Imagine stepping into a large room and finding that everywhere you look were hundreds of dogs, with their tails wagging and eager to play. For any little kid who’s been asking for a pet every birthday and Christmas, it’s a dream. For those seeking to add a furry member to their family, it’s the chance to find the perfect fit.

On June 7, Always Adopt will host its 6th Super Dog Adoption Day at Balise Toyota of Warwick. For those that have been pre-screened, entry begins at 10 a.m. to have “pick of the pups.” Other potential adopters, or those just interested in looking around, will be admitted at noon.

Louise Nicolosi, founder of Always Adopt and owner of a rescue dog named Harley who’s “14 and going strong,” spoke about the event and the adoption process. She emphasized the importance of pre-screening and explained the organization is “all about responsible adoptions.

An application for pre-screening can be found and filled out at Always Adopt’s website, and it is then sent to be reviewed by 28 screening coordinators, all of who are volunteers. References are contacted before an interview is conducted with the applicant. Once approved, they are sent paperwork to bring to the event and given exclusive entry at 10 a.m. to begin their search for the puppy they can take home that day.

Nicolosi also specified that the shelters and rescues the dogs come from “have to be based in Rhode Island.” However, some of the shelters do have southern partners that send dogs to Rhode Island. Each shelter and rescue at the event honors Always Adopt’s pre-screening, but they do have their own policies. Some require a home visit prior to official adoption, or may check in one or two months later to see how the dog is adjusting to its new family, and vice versa. Shelters and rescues want to ensure that dogs once under their care are as safe, healthy and happy as possible.

Three veterinarians and six trainers will attend the event to answer questions adopters may have. Their contact information will be distributed, in case issues or concerns arise later on. Nicolosi explained that there’s “always a lot of follow up” to make sure that the big step of welcoming a new member into someone’s household is a smooth transition.

For the owners that adopt at events, a special Facebook group has been made to share pictures and interact with other adopters. People go on and “want to try and find brothers and sisters” of their new pets, and reunions have even been planned. A separate Facebook account has pictures of some dogs that will be at upcoming adoption events so those interested can go on beforehand.

With more than 250 dogs expected to be at the upcoming event, Nicolosi could hardly handle it all alone. She does not have to. Between former adopters, newcomers, and constant supporters, 150 volunteers are expected to help. “A lot of people are passionate about saving these dogs,” Nicolosi said. On May 31, 2014, when Adopt Always last held an event at Balise, more than 1,000 people attended.

The Super Dog Adoption Day will be open to the public from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 7. Admission is free. For information about pre-screening and adopting can be found at alwaysadopt.com.