ABOUT ADOPTING A PAWS DOG

Dogs available for adoption have in most cases been rescued from Death Row in various Kill Pounds in NSW by a PAWS rescuer. These pets are placed with volunteer Foster Carers who provide food, shelter and love while we advertise for new homes. Foster carers are usually animal lovers who, for various reasons, are unable to have a pet permanently. By adopting a rescued animal you are able to obtain information on their personality from both the rescuer and the foster carer before adoption ie. if the dog is suitable for a home with children or cats, whether they are shy or lively, affectionate or independent, whether they need a lot of exercise or are happy just to curl up and snooze on your lap while you watch TV!

All adult dogs are desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and heartworm tested before they can be rehomed and the adoption fee includes the cost of desexing puppies when they are old enough.

Home visits to check fencing and to meet family members and other pets may be done prior to adoption. Our dogs are rehomed on two weeks trial to ensure that both the person adopting them and the rescuer are satisfied that the dog is happy and adapting well to their new home and this can be extended on request. The adoption fee is refundable if the dog is returned to PAWS at the end of the trial period however we will always endeavour to take back any of our rescued dogs that are unable to be kept for any reason. The adoption fee only reimburses the rescuer for the veterinary costs incurred in saving the dog and making it ready for rehoming (desexing, microchipping, vaccination, worming etc.) Whilst these routine veterinary costs are recouped when the pet is adopted (sometimes many months later!), any additional, unexpected vet costs must be paid for by their rescuer. These can include medication for a sick pet, emergency surgery for an injured one, a dental to remove abscessed teeth or even just grooming for a severely matted dog. Additional vet fees often run to hundreds of dollars if an animal becomes sick after it has been rescued, or has a pre-existing illness or injury which must be treated before it can be rehomed. It would be easy just to ignore the sick or injured dogs in Pounds but PAWS think they too should have a chance at a healthy, happy future.

Please be assured that adoption fees are ONLY used to rescue dogs and cover any additional veterinary costs incurred by our volunteer rescuers. PAWS has no paid staff, no offices to pay rent on, no large advertising campaigns and no government funding. In addition, rescuers are not reimbursed for any personal expenses incurred by their rescue work such as phone calls or petrol. Perhaps more importantly, your money does not go to an organisation that kills healthy dogs just because it is taking too long to find them a home!

PLEASE NOTE NO PROFIT IS MADE BY PAWS FROM REHOMING RESCUED ANIMALS

to see PAWS dogs in foster care and available for adoption