Adoption Application
Our adoptable list is filled with cuteness! And that means our applications and emails will be flooded! It’s a good thing! In order to help our volunteers do their “job”, we need your help and cooperation...and understanding!
1. Please review the application policies BEFORE applying. We have some very clear guidelines set by our team of experts in Houston and Wisconsin. These guidelines are set to help our rescue dogs succeed, which is our number one goal. We fully acknowledge that not all potential applicants will be a match for our program. For example, if your adult pets aren’t altered, your vet history or current care doesn’t doesn’t meet the requirements, or pets aren’t allowed in your property, please don’t apply. We don’t share this to be “meanies” and request that you respect our time and policies. Please don’t threaten, insult, or harass our volunteer team because it’s not a match; that’s being a stinker and no one likes a stinker.
Please make sure to review the Paddy's Paws Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page prior to applying.
2. Please read dog biographies. If the biography shares a child age restriction, a requirement for another dog companion, or a fenced yard, please respect that. These restrictions are set by those who know their fosters best and know what will set them up for a happy and healthy future!
3. All of the above sound good? Great! Get started on that application! Make sure you’ve called your vet and released permission and talked to your property manager (if applicable), and that you've filled out your application thoughtfully and completely! Politely follow up and be patient with us, please.
4. Understand that it may not go your way...and that’s okay. The dog you thought should be yours might go to another fabulous home...and that’s great for that dog! You may be too far away and end up going through another shelter or rescue...and that’s awesome for you and that dog! Remember, we’re volunteers. Cheer us on for doing our best and support all groups that do the same!
Thank you!
We start with the completed application and then check references and vet records. The next step is a home visit with family and one of our representatives. Once we have gathered all of this information, we provide it to the Houston rescue team. Then, we can set up a meet and greet with available dogs. Our rescue adopts to Wisconsin and Illinois. Our requirements for Illinois applications are: excellent vet history, no children under 7 in the home, and an owned home. Wisconsin does not have these requirements, though we will not consider applications where pets are missing core veterinary care.
3. All of the above sound good? Great! Get started on that application! Make sure you’ve called your vet and released permission and talked to your property manager (if applicable), and that you've filled out your application thoughtfully and completely! Politely follow up and be patient with us, please.
4. Understand that it may not go your way...and that’s okay. The dog you thought should be yours might go to another fabulous home...and that’s great for that dog! You may be too far away and end up going through another shelter or rescue...and that’s awesome for you and that dog! Remember, we’re volunteers. Cheer us on for doing our best and support all groups that do the same!
Thank you!
How our adoption process works?
We are not accepting applications from other states. All adopters and co-adopters must be at least 21 years of age.
Helpful Tips for Filling out an Adoption Application
The application process is obviously a crucial part of any rescue and we want to share some helpful advice on how to make the process easier for both applicants and rescues!
Time is a very valuable resource! At Paddy's Paws, we are 100% volunteer run and we all have full-time jobs (and if full-time jobs could glare, they would glare at us with all the dog stuff we do!). What does this mean? Well, for one, it means that we adore applicants who have provided all the necessary information and minimize our need to hunt them down for more details! What are those much needed details?
1. A working email! Double and triple check that you have provided your correct email. If we can't email you, we can't get you on our list of amazing dogs or correspond in a timely fashion!
2. Names and numbers for your references! Please make sure all the digits are there.
3. Landlord name and number. We definitely need this if you are renting. Don't think your landlord would approve of you adding a pet? Then you should definitely not apply. Don't be sneaky...no one likes sneaky!
4. Your vet clinic name and number. Have you had a pet in the last five years? If the answer is yes, we need that number. Please don't just put the clinic name and expect us to google. We are making upwards of 100 calls a day and simply don't have time to hunt! And make sure you call your vet to release those records!
Speaking of vet care...let's tackle that issue while we're at it! In order for Paddy's Paws to pass your application on to our home visit team, your pets must be up to date on vaccinations and altered. If they aren't, please do not apply! Calling multiple vets, multiple times, only to find out that none of the pets are up-to-date, makes for a very cranky Erin! Let's explore some scenarios:
1. Your dog or cat is not spayed or neutered. Should you apply? No. We do not approve applicants with unaltered pets. The rare exception? A recently acquired elderly pet who cannot be altered for safety reasons. Note...I said recently acquired! I'm not talking about your dog that you have had for 10 years and just never got around to the surgery. Unaltered pets are the number 1 reason for the high rate of overpopulation and euthanasia...don't contribute to it! Unaltered pets can also lead to behavioral issues and serious health complications. Check out this article for more information!
2. You have indoor cats, but they haven't been vaccinated because they are not at risk. Should I apply? Yes, but first get them in for a rabies vaccination. While indoor cats have a lessened risk for disease and illness, they still should be receiving a rabies vaccination and that is a requirement of our rescue. We will also be looking to see if they are receiving regular wellness checks from your veterinarian.
3. My dog hasn't been to the vet in 7 years. Should I apply? No. When we call your vet, we ask about medical history. We want to see that you are current on vaccinations, responsible with wellness checks and just overall invested in your animal's well being. We don't want you to just seek medical care because you're now interested in a rescue dog. We want to see a history of this care. These dogs have been through way too much already and deserve the best!
Home visits! This is such a crucial step in our process and sets us apart from many other organizations. Since we are sending our precious volunteers into your home, a background check is so important! Safety first, right? So, if you have any concerning history on your background check, we may not approve your application. Want to share your side of the story? Please do!
The goal of the home visit is to sit down with you and learn about what you are looking for in a family member. We won't be going through your home with a white glove (I have four dogs and consistent fosters...I get it.) so just keep your house as you normally would! Because we are 100% volunteer based, we have to work with the schedules of our volunteers and that may not happen as fast as you would like. Remember, if you "miss out" on a dog...it just means that it wasn't your dog! Be patient...we like patient.
An application is just a snapshot of your life and it is so important that you help us see what a responsible person and pet owner you are! We are lucky to have the program we have and be in a state where we are not desperate to place dogs. Our dogs are in loving foster homes and getting amazing care...and we want to see that continue in their adoptive home. So, help us, help you!