Congratulations on taking the first step to bringing