Please read our adoption process BEFORE applying to make sure you agree with our terms.
Paws Rescue League has over 600 successful adoptions.
Our Adoption Process
If you would like to adopt, please submit an application. Our volunteers do their best to respond within 3-5 business days, but can take up to 7 days. If you do not hear from us, please refrain from emailing. The dog you applied for may currently be pending adoption, your application will be completed when it is your turn in line. The time frame for approval can take about 1 week depending on your responsiveness, as well as veterinarian hours, personal reference responses, and landlord responses. Speaking to everyone beforehand to let them know you are looking to adopt a dog, and to return our call, will help speed up the process!
Applicants are processed in the order we receive the application, as well as the demand for the dog(s) selected. Many of our dogs have multiple applications. Each applicant is placed in line for the dog specified, in the order we receive the application. If you only select one specific dog, your application may not be the only one we have received for that specific dog. To help match you with a dog of your choice, we recommend choosing 3 dogs that you have interest in meeting, and potentially adopting. We are a 100% volunteer-based rescue and will reach out to you as soon as possible.
We appreciate your patience!
If you would like to adopt, please submit an application. Our volunteers do their best to respond within 3-5 business days, but can take up to 7 days. If you do not hear from us, please refrain from emailing. The dog you applied for may currently be pending adoption, your application will be completed when it is your turn in line. The time frame for approval can take about 1 week depending on your responsiveness, as well as veterinarian hours, personal reference responses, and landlord responses. Speaking to everyone beforehand to let them know you are looking to adopt a dog, and to return our call, will help speed up the process!
Applicants are processed in the order we receive the application, as well as the demand for the dog(s) selected. Many of our dogs have multiple applications. Each applicant is placed in line for the dog specified, in the order we receive the application. If you only select one specific dog, your application may not be the only one we have received for that specific dog. To help match you with a dog of your choice, we recommend choosing 3 dogs that you have interest in meeting, and potentially adopting. We are a 100% volunteer-based rescue and will reach out to you as soon as possible.
We appreciate your patience!
Ways of adopting
We are a foster based rescue, we DO NOT have a facility where we house dogs in kennels. We are not a government or private run shelter. All of our dogs are placed in loving foster homes, which we feel is best for all of our dogs, as they get one on one attention. It also helps us learn how each dog would do in a home setting. Below are some ways of adopting a dog from Paws Rescue League Inc. (after application approval):
- Adopting before a dog transports : Due to the growing amount of dogs that need rescue, we may not always have an available foster open. Fosters are volunteers, and there are limited available open homes. After working with your adoption coordinator, you can adopt a dog who is scheduled to arrive at an upcoming transport.
- Adopting a dog who is currently in a New England foster home : We are foster based, and we do require adopters to meet the dog where the foster home is located. We do not require our fosters to travel as they are already giving rescue dogs a temporary home, and volunteering much effort and time.
- Adopting from an adoption event : We are partnered with Petco, Petsmart, and a few other organizations/Businesses who host our adoption events. Approved adopters are able to meet the dogs at the event and take their new furry family member home the same day, from that event.
- Foster to Adopt : A select few dogs are available for foster to adopt. If you are interested in fostering before adopting, please let your Adoption Coordinator know and we will guide you in the process. Foster to adopt runs 3-5 days. Not all of our dogs are available for this program, please ask your adoption coordinator if the dog you're interested in is available to Foster to Adopt.
What does the adoption fee include?
The adoption fee is not a sale price, but a reimbursement for veterinary/care for each dog as well as a small donation to help save more dogs.
Adoption fees, transport fees, and quarantine fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Adoption fee covers:
The rescue is not responsible for spay/neuter costs for dogs under 6 months.
Adoption fee covers:
- Age appropriate vaccinations
- General wellness exam(s)
- Heartworm or 4DX test
- Parvo/Giardia test
- Fecal test
- Any additional vetting that may be recommended by our partnered veterinarians
- Rabies vaccination/Certificate/Tag
- Parasite Prevention
- Heart Worm Prevention
- Spay/Neuter (Age Appropriate)
- Microchip and Microchip Registration
- Cost to foster
- Health Certificate for transport
- Transport fee
- Quarantine fee ( *IF APPLICABLE)
The rescue is not responsible for spay/neuter costs for dogs under 6 months.
The Vetting Process
All of our applicants are screened to the best of our ability. It is important to complete the application to the fullest and provide details! We want to match you with the best dog for your family and home!
All of our applicants are screened to the best of our ability. It is important to complete the application to the fullest and provide details! We want to match you with the best dog for your family and home!
Age Requirement: Must be 21 years or age or older, If under 21 years old, guardians must apply, or owner of the home, and must be present for the home visit.
References:
All references will be called. Please make sure to provide 3 NON-relative references
Vet Check:
Please call your vet ahead of time to let them know we will be verifying the current animals in your home are up-to-date. If your vet cannot be reached, please be ready to provide past/current vet paperwork for dogs in the home.
Landlord Check:
If you do not own your home (we check!), please make sure your landlord can confirm they allows pets in the home and/or if there are any restrictions on size, breed, or number of pets allowed.
Virtual Home Visit:
Virtual home visits are a quick tour of the main living spaces of your home and yard. We want to ensure our dogs are going to safe and loving environments, that are suitable for their size/breed, and that you are prepared to bring home a furry family member. We also discuss what you are looking for in a dog, so we can work with you to find the best match for your family. Please make sure all decision making adult are available during the call.
References:
All references will be called. Please make sure to provide 3 NON-relative references
Vet Check:
Please call your vet ahead of time to let them know we will be verifying the current animals in your home are up-to-date. If your vet cannot be reached, please be ready to provide past/current vet paperwork for dogs in the home.
Landlord Check:
If you do not own your home (we check!), please make sure your landlord can confirm they allows pets in the home and/or if there are any restrictions on size, breed, or number of pets allowed.
Virtual Home Visit:
Virtual home visits are a quick tour of the main living spaces of your home and yard. We want to ensure our dogs are going to safe and loving environments, that are suitable for their size/breed, and that you are prepared to bring home a furry family member. We also discuss what you are looking for in a dog, so we can work with you to find the best match for your family. Please make sure all decision making adult are available during the call.
