The Adoption Process
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Every adoption requires an approved application and at least one scheduled visit with an adoption counselor to our shelter in Norwalk, CT.
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Finding the right pet for your home and the right home for every pet is a challenging goal but one we are happy to accept! The steps below will help you keep track of everything that needs to be completed in order to take home your new cat or dog. All adopters must be in a reasonable driving distance to our shelter in Norwalk, CT.
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Fill out an Adoption Application for your desired pet. Please give us 3-4 business days to process the application. We will contact you within a couple days with any questions.
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If you are a veteran, you can learn more about a program we are a partner with, Pets for Patriots at www.petsforpatriots.org.
Once processed and if approved, you will either receive a link to our calendar to make an appointment or we’ll contact you to schedule an appointment to come in.
Be prepared to take your new friend home. This includes food, bedding, toys, a leash, a litter box, cat carrier, crate or anything necessary for the best care of the animal.
Also, begin to make decisions on choosing a vet in your area who has knowledge of your animal type or breed. Look on our Resources page for our recommendations and a checklist of items you should provide for your pet.
Meet the pets! This may take some time, so be sure to allow yourself enough time to get to know all of the animals and finish the adoption process. There is a furry friend out there for everyone, sometimes you will have to meet more than one to find the perfect fit for your family.
Bring home your new family member! Thank you for adopting a shelter animal and giving them the warm, loving family they've always wanted.
Adoption Fee
The adoption fee helps us defray the cost of the animal's food, boarding and medical care. Any donation you would like to make above the fee is greatly appreciated.
Adult Cats—6 months and up $225
Kittens—under 6 months $275, 2 for $275
The feline adoption fee includes age-appropriate vaccines such as Rabies and Distemper, Spay or Neuter, testing for Feline Aids and Leukemia, and a Microchip. (Please Note: No test is 100% accurate for these viruses). We spay or neuter all cats and kittens old enough for the procedure before they are adopted.
If a kitten is too small or too young to be spayed or neutered they are sent home with a Spay Neuter Voucher (which adds a deposit of $100 to the adoption). They come back to us (or can go to the vet of your choosing) when they are big/old enough for the surgery and we'll refund the $100 deposit then.
Adult Dogs—12 months and up $400
Puppies—under 12 months $500
The canine adoption fee includes age-appropriate vaccines such as Rabies and Distemper, Spay or Neuter, testing for heart worm, and a Microchip. We spay/neuter all dogs and puppies old enough for the procedures before they are adopted.
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If a puppy is too small or too young to be spayed or neutered they are sent home with a Spay Neuter Voucher (which adds a deposit of $100 to the adoption). They come back to us (or can go to the vet of your choosing) when they are big/old enough for the surgery and we'll refund the $100 deposit then.
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We accept Cash, Checks, VISA, and Mastercard. Please make checks out to PAWS.