Rescue is not for someone looking for a bargain deal on their next horse. In many instances, rescue horses can be much more expensive than buying a horse from a private party or breeder. Some horses that are sent to slaughter may have problems that their previous "owner" did not want to address, e.g.., lameness, disposition, lack of training, etc. Many have been neglected, starved, or abused. However, some of these horses do not have any problems and simply were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Rescue can be a risk; if you are willing to save a slaughter-bound horse you need to be prepared to take the good with the bad. Rescue should not be "bargain shopping", it is about saving the horse and providing the horse with a better life. With that in mind please read the following CBER procedures for adoption:

1) Adopters need to carefully think over whether they are able and willing, both financially and physically, to take on the expense and the needs of a rescue horse. Besides the initial cost of the horse, there is the initial quarantine followed by the ongoing expenses of owning a horse such as feed, farrier, vet, bedding, plus a lot of time and labor.

2) Fill out an online adoption application. Personal references are required, as well as veterinarian and farrier references. First time horse-owners are welcome to adopt an appropriate horse if they have the support from someone knowledgeable about horses and their care. This is for the safety of both the horse and the adopter. In the best interests of the horse and the adopter, we will try to ensure the experience level of the adopter matches the horse, unless they have continued professional help. Photos must be provided of where the horse will be kept, and a site may be done as well. Horses must have adequate shelter, feed, and water at all times. If horse is boarded, the application team will talk with the barn owner and go over either the facilities website, or photos of their facility.

3) To inquire about a horse available for adoption, contact the PS (Placement Specialist) at the email address on the horse's website listing. The PS can provide information regarding availability and can also help you with questions. Please keep in mind that the PS will also try to determine if the horse selected is an appropriate match. This can be difficult at times, as often a horse can behave very differently once out of the frightening environment of the feedlot.

4) Pay for the horse. There are several ways to do this: Paypal, where a 3% fee must be included, via the CBER Store online (which has a lesser fee and a credit card can be used in a secure transaction), or pay in cash when the horse is picked up. Confirm payment with the PS by sending them a copy of the receipt you receive for online payment to finalize the adoption.

5) Make arrangements for mandatory quarantine at a CBER approved local facility (where there is prior agreement for board, any meds and/or vet care required, making sure the cost is agreed to in advance). Strict quarantine protocol has been advised by the WA State Vet and must be followed to prevent the spread of disease and to ensure the safety of all animals. The cost for this may be as low as one month of board, plus vaccinations and vet visits ( approximately $250-350), or as high as several thousand dollars if the horse becomes sick and needs medical care in a veterinary facility. Please remember that horses going out of state require different health documents depending on the state the horse is being taken to, and are arranged by and at the expense of the adopter. These may include: Coggins Test, Health Certificate, and Brand Inspection Slip. If a professional hauler is used, it must be arranged and paid for by the adopter. CBER can assist in giving contact information for haulers, but is in no way making a waranty, implied or otherwise, for any company that the adopter may be referred to.

Adopted horses must leave the lot immediately after adoption and go into mandatory quarantine. Public boarding and training facilities often do not want horses coming in that have possibly been exposed to disease, and it is the adopter's responsibility to notify the facilities and to follow all their requirements if boarding the horse. If the adopter is planning on keeping the horse at a public or private boarding facility that is not their own, CBER requires a written release, signed by the barn owner/manager, as proof that they have been informed regarding the origin of the horse, and that they are allowing said horse to be boarded at their facility.