Deferred Adoption: Play & Stay Program

Forever doesn’t have to start all at once — sometimes it starts with getting to know each other.

Our Deferred Adoption (Play & Stay) program allows potential adopters to take a dog or cat home for a short trial period before making a lifelong commitment. This program functions as a foster-to-adopt option - ran under our customer service staff instead of our foster coordinators, and is designed to ensure the best possible match for both the pet and the family.

Through Play & Stay, a potential adopter may take a dog or cat home for up to 2–3 weeks to see how the pet fits into their home, routine, and lifestyle.

During this time:

• The pet remains in the custody of FWACC

• Medical care, including illness or spay/neuter needs, continues to be provided through our shelters

• Behavior support and guidance remain available to help set everyone up for success

At the end of the trial period:

• If it’s a match, the adoption is finalized 🎉

• If it’s not the right fit, that’s okay too — our priority is finding the right forever home

All available animals are eligible for the Play & Stay program, including:

• Pets at Shelter

  • Available Pets

  • Pets that may not be old enough for adoption yet

• Pets at PetSmart Adoption Centers

• Pets in foster homes

The Play & Stay program is a great tool for fosters when someone expresses interest in their foster pet but isn’t quite ready to commit.

If you have:

• A friend

• A neighbor

• A family member

• Someone who has met your foster and wants to “try it out”

This program allows them to take your foster pet home for a trial period while still receiving full support from FWACC.

Important to know:

• The potential adopter must still visit the shelter or one of our PetSmart locations to complete the Play & Stay process

• Once approved, they may take the pet home for the trial period

• During this time, FWACC continues to provide medical care and support as needed

Play & Stay helps:

• Reduce returned adoptions

• Build confidence for adopters

• Create smoother transitions for pets

• Give fosters peace of mind knowing support remains in place

Most importantly, it puts the focus where it belongs — on finding the right match, not rushing the process.

If you have someone interested in your foster pet and think Play & Stay may be a good option, reach out to the foster team or direct the potential adopter to visit the shelter or a PetSmart Adoption Center to get started.

Forever starts with getting to know each other — and Play & Stay gives everyone the space to do just that. 💙