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Dog Portrait

What You Need to Know to Adopt

ADOPTION PROCESS

  • 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

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. 

Online Applications

Dog                Cat

Downlead paper adoption application

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

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