Rescue • Rehab • Rehome

Give a Rescue a Forever Home

A thoughtful match can change two lives: yours and the animal who finds a safe, lasting home.

The Phoenyx Farm and Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping neglected, starved, and abused animals. We provide rescue, rehabilitation, education, sanctuary, and adoption services, and promote humane, natural methods of animal care and training.

Thank you for your interest in our rescue and adoption program. Our goal is to find a suitable, permanent home for each adoptable animal. Please complete the application with as much detail as possible so our team can understand your experience, plans, and the home you can offer.

What to expect

Submit the application below with complete contact information and references.
Our team reviews the information and may contact your references, veterinarian, and farrier.
A farm or premises inspection is part of the adoption process. We may arrange additional visits as needed to support a successful placement.
We will contact you about the application decision and next steps. Adoption fees are due when an adopter is approved and agrees to adopt; payment arrangements are not accepted.

Adoption fees support the rescue program and help care for animals who need assistance. They are only a fraction of the cost of rehabilitation and care. Thank you for helping make another rescue possible.

Please note: Some horses may have limitations, including partial blindness, lameness, or behavioral issues, because many have been rescued from difficult situations. The application asks you to describe limitations you can accept and the care you can provide. Adoption is subject to approval and a suitable match.

Adoption Application & Contract

The information submitted on this contract is confidential. The Phoenyx Farm and Sanctuary is committed to matching adoptable animals with the right owner(s) and in a setting which ensures a happy life for both, therefore we must ask for detailed information. Thank you for cooperating and for understanding the sensitivity in this process.

Applicant information

Full name *

Date *

Phone number *

Work phone

Email *

Home address *

Mailing address (if different)

Name of animal you are interested in adopting *

Why do you wish to adopt this animal? *

Have you ever or do you currently own a horse? *

If yes, how long have you owned your horse(s)?

How many hours per day can you devote to your horse? *

Will you be the primary handler/rider? *

Age *

Are there children in the household? *

If yes, list ages

Limitations you do not wish to accept

Limitations you have experience with and would be willing to accept

For an untrained horse, are you willing to pay for a trainer if needed? *

If yes, trainer name and phone

Will the horse be boarded or housed on your own property? *

If boarding facility, give name, address, and contact number

Do you own or lease property? *

Number of acres

What type of fencing is present?

References & animal care contacts

Please provide two references, not related to you, that have information about your capability to care for an adopted animal.

Reference 1 name *

Reference 1 phone *

Reference 1 address

Reference 2 name *

Reference 2 phone *

Reference 2 address

Veterinarian name and phone *

Farrier name and phone *

Have you ever sold an animal through an auction? *

If yes, please explain

Have you ever been convicted of animal cruelty? *

Can you financially provide for this animal for the rest of its life? Horse ownership can exceed $300-$500/month. *

Anything else you would like us to know about your unique suitability as an adopter?

Contract terms

Required level of care. Adoption horses should receive the highest standards of care. Annual spring and fall shots and current Coggins are required, including Rabies, West Nile, Eastern/Western, Tetanus, Rhino, Potomac, and Influenza, unless otherwise noted by the veterinarian. De-worm by paste every three months, rotating types unless otherwise noted by the veterinarian. Provide at least eight hours of daily turnout unless weather is dangerous; call a veterinarian for illness or serious injury; provide qualified farrier care at intervals no longer than eight weeks; clean feet regularly; provide required feed plus good quality grass or hay and unlimited fresh water. A stagnant pond or creek is not an acceptable primary water source. Teeth must be checked and floated as needed annually. Do not work the horse beyond physical limitations or put it in harm's way.

The horse must have at least one acre of clear-cut pasture with shelter and shade, and a three-sided shed in the paddock. Stall access is preferred for emergencies or layup. Acceptable fencing is required; barbed wire is not acceptable. Facility requirements may vary by horse, region, and weather. An adopted horse may not be rehomed, sold at livestock auction, or sold to slaughter. If the adopter can no longer care for the horse, it must be returned to The Phoenyx Farm and Sanctuary immediately. Contact the Sanctuary if the horse must move facilities, dies, or becomes seriously injured or ill. A veterinary check before departure is advised; all costs after departure, including return transportation, are the adopter's responsibility. The Sanctuary is not responsible for accidents or injuries after the animal leaves. The horse must be returned at any time if the adopter can no longer provide a loving, forever home. The adopted animal may not be used for breeding.

Disclosure and release. The adopter understands that animals respond differently from humans; animal actions may be unpredictable; children must be closely supervised around animals; behavior may change after leaving the Sanctuary; and an animal in a new environment needs at least seven days to acclimate before being ridden, if rideable. Statements about an animal are opinions offered as a courtesy, not warranties about temperament, health, mental disposition, or suitability. The adopter releases, discharges, indemnifies, and holds harmless The Phoenyx Farm and Sanctuary from claims, damages, losses, or causes of action asserted by the adopter or third parties for injury or damage caused directly or indirectly by the animal.

The Sanctuary may recover an animal that is abused, abandoned, neglected, starved, or mistreated. The adopter agrees to the required level of care and return of the animal at the adopter's expense if care requirements are not met. The supplied contract states an additional $5,000 plus attorneys' fees and legal costs for breach, and binding final arbitration through the American Arbitration Association in Maryland.

By signing, the adopter certifies they are over 21, the information is truthful to the best of their knowledge, and they have no prior violations or convictions for inhumane treatment of animals. The adopter consents to reference and veterinarian/farrier checks. The Sanctuary reserves the right to refuse adoption if it deems the animal and adopter unsuitable. Adoption fees are due when approved and agreed; payment arrangements are not accepted. A pre-adoption premises visit is required, and further visits may be made to ensure a successful placement.

I agree that if I can no longer provide quality care for this animal, I must return the animal to The Phoenyx Farm and Sanctuary and adoption fees will not be refunded. *

I have read and agree to the adoption terms shown above, including the required level of care and disclosure/release. *

Print full legal name for signature *

Electronic signature (type full legal name) *

Date *

Initials: return agreement *

Initials: required level of care *

Initials: disclosure and release *