Thank you so much for your interest in adopting! Below please find a brief summary of our adoption process:
APPLICATION: PAWS often gets several applications per dog. We do start with the earlier ones received (apply early!) and review several to ensure that you and the dog are a good match for each other. We focus heavily on the requirements of the dog and rarely deviate from these requirements, as we want to set everyone up for success.
SCREENING: If it seems like your home could be a good match for the dog, the screening process will begin! A volunteer will do a vet reference check (spanning most recent 10 years), a Zoom interview and home visit, and contact 3 personal references. This step helps us get a better sense of your lifestyle, household, and what the dog’s life would be like in your family.
MEET & GREET: Once screening is completed, we will arrange a meet and greet between you/your immediate family and the dog! This will be coordinated with the dog’s foster and you will be able to ask more detailed questions about the dog at this stage. This is also a great opportunity to bring any household pets to make sure they get along well with the dog, although a first meeting isn't always the most accurate assessment. Dogs need time to get to know each other. Most of our fosters live in the broad GTA area, and meet and greets typically occur near the foster’s home (though you may arrange an alternative meet-up spot if the foster is willing).
FINAL APPROVAL: If each of the above steps are approved, and your family is the best match for the dog, you will be approved to adopt!
FEES: Our adoption fee is normally $875, although in specialized cases this could vary if there are additional expenses for that dog. This includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, incurred travel expenses and other expenses to date.