Adopt

IMPORTANT: We are currently unable to adopt to MA or ME residents due to strict quarantine laws. Thank you for your understanding.

Adopting a dog from Paws Rescue League is a commitment for life. While we always take a dog back into our care if an adoption should not work out, know that we expect you to do everything in your power to address the problem first, including seeking professional training. We will provide you with support and resources to be successful, but your commitment is crucial to success.

BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO ADOPT...

Before adopting a dog, it's essential to take a step back and assess your lifestyle to determine the best fit for you and your family. Be transparent about your current routine, living situation, and ability to provide the necessary care and attention a dog requires. Consider what type of dog would thrive in your household and suit your family's needs. It's also crucial to be realistic about what changes you are willing and able to make to accommodate a new furry friend.

Deciding to add a dog to your family is exciting, but can be overwhelming as well. Our goal is to learn as much about you as possible, so that we can carefully match you with a dog that is compatible with your family and living situation.

WHAT TYPE OF DOG FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE?

To find the right canine companion, it's essential to do your research and gather information about different breeds and their characteristics/needs. Consider factors such as temperament, energy level, and grooming needs to determine which breed is the best fit for you and your family. Some breeds are highly social and require constant companionship, while others are more independent and strong-willed.

Additionally, consider what age group you are interested in. Puppies are super cute, but they require a lot of work and training to set them for success. If you don't have the bandwidth for a puppy, perhaps a young adult or senior dog is a better fit for your lifestyle.

Before proceeding with the adoption process, please consider the following:

Are you able to make a LIFETIME commitment to a dog? Most dogs, with good care, can live to be 10-15 years old and even older.
Are you familiar with the care and exercise (physical and mental) a dog needs?
Will you be able to financially provide veterinary care for the dog?
Do you work long hours? If so, do you have a plan in place to ensure your dog receives adequate exercise, potty breaks, and attention?
Should behavioral issues arise, are you prepared to dedicate time and financial resources towards training, including hiring a professional trainer if necessary?
What major changes might happen in your life in the next 10-15 years? Marriage? Children? Are you committed to the dog's wellbeing regardless of life changes?

Please read our adoption process BEFORE applying
Once we receive your adoption application, we will complete a background check, personal and vet reference check, and verification of home ownership (or verification of landlord approval, if you rent). Next, an Adoption Coordinator will contact you to schedule a virtual home visit. Assuming the home visit goes well, your application will then be approved. Lastly, you will be evaluated for compatibility with the dogs you have expressed interest in, as well as other dogs that may be a good fit for your lifestyle. While you may have a specific dog in mind, meeting that dog is not guaranteed, as applications are processed in the order they are received. Ultimately, the goal of Paws Rescue League is to find the best possible match for each dog, ensuring their long-term success in a new home.

Step One: Find the Right Dog
Browse our adoptable dog profiles online or meet them in person at one of our adoption events. Before adopting, consider your lifestyle and discuss with family members to determine the ideal dog breed(s), age, and size for your home.

adoptable dogs

Step Two: Complete the Application
We review each application carefully to match you with a compatible dog. Note that submitting an application does not guarantee adoption, and multiple applications may be received for one dog. One your application has been approved, we will schedule a Meet & Greet.

adoption application

Step Three: Bring Home Your New Pup!
Review your adoption packet for helpful resources. Schedule a vet visit within a few weeks and maintain up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick control. Share your Happy Tail stories and photos on our Facebook Alumni page - we love updates!

Your application will be reviewed by an Adoption Coordinator. If any information on the application is incomplete or determined to be false, it will NOT be reviewed.
We require three non-family personal references, such as friends, coworkers, or neighbors. Please provide accurate contact information for each reference, as we will be contacting them directly. This step helps us gain a better understanding of your lifestyle and suitability for dog ownership.
Please notify your veterinarian that we will be contacting them to verify the vaccination records and medical history of your current and previous pets. This allows them to prepare for our call and expedite the verification process. If we're unable to reach your vet, please have past and current veterinary paperwork readily available for review.
We conduct home visits to ensure our dogs are placed in safe and loving environments. These brief tours, which may be virtual or in-person depending on location and availability, allow us to assess the suitability of your home for a dog's size and breed. We will also discuss your lifestyle, needs, and ideal companion to find the best match for your family. Please ensure all decision-making adults are present during the visit.
We require all dogs in the potential adopter’s home to be current on all vaccinations and spayed or neutered.

