Frequently Asked Questions
Adoption:
What is your adoption process?
To adopt one of our loving dogs, start by browsing our available pets and submitting our online adoption application for the one(s) that capture your heart. Once we receive your application, our dedicated team will review it carefully and contact you to discuss further. If we determine it's a good match, we'll schedule a home visit to ensure the best possible environment for your new companion. Following approval, we'll arrange a meet and greet between you and the adoptable dog. If the connection is right, you'll be able to take home your newest family member, bringing joy and love into your life.
Why is the adoption process so thorough?
At Paws Rescue League, we prioritize our dogs' lifelong happiness through a rigorous adoption process. Many of our dogs have overcome difficult pasts and deserve stability. We carefully match dogs with compatible homes, ensuring safe, loving environments. Our thorough process minimizes trauma and stress, promoting joyful futures.
Where did my new dog come from?
Unfortunately, the level of background information we receive on our dogs varies, ranging from stray histories to owner surrenders. Despite this, we prioritize transparency throughout the adoption process. We share all available information about each dog, including their known history, personality, health, and training. While some details may be unknown, our team provides valuable insights gained from the dog's time in our program. You can expect to receive a comprehensive overview of your potential new pet, empowering you to make an informed adoption decision.
DO YOU KNOW THE medical HISTORY OF MY DOG?
When you adopt, your new pet will be current on all age-appropriate vaccinations. However, it's crucial to maintain regular veterinary care to ensure their continued health. The adoption folder provided contains comprehensive medical records, including vaccination history, spay/neuter information (if applicable), microchip ID, and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention dates. To ensure a seamless transition, please schedule an initial veterinary appointment within two weeks of adoption to review your dog's medical history, discuss future vaccinations, and establish a routine care plan. This commitment will help your new pet flourish in their forever home.
*Paws Rescue League Inc. is not responsible for spay/neuter costs for dogs under 6 months of age.
*Paws Rescue League Inc. is not responsible for spay/neuter costs for dogs under 6 months of age.
can i adopt if i live in a condo, townhome, apartment, or rent a home?
Yes! Before adopting, please verify that your complex allows pets and note any weight or breed restrictions. You will have to commit to providing adequate physical and mental stimulation, such as regular walks and dog park visits, to compensate for the lack of a yard. However, our senior or smaller pets may perfectly suit smaller homes and low-maintenance lifestyles. We require landlord approval, but many of our pets have found happy homes with renting families!
Am i required to crate train my dog?
While we do not require that any dog be crate trained, we strongly encourage crate training for adopted dogs, especially in multi-animal households, to ensure a smooth transition. Crate training offers numerous benefits, including efficient housebreaking and training, providing a safe haven for relaxation, sleeping and play, preventing destructive behavior and harm when left alone, and giving owners peace of mind.
Contrary to misconceptions, crate training is a valuable and humane method, not cruel or mean. Our experienced volunteers are available to provide guidance and support to help you successfully crate train your dog.
Contrary to misconceptions, crate training is a valuable and humane method, not cruel or mean. Our experienced volunteers are available to provide guidance and support to help you successfully crate train your dog.
WILL I GET TO ADOPT THE DOG THAT I APPLIED FOR?
We evaluate applications based on application date, so that oldest applicants are considered first for a specific dog. We will do our best to match you with the dog of your choice, but in the end it's about what's best for the dog.
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Fostering:
Do I get to pick my foster dog?
Every week, our Foster Team shares a list of dogs traveling to New England and in need of temporary homes through our Foster Volunteer Facebook group. These posts, typically made a week prior to transportation, include essential details such as the dog's name, age, breed, weight, and a brief bio. If you're interested in fostering, simply comment on the post to express your interest. Occasionally, we also need to rehome foster dogs already in New England due to unexpected circumstances like vacations, emergencies, or compatibility issues. By joining our foster community and staying informed through our weekly posts, you can provide love, care, and support to dogs in transition and help them find their forever homes.
How long would i have a foster for?
As a foster family, we ask that you care for your dog until adoption. If you plan a vacation or need to stop fostering, please notify us immediately. As a volunteer-run organization, timely updates enable us to find alternative care and coordinate with other fosters.
By actively participating in your dog's adoption process, you can significantly increase their chances of finding a forever home. Posting your foster online and attending events exposes them to a wider audience, potentially leading to a quicker adoption.
By actively participating in your dog's adoption process, you can significantly increase their chances of finding a forever home. Posting your foster online and attending events exposes them to a wider audience, potentially leading to a quicker adoption.
What are the requirements to foster?
- 19+ years old
- Completed Foster Application
- Home owner/landlord permission
- Household agreement
- Up-to-date vaccinations, exams, and spayed/neutered personal pets
- Provide love, care, and a safe environment
what are my responsibilities as a foster?
As a foster, you'll play a vital role in a dog's journey to their forever home. Your responsibilities include providing a safe, clean, and caring environment, monitoring any medical or behavioral issues, and transporting your foster dog to necessary medical appointments, adoption events, and other outings. Your love, care, and attention will help your foster dog thrive and become a well-adjusted companion for their future family.
What if i can't attend each event?
Prior to each event, we identify a list of priority dogs to attend. If you're unable to bring your "high priority" foster, don't worry! We'll make every effort to arrange alternative transportation to ensure they don't miss the opportunity. However, please note that if we're unable to find a volunteer, your foster dog will unfortunately not be able to attend the event.
