1) Reserve the animal you’d like to trial adopt

Start by reserving the animal you’re interested in. This lets us temporarily hold that animal for your application process.

What you’ll do:

• View the animal’s profile

• Select Reserve

• Follow the steps shown on screen

2) Choose the right form after reserving

After reserving, you’ll be directed to a page where you can choose the correct application:

• Adoption Form (standard adoption)

• Trial Adoption Form (one-month trial)

Please complete the form as fully as you can — it helps us match animals safely and responsibly.

3) We arrange a visit for vetting

Once we receive your form, we’ll contact you to arrange a visit. This is part of our vetting process and helps us ensure the setup is suitable and safe.

During vetting we may review:

• Your setup/environment for the species

• Husbandry plan (space, heating/lighting, diet, enrichment, etc.)

• Any experience you have (or support you’ll need)

• Household considerations (children, other animals, routines)

4) If all checks pass, you can take the animal home

If everything passes — including ID checks — we’ll confirm your trial adoption and arrange the handover so the animal can go home with you.

We’ll also share any relevant care notes and guidance to support a smooth transition.

Important Notices

You must have the correct setup

You cannot proceed with a trial adoption if you don’t have the correct, safe setup for that animal.

This protects the animal from stress, injury, or inappropriate living conditions, and protects you from taking on a situation you’re not ready for.

If you’re unsure what’s required: please contact us.

Trial adoptions last 1 month

A trial adoption is for 1 month only. This month is for:

• Settling-in time

• Monitoring behaviour, routine, and compatibility

• Making sure the animal is truly a fit for your home

At the end of the month, we’ll agree one of the following:

• Confirm full adoption, or

• Arrange a return to APES if it’s not the right match

Our goal is a stable, lifelong outcome, and sometimes the kindest choice is recognising a mismatch early.

What we look for in a great trial home

• Safe, species-appropriate setup in place before the animal arrives

• Willingness to follow guidance and care requirements

• Commitment to the animal’s welfare (even if the outcome is “not the right fit”)

• Honest communication throughout the month