adoption process
Ready to Find Your New Best Friend?
Adoption should feel exciting — not overwhelming.
Our goal is to make thoughtful matches that work for both the dog and the family. We’ll guide you through each step, from application to meet-and-greet to bringing your new best friend home.
You can submit a general application and become pre-approved first. Once approved, your application can be used for any of our adoptable dogs.
Five Steps to Forever
We take a little extra time up front because the goal isn’t just an adoption — it’s a great match.
Prepare
Make sure the timing is right.
Think about your schedule, household, upcoming travel, ongoing expenses, emergency care, and whether now is the right time to welcome a dog into your family.
Start gathering the basics — a crate, bed, leash, collar, food and water bowls — and spend some time browsing our available dogs.
Apply
Tell us a little about your home.
There is no cost or obligation to submit an adoption application. You may apply for a specific dog or submit a general application to become pre-approved.
We’ll ask for photos or video of the areas where your dog will live, including your yard and fencing when applicable. Renters should also include proof that pets are permitted.
Start your application →Review
We get to know you — and your potential match.
Our adoption team reviews applications and works closely with each dog’s foster to help determine compatibility.
We may reach out with additional questions, request more information, or connect you directly with the foster so you can learn more about the dog’s personality and daily life.
Meet
This is the fun part.
Once everything looks like a good fit, our adoption team or foster will coordinate a meet-and-greet.
When possible, we encourage household members — including resident dogs and children — to participate so everyone has a chance to meet.
Keep in mind that some rescue dogs may be shy or nervous at first. Their true personality often continues to unfold after they feel safe and settled in their new home.
Adopt
Welcome home.
When everyone is ready to move forward, adoption paperwork and payment are completed online.
You’ll receive important records for your new dog, including available microchip and spay/neuter information.
And adoption isn’t the end of our relationship. Fosters & Paws remains a resource for our adopters and alumni after they go home.
A Few Things to Have Ready
Photos or video of common living spaces
Photos of your yard and fencing, if applicable
Landlord approval or pet policy if you rent
Information about current pets and household members
Your New Best Friend Could Be Waiting.
Browse our available dogs, fall in love, and submit your application. We’ll help with the rest.
Questions about adoption? adoptions@fostersandpaws.org