How to Adopt from AAE in El Dorado Hills, California

Thinking about adding a horse to your family and want to know what to expect? AAE will guide you through the whole process! Our adoption program strives to match each potential adopter to the right horse based upon the adopter's age, height, personality type, riding experience, riding goals, etc. We want both the owner and the horse to be completely happy, with the goal that the adoption home is truly the horse's forever (and last) home. 

The first step is to submit an Adoption Inquiry.  AAE will consider available horses for a match.  If potential horses are identified, AAE will contact you for additional information and scheduling a visit to AAE.  If no potential horses are identified, AAE will follow up with further inquiry to see if 

Once the right match is found, the potential adopter moves forward by completing AAE's Adoption Questionnaire and Agreement. A checklist is included to assure potential adopter completes all steps.  The potential adopter should submit the adoption questionnaire, agreement, photos, and a $100 non-refundable deposit (applies to the adoption fee) to the AAE Adoption Coordinator.  Adopter references should be contacted to give them notice of pending contact by AAE and permission to discuss.

Upon receipt of complete adoption packet, AAE reviews the application, conducts a reference check and performs a housing evaluation, which may include a home visit. The process typically takes three to five days, but depends predominantly on the timely responses from references. If the application is approved, the adopter coordinates a pick-up date and transportation.  Thebalance of the adoption fee is paid via cash or bank check/money order at the time of pick-up.  AAE has limited ability to assist with transportation; however, additional costs will apply.

Why an adoption fee? At the time of adoption, AAE horses are current with vaccines, deworming hoof and dental care, and they have microchips in place.  Horse's DNA has been analyzed, as well.  Additionally, any known or suspected health issues have been evaluated and treated, to the extent feasible.  Adoption fees are one of AAE’s program funding sources for recouping some of the costs associated with the rescue and ongoing care and maintenance of our horses (e.g. feed/supplements, veterinary care, hoof and dental care, deworming, vaccinations, microchipping, DNA, transportation, etc.).  By recouping some of our costs, adoption fees provide an opportunity for future and ongoing rescue efforts. AAE's adoption fees typically start at $550 and vary based on a multitude of factors, including the horse’s age, type, health status, soundness, training and experience.  

If you are interested in adopting one of these beautiful animals, please visit Our Horses to view our current adoptable horses, then submit an Adoption Inquiry.   .