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Dog Portrait

What You Need to Know to Adopt

ADOPTION PROCESS

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  • We ask that you view adoptable CATS or DOGS on our website. These pages are updated every night with new animals as we continue to ready pets for adoption.

  • If you see an animal you would like to meet and learn more about adopting, please complete our online application form found on the "adopt" page. 

    • Please note that submitting the application does not guarantee or hold any animal. ​

  • Once your form is received, we will review your request and call your references.

    • We will call for a veterinarian reference for everyone and a landlord reference if you rent your home​

    • If you currently have a dog, we will also confirm that your dog is registered to your town of residence ** Maine residents only **. 

  • Once all reference checks have been completed a member of our team will contact you to talk more about your interest and to see if the animal is a good fit for your home.

    • We will tell you more about the animal you are interested in and answer any questions also.

  • If it is a good match we will then schedule a time for you to come to the shelter for a meet and greet and hopefully...begin the adoption process.

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Please note that we are not able to accommodate adoption inquiries for special types/breed/age of animals.  

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** All pets adopted from PAWS and PAWS Alumni will have access to the PAWS Cares Community Veterinary Clinic for their pets preventative care and minor illnesses. LEARN MORE

ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS
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  • You must be 18 years of age to adopt an animal

  • If you rent your home we will contact your landlord to confirm that dogs/cats are allowed.

  • If you have any other animals currently living in your home we will also contact your veterinarian to ensure they are all up to date on their vaccinations.

  • All current dogs must be licensed in your town of residence

FOR ALL DOG ADOPTIONS:

  • We require that you bring all current family dogs to PAWS to do a meet and greet with the dog you are interested in adopting to ensure everyone gets along.

  • Additionally, all dogs have a 3-day sleepover period to make sure that the animal fits into the family lifestyle. The dog can be returned any time within the 3-day period if there the fit is not right for your home. 

  • If all goes well, adoption paperwork will be completed at the end of the 3-day period. 

Downlead paper adoption application

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