What if i'm afraid i'd become too attached?
This is probably our most asked question. Foster parenting is a rewarding journey that begins with rescuing animals from dire situations, nursing them back to health, rehabilitating, training and loving each unique personality. While it's tough to say goodbye when they find forever homes, witnessing their new owners shower them with love and affection makes it incredibly fulfilling. Knowing we've saved a life and created a new family unit is unparalleled. As our homes welcome new dogs in need, the cycle repeats, bringing joy and purpose. By becoming a foster parent, you'll experience the transformative power of love and compassion, changing lives forever.
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General Questions:
How long will it take for my dog to adjust?
When adopting a new dog, remember the 3-3-3 rule to understand their adjustment period.
- In the first three days with your new dog, expect an adjustment period as they navigate unfamiliar surroundings. It's normal for them to feel overwhelmed, leading to changes in appetite, behavior, and mood. Some dogs may withdraw, seeking comfort in a quiet space, while others may test boundaries to understand household rules. Provide patience, calmness, and understanding, and establish a gentle routine to ease their transition. Avoid forcing interaction or overwhelming them with new experiences, giving them time to settle in and feel secure. With time and gentle guidance, your new companion will gradually become their authentic self, allowing you to build a strong and loving bond.
- After three weeks, your new dog has begun to settle into their new life. They're feeling more comfortable, secure, and familiar with their surroundings and daily routine. As they let their guard down, their true personality will emerge, and potential behavior issues may arise. This is a crucial time to assert your role as a strong, compassionate pack leader, setting clear boundaries and reinforcing positive behaviors. Consistency and guidance will help your dog understand what's expected, addressing any emerging issues and fostering a well-adjusted, well-behaved companion.
- After three months, your dog has fully settled into their new home, surrounded by familiarity and comfort. A strong bond, built on trust, has formed between you and your dog, providing them with a profound sense of security. Your dog now confidently navigates their environment, responds readily to commands, and exhibits calmness in your presence. This foundation enables continued training, socialization, and growth, cementing a lifelong connection. Celebrate this milestone, knowing your patience, love, and dedication have created a haven for your loyal companion.
What does my adoption fee include?
The adoption fee reimburses Paws Rescue League for essential veterinary and transport costs incurred for each dog. This comprehensive fee covers vaccinations, wellness exams, heartworm testing, parasite prevention, spay/neuter (age-appropriate, excluding dogs under 6 months), microchipping, and transport expenses. Your adoption supports not only your new companion's care but also our mission to rescue and care for more dogs. By adopting, you contribute to the well-being of your new pet and the future of others in need.
Please be aware that our adoption fees, transportation fees, and quarantine fees are non-refundable. These fees cover critical expenses related to rescuing, transporting, and caring for dogs, including veterinary care, logistics, facilities, and administrative costs. By proceeding with adoption, transportation, or quarantine, you acknowledge and agree to this policy. Your understanding helps us continue our vital work in rescuing and rehousing dogs in need.
Please be aware that our adoption fees, transportation fees, and quarantine fees are non-refundable. These fees cover critical expenses related to rescuing, transporting, and caring for dogs, including veterinary care, logistics, facilities, and administrative costs. By proceeding with adoption, transportation, or quarantine, you acknowledge and agree to this policy. Your understanding helps us continue our vital work in rescuing and rehousing dogs in need.
How do i make proper introductions?
Proper introductions are essential, especially with existing dogs, small children, and cats. Avoid surprising your current dog with an unexpected newcomer, as this can lead to confusion, anxiety, and territorial behavior. Even if your current dog is well-socialized in public, home introductions can be challenging. A phased introduction approach is key. To conduct a successful meet and greet, meet on neutral ground with two people walking the dogs together on leashes - you with your dog and the foster or another person with the new dog. This approach can be applied both before adoption and when introducing the dogs at home. Begin by keeping the dogs apart, approximately six feet or more, and walk together for 10-15 minutes. This allows them to become familiar with each other's presence without feeling threatened. Gradually decrease the distance between the dogs to two or three feet, continuing to monitor their behavior. If both dogs appear relaxed, it's time for the next step. Allow the dogs to sniff each other's backsides, observing their body language carefully. Positive signs include wiggly bodies and tails, while negative signs such as growling, teeth baring, or stiff bodies indicate discomfort. If you notice any adverse reactions, restart the introduction process. If all goes smoothly, short play sessions can follow, gradually increasing interaction time. Remember to reward calm behavior and provide separate spaces for each dog if needed.
Do you accept donations?
Caring for animals in need requires significant financial resources. Monetary donations support vital services like veterinary care and transportation. You can also contribute through in-kind donations, such as unopened food, toys, treats, and pet supplies. Visit our wishlists on [Amazon/Chewy] to donate essential items. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to our mission of rescuing and rehousing animals in need. Thank you for your generosity!
Are my donations to paws rescue league tax deductible?
Paws Rescue League is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. For tax purposes, the law classifies charities and nonprofits according to their mission and organizational structure. Each group must register with the IRS for the section of the law that applies to it. Religious and charitable organizations fall under section 501(c)(3) and can receive tax-deductible donations.
Please check with a tax professional if you have any further questions.
Please check with a tax professional if you have any further questions.
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