Adoption Process

At Portage Animal Welfare Society, we strive to ensure that every adoption results in a lifelong, loving bond between the animal and their new family. Our adoption process is designed to match our animals with the best-suited families while also ensuring a seamless and positive experience for both the adopters and the animals.

1. Application: Prospective adopters are required to fill out an adoption application. This form helps us understand the adopter's lifestyle, experience with pets, and expectations. We use this information to match them with an animal that fits their needs and preferences. Two non-relative references are required on the adoption application. Please remember that all animals are on a first come first serve basis and we cannot guarantee the animal you are applying for will still be available.

2. Meet and Greet: Once the application is reviewed and approved, the next step is to set up a meeting between the potential adopter and the animal. This allows the adopter to spend time with the animal, interact with them, and ask questions or raise concerns about the animal.

3. Home Visit (if necessary): In some cases, especially with certain animals or specific adoption scenarios, we may conduct a home visit to ensure that the environment is suitable and safe for the animal.

5. Adoption Agreement and Fee: Upon approval, the adopter is required to sign an adoption contract outlining their responsibility for the animal's care. An adoption fee helps support the care and rehoming of other animals at PAWS.

6. Follow-Up: After the adoption, we conduct follow-up checks to ensure that the animal is adjusting well to their new home and receiving proper care. We also provide post-adoption support and advice to help with the transition. If the pet is not adjusting well or fitting in in your home within the first 3 weeks the animal may be returned to our care and the adoption fee will be returned to you.

We take great care in matching animals with loving homes, and our adoption process reflects our commitment to the well-being of the animals in our care. If you're considering adoption, we invite you to reach out to PAWS and take the first step towards enriching your life by providing a loving home to an animal in need.

Adoption Fee

Our adoption fee plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and long-term health of the animals in our care. When you choose to adopt a pet from us, the adoption fee helps cover essential services such as spaying or neutering, which not only helps in controlling the pet population but also contributes to their overall health and behavior. Additionally, the fee also covers necessary vaccinations, deworming, earmite treatment, and preventive care, including heartworm and tick prevention treatment (dog) during the appropriate seasons and testing for feline leukemia (cats)

Dog $300

Puppy (under 6 months) $350

Cat $100

Kitten (under 6 months) $125

Tips for a Successful Adoption Process

Are you considering bringing a new furry friend into your home? Adopting a pet can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to make informed decisions. Follow these tips for a successful adoption process:

1. Research: Start by researching different types of pets and breeds to find a good match for your lifestyle and living situation. Consider factors such as size, energy level, and grooming needs. Please remember PAWS cannot guarantee what breed our dogs are.

2. Visit Shelters: Visit local animal shelters to meet animals in need of homes. Spend time interacting with different animals to see if there's a connection. Don't rush the decision - take your time to ensure the right fit.

3. Ask Questions: When visiting shelters, don't hesitate to ask the volunteers about an animal's background, behavior, and any medical needs. Understanding an animal's history can help you make an informed decision.

4. Prepare Your Home: Before bringing a new pet home, ensure that your living space is pet-friendly. Make necessary adjustments and remove any potential hazards to create a safe environment for your new companion.

5. Consider the Commitment: Owning a pet is a long-term commitment. Make sure you are prepared to dedicate time, resources, and love to your new pet for their entire life.

6. Follow Adoption Procedures: Different shelters and rescues have their own adoption procedures. Be prepared to provide references, personal information, and potentially a home visit. Understand and respect the adoption process.

7. Be Patient: The adoption process may take time, but patience is key. The right companion is worth the wait.

By following these tips, you can make the adoption process a positive and fulfilling experience for both you and your new pet. Help a shelter animal find their forever home and enrich your life with the love and companionship of a pet.