Our Adoption Process
IMPORTANT: We are currently unable to adopt to MA or ME residents due to strict quarantine laws. Thank you for your understanding.
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 fit best in your household and suit your family's needs. It's also important 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.
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 fit best in your household and suit your family's needs. It's also important 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.
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. During the virtual home visit, we will discuss your lifestyle and the type of dog you are looking for to determine if the dog(s) you applied for may be a good fit. If they are not a good fit, we will suggest other dogs that may be a better match for you. 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.
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. During the virtual home visit, we will discuss your lifestyle and the type of dog you are looking for to determine if the dog(s) you applied for may be a good fit. If they are not a good fit, we will suggest other dogs that may be a better match for you. 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 bios 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. |
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. |
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 appropriate 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.
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Adoption Requirements
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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
Below are some ways of adopting a dog from Paws Rescue League (AFTER an application approval):
**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.**
- Adopting directly off transport: After working with an Adoption Coordinator, you may have the opportunity to adopt a dog directly off of one our upcoming transports from Tennessee. All transports arrive in Connecticut (our normal transport pick up stops are in Southington, CT and Willington, CT, and sometimes Union, CT).
- 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.**
