How To Adopt


Alaska Equine Rescue is grateful to all those who inquire about adopting one of these special animals.  Acquiring a horse under any circumstances, whether you adopt it from us, purchase it, or rescue it yourself, is a very serious commitment.  Here are the guidelines and procedures established by AER for adoption one of our special equine friends:

The application / adoption process includes:
  • A written application submitted by the applicant for review by the board.          (Click here for Application for Adoption) (Print out, complete, mail in to Alaska Equine Rescue, P.O. Box 771174, Eagle River, AK 99577) 
  • All references checked
  • One or more interviews with the applicant
  • One or more site visits to the applicant’s facility
  • If approved, a signed humane care contract                                                   (Click here for sample contract)  (sample only)
  • An on-going cooperative relationship and open communications between AER and the adoption home, including periodic welfare checks.

Adoption Guidelines—Adoption homes should have:
  • Shelter - Safe and sturdy shelter, adequate in size for the number of horses to be maintained. The shelter does not normally need to be an enclosed barn, but it should be sturdy, capable of withstanding snow loads and wind (no tarps or lightweight pole barns), and should have adequate footing (that doesn't turn into a small pond when it rains).
  • Fencing - Safe and sturdy fencing must be in place. Staking out at any time is discouraged and it is not allowed as a permanent form of containment. Fencing may include most commercial materials, including electric fencing. Barbed wire is not permitted.
  • Adequate Turnout Space - Safe and adequate space for the horse to go outside and self-exercise must be available. The horse may not be stalled all the time.
  • Water - fresh, clean, potable, unfrozen water must be available to the horse at all times
  • Feed and Hay - Clean, wholesome, nutritious hay, of a type as recommended at the time of adoption, must be provided to the horse, in a quantity sufficient to keep the animal healthy and in good health. Also, if recommended at the time of adoption, clean, wholesome and appropriate portions of a concentrate or grain must be provided to the horse, in keeping with the age, breed, size, condition, and work load of the animal and as necessary to keep the animal healthy and in good weight and health. Later changes in the feeding program may be made to meet any changing needs of the horse, but may not compromise the health and welfare of the horse.
  • Financial Responsibility - Adoption homes must be able to afford the cost of responsible and humane horse care.  In addition to the aforementioned items, typical responsibilities include veterinary care, shoeing or trimming, supplies and equipment, and a clean, wholesome, safe environment for the horse.
  • A Good Match - The temperament, athletic ability or limitations, age, size, nutritional requirements, veterinary and farrier requirements, and other characteristics of the horse must be a good match for the adoption family.
  • Humane Care Contract - Adoption homes must be willing to sign and abide by the terms of our humane care contract, which entitles AER to monitor the well-being of the horse and maintain access rights at all times to do so.  Failure, inability, or unwillingness to comply with any terms in the humane care contract may result in the horse being returned to AER.

AER reserves the right to approve or decline an adoption application, for any reason, at its own discretion based on its evaluation of what is in the best interests of the horse.  Adoption is not a bid process or a first-come, first-served process.  Our goal is to find a home that is a good fit for the physical/athletic, nutritional, and mental/emotional well-being of the horse with an owner who is able to provide the appropriate care, facility, feed and hay, veterinary and farrier care, and who is willing to make along-term,  responsible and humane commitment to the horse.

The Horse and Its Records
Alaska Equine Rescue makes all known medical and farrier information and records available to the new adoption home, and encourages applicants to speak with the attending veterinarian and/or farrier, especially if there are any special circumstances or needs of the horse.  Applicants are encouraged to obtain an independent veterinary examination at their own expense prior to final adoption.  If they decline to do so, it will be so noted on their humane care contract.

Alaska Equine Rescue believes in matching up horses with people for a harmonious partnership, and will reveal any and all training and/or behavioral issues to the best of our knowledge to prospective adopters.

After The Adoption
Alaska Equine Rescue maintains a vested interest in the welfare of the horse after the adoption, in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the humane care contract.  We look forward to staying in touch with our adopted horses and their new homes.