Adoption Requirements

Adopter must be 21 years of age or older. Exceptions are made for applicants under 21, but only if a guardian or homeowner applies and participates in the required home visit. This policy helps ensure a suitable living environment for our adoptable pets and facilitates successful matches.
Assume responsibility for humane care to include proper food, water, shelter, regular exercise, veterinary care, and provide heartworm and flea/tick prevention year-round.
Keep current pets up to date on vaccinations and vet care.
Treat the dog as in indoor dog, and allow the dog to reside indoors freely at all times
Use appropriate training methods and refrain from using any form of physical punishment.
Relinquish custody of the dog to Paws Rescue League Inc. only, no refund of the adoption fee will be granted.
Our dogs (over 6 months of age) are sterilized before adoption. If too young to sterilize before adoption, the adopter agrees to abide by the Adoption Contract and have the dog sterilized by the date in the contract. Proof of sterilization must be provided within 30 days of sterilization. In the event of the Adopter's failure to provide such proof of sterilization, Paws Rescue League Inc. reserves the right to seek all remedies at law, as well as to retrieve the animal from the Adopter.

As a 100% volunteer-based rescue, we appreciate your patience and understanding as our team works diligently to find your new companion. We will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your application and potential matches.

Ways of Adopting

At Paws Rescue League Inc., we are dedicated to finding forever homes for dogs in need. As a foster-based rescue, we provide loving foster homes where dogs receive one-on-one attention, socialization, and care. Our foster families help us understand each dog’s unique personality, needs, and ideal home setting, which helps us match them to compatible adopters. By rescuing and rehoming dogs in need, we strive to create a world where every dog knows love, comfort, and companionship.

Below are some ways of adopting a dog from Paws Rescue League (AFTER an application approval):

Adopting before a dog is transported: Due to the growing number of dogs requiring rescue, our New England foster network is often at capacity. Despite this challenge, we remain committed to finding forever homes. After working with an Adoption Coordinator, you may have the opportunity to adopt a dog arriving on one of our upcoming transports. This option allows us to continue matching dogs with loving families even when New England foster openings are scarce.
Adopting a dog currently in a New England foster home: As a foster-based rescue, our adoptable dogs are placed in loving foster homes while they await adoption. To ensure a compatible match, we arrange Meet & Greets between approved adopters and dogs in their foster home or nearby, allowing adopters to interact with the dog in its familiar environment. Foster families share valuable insights into the dog's personality, needs, and habits, helping adopters make informed decisions. Adopters can choose to adopt on the spot or take up to 24 hours to decide. Please note that due to multiple interested adopters per dog, we cannot hold dogs for extended periods, so we strive to find each dog's forever home efficiently while prioritizing their well-being.
Adopting from an adoption event: Paws Rescue League hosts regular adoption events in partnership with Petco and other organizations. At these events, approved adopters can meet our adoptable dogs and take their new furry family member home the same day. If you are not pre-approved and you are interested in adopting a dog that you met at an adoption event, we recommend submitting an adoption application immediately, as multiple applicants may be interested in the same dog. To avoid delays, consider getting pre-approved before the event. Check our website or social media for upcoming events.
Foster-to-Adopt: Our Foster-to-Adopt program is available for select dogs. This program allows you to experience life with your potential new dog before committing to adoption. This 3–5-day trial period allows you to ensure compatibility and make an informed decision. Not all dogs are eligible, so please inquire with your Adoption Coordinator about availability.

**Each dog is carefully matched with a specific program – Meet & Greet, Pre-Transport, Event Attendees, or Foster-to-Adopt – based on their unique needs. Our experienced Adoption Coordinators determine the best program fit. Adopters do not choose among programs, instead, our coordinators guide you through the process, identifying suitable dogs and informing you of available dogs in each program. Trust our expertise to find the right match for you and your new furry friend.**