adoption process
Our holistic approach to rescue is more than just saving a dog—it’s about making the best possible match, setting up both dog and adopter for their happily (fur)ever after.
We provide support for our dogs, fosters and adopters through the entire adoption process:
prepare, apply, review, meet, and adopt.
prepare
The following steps will assist you in preparing for dog adoption:
Consider the financial responsibility and timing of transitioning a new dog into your family/home. For example, do you have money set aside for emergencies or are you planning to get pet insurance? Do you have any upcoming trips that will require a dog-sitter or boarding?
Start gathering basic supplies like bowls, bed, crate, collar, leash, etc.
Get to know our adoptable dogs! Read their bios to help you identify personality, temperament, activity level, and ability to cohabitate with children and/or resident pets. You can also meet some of our dogs in-person at an adoption event, depending on their vaccination status, foster schedule availability, etc.
Though not required, you can submit a general application to become pre-approved to adopt from us, as outlined in the next step.
Readiness assessment and preparation are keys to having an easy and successful adoption experience—for you, us, and our dogs!
apply
There’s no cost or obligation to apply.
If you’re interested in a specific dog, navigate to Adoptable Dogs, select the dog’s name, and select Apply for Adoption. One submission can apply to multiple dogs, just be sure to list the dog names in the applicable section.
If you don’t have a specific dog in mind but you’d like to become pre-approved, complete a general application.
All application fields are required. If a section doesn’t apply, enter “N/A”.
We want to see where our dogs will be living. You will be required to attach photos and/or videos of some common living spaces (nothing too personal) as well as your backyard/fence, if applicable. If renting, please include proof that pets are allowed, such as a snippet from your lease agreement or other written approval from your landlord.
If you fall in love at an adoption event and are NOT pre-approved, you can complete the application onsite to begin a 24-hour holding period. We will reserve the dog for you until the adoption is finalized.
review
Our adoption team will begin reviewing your application, usually within 24 hours. Please be patient as we are a very small volunteer-based group. If you haven’t heard from us within 24 hours, please check your email spam.
It is our responsibility and top priority to ensure a good match, to the best of our ability. To do this, we thoroughly review your application and collaborate with the dog’s current foster to discuss compatibility. We may need to ask for additional information or photos.
In some instances, we may even connect you directly with the foster so that you can get detailed answers to any specific questions you may have.
meet
Our adoption team and/or foster will coordinate a meet-up time and place. Please bring any children and/or dogs who also reside in the home, if able.
Important notes:
Rescue dogs in foster homes have had time to decompress from their shelter or street days. With that said, some of our dogs still display nervous and shy behavior when meeting new people in an environment outside of their foster home.
It is important to understand pet adjustment periods, especially for adult adoptions. The dog you’re meeting will not be the same dog that settles into your home and your heart 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months after adoption. Our time and experience with the dogs will help you know the personality they will eventually settle into.
adopt
If you’re ready to proceed after meeting, or if you have completed your 24-hour holding period, we can proceed with finalizing the adoption. (YAY!)
The “paperwork” is completed online including payment of the amount stated on the dog’s bio. You will receive a packet of pertinent information about your dog. At a minimum, this includes their microchip information and spay/neuter certificate. You will also receive a coupon from our partner, Pet Food Express!
When you adopt from F&Ps, you’re not just getting a pet—you’re gaining a lifelong support system. Post-Adoption support is made available to all our alumni dogs. A webpage dedicated to F&Ps alums is in development!
Please email adoptions@fostersandpaws.org with any questions regarding the adoption process.