ADOPTIONS

An important element of the adoption process is to help people become good pet owners. The Center will provide details of the animal they are interested in adopting and any information needed to help them with caring for their new pet.  

 It is the ultimate goal of the Center to find good homes for all animals of the Center.  It is our responsibility to assure each animal is ready for a fresh start.  Prior to being offered for adoption, each animal will be checked thoroughly, including the following:

• Vet examination
• Current on vaccinations
• Dewormed if needed
• Dental cleaning if needed
• Spay or neutered
• Bathed and/or groomed
• Receive flea and tick prevention
• Behavioral evaluation completed
• Cats tested for Feline Leukemia / FIV
• Micro Chipped

Upon successful adoption, a copy of the records listed above will be provided to the adopter.

  Paws and Claws has no set adoption fees - we do not “sell” pets; however, an Adoption Donation of $80 for dogs, $50 for cats, $100 for puppies, and $75 for kitties is requested.  This Adoption Donation will help cover the veterinary expenses for the animal.  Puppies and kittens will be spayed or neutered before adoption. Basic veterinary expenses such as, examinations, vaccinations and spay or neuter costs average approximately $125 to $200 for each canine and $75 to $200 for each feline.  Paws and Claws tries to recoup some of these costs in order to help the next needy animal .

  ADOPTION PROCESS

Adoption Applicant Requirements Include:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must provide a valid driver’s license or identification
• Must reside in the home where the animal will be placed
• Application must be filled out by the adopter; no one is allowed to complete the application on behalf of a potential adopter.
• If the applicant rents a home, Landlord information will be required including a statement from the Landlord agreeing to allow pets.

When the adopter has selected the pet they wish to adopt, they will fill out an Adoption Questionnaire.  The questionnaire will provide information about their past experience with pets, the type of pet they are looking for and also their expectations of the new pet. The purpose of the questionnaire is not to exclude them from adopting. It is simply a tool that helps the Center match people with a pet that would best fit their lifestyle and expectations.

Before an adoption can be approved, the following is required: 

• Applicant has spent time to get acquainted with the animal they are interested in
• Applicant has been interviewed by a Paws and Claws volunteer
• All family members and/or roommates must meet the animal
• If there are other animals in the home, an introduction will be needed to assure the animals compatibility  and  documentation that the other animals are current on vaccinations and spayed  or neutered
• A home check may or not be required; each adoption will vary due to the needs of the particular animal.  If a home check is required, a convenient time for all parties will be set.

Paws & Claws Seniors To Seniors Adoption Program

Paws & Claws Seniors To Seniors Adoption Program is available to senior citizens who are 60 years of age or older.  Any of our adoptable cats or dogs 7 years or older qualify for this program.

 Paws & Claws will help you select a companion who fits into your lifestyle and housing situation at reduced adoption rates. 

 Benefits Include 

• $25.00 Adoption fee for Cats
• $40.00 Adoption fee for Dogs
• Research tells us that companion animals, such as cats and dogs, can help improve our physical and mental health.

• Cats and dogs provide friendship for lonely individuals, and open opportunities for interacting with others which an older person may miss if family is far away.
• The company of a beloved pet has been proven to reduce depression.
• The quiet and doting home of a senior citizen is the perfect match for an older animal looking for a new home.
• Senior animals are often gentler, calmer companionship, and often are already trained.
• If you become unable to take care of your new dog or cat for any reason you or a family member may return the animal to Paws & Claws.

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