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 fail, 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 honest with 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 environment and suit your family's needs. It's also crucial to be realistic about what changes you're willing and able to make to accommodate a new furry friend.

Deciding to add a furry member to your family is highly rewarding, but can be very overwhelming as well. Carefully considering your lifestyle and choosing the right dog for you are integral to making the adoption process as smooth and easy as possible. 
WHAT TYPE OF DOG FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE?

​To find the perfect canine companion, it's essential to do your research and gather information about different breeds and their characteristics. 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. 

If you're looking for a quiet, easy-going companion who doesn't require intense exercise, a senior dog may be your best choice. Most senior dogs require less or no training and adapt easily to their surroundings. They are often already house-trained, which can be a huge advantage for busy owners.
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 a dog needs?
  • Will you be able to financially provide veterinary care for the dog? 
  • Do you work long hours? Leaving a dog alone for long hours makes for an unhappy dog that does not receive enough socialization.
  • Will the dog be part of the family?
  • What major changes might happen in your life in the next 15 years? Marriage? Children? Will the dog remain an important part of your life?
Please read our adoption process BEFORE applying
Once your adoption application and fee have been processed, an adoption coordinator will contact you to schedule a home visit. After the home visit, your application will be reviewed and approved. Next, you'll be evaluated for compatibility with the dogs you're interested 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're 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 our adoption events. Before adopting, consider your lifestyle and discuss with family members to determine the ideal dog breed and size for your home. Researching breeds and their needs ensures a harmonious match.
Step Two: Complete the Application
Our volunteers review each application carefully to match your home with the perfect dog. Note that submitting an application doesn't guarantee adoption, and multiple applications may be received for one dog, considered in order received. After reviewing your application, we'll schedule a convenient Meet & Greet.
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.
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  • 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 personal references from non-family members, 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. Your cooperation helps ensure the health and well-being of our adoptable dogs and your existing pets.
  • ​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'll 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.
  • ​​Adopter must have a permanent residence and agrees to a home visit.
  • Assume responsibility for humane care, proper food, water, shelter, regular exercise, veterinary care, and provide Heartworm 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 only, no refund of the adoption fee will be granted.​
  • Our dog's (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 puppy sterilized by the date in the contract. Proof of sterilization must be provided within 30 days. In the event of the Adopters failure to provide such proof of sterilization, Paws Rescue League reserves the right to seek all remedies at law, as well 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, we’re dedicated to finding forever homes for dogs in need through our foster-based program. Rejecting traditional kennel settings, 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, ensuring perfect matches with adoptive families. 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 foster network is often at capacity, and availability is limited since our fosters are volunteers. 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 alternative option allows us to continue matching dogs with loving families even when foster openings are scarce. 
  • Adopting a dog currently in a New England foster home: Our foster-based adoption process prioritizes the comfort and well-being of our dogs and foster families. To ensure a perfect match, we arrange meet-and-greets between adopters and dogs in the 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, Petsmart, and other organizations. At these events, approved adopters can meet their perfect match and take their new furry family member home the same day. If you’re not pre-approved and attend an event, don’t worry! Simply submit an 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 event schedules and locations.  
  • Foster-to-Adopt: Our Foster-to-Adopt program is available for select dogs. This program allows you to experience life with your potential new pet before committing to adoption. This 3–5-day trial period enables you to ensure compatibility and make an informed decision. Not all dogs are eligible, so please inquire with your Adoption Coordinator about availability. To participate, complete the adoption application, undergo a home check, and meet with the dog. This unique opportunity allows you to find your perfect match with confidence.  ​

**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, ensuring a seamless adoption experience. Adopters don’t choose between 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 perfect match for you and your new furry friend.**  
Just Looking?
There are many other ways to support Paws Rescue League.
​Donate
Your financial support helps us with the cost of vaccinations, vetting, medication, food, transport, and anything a rescue dog needs to get to their forever homes. 
Foster
​Fosters provide a temporary home for dogs while they await a forever home. All of our rescue dogs need a safe place to stay and receive the love they need. Often, the only way we can save them is with the help of fosters.
Give​
Give a little, make a difference. Be a guardian angel for our rescue dogs by donating food and supplies from our wishlist.
Support
View our shop at the Paws Rescue League store. All proceeds will go right back into the work of saving more lives.
How to Contact Us:
Located/Licensed in Middletown, Connecticut 
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Canine Rescue