to move forward.
We understand that waiting can be difficult, and we want to be upfront about our process.
Due to the volume of applications we receive and the size of our volunteer team, we are not always able to respond individually to applicants who are not selected.
If you do not hear from us within 10–15 days, it means we have moved forward with another applicant for that specific animal.
We always encourage you to apply for other pets who may be a better fit—each animal is matched individually, and the right match makes all the difference.
All of our dogs and cats remain in foster homes in Kentucky, even if they are listed in other locations.
We coordinate scheduled transport to designated meeting locations for approved adopters. This allows us to reach families in multiple states while still maintaining a foster-based model that prioritizes each animal’s well-being.
Families who adopt from Da Vinci’s Dream often share that:
You can read more about these experiences on our Reviews page and through our adoption stories.
We know our process may feel different from some rescues—and at times, it may require a bit more patience.
However, this approach leads to stronger matches, smoother transitions, and better long-term outcomes for both animals and adopters.
Taking the time to do things thoughtfully helps ensure that when a pet goes home, they are truly home for good.
We are committed to:
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief:
Every animal deserves not just a home—but the right home.
If you’re searching for Da Vinci’s Dream reviews or wondering what it’s like to adopt from our rescue, we hope this page gives you a clear and honest understanding of our process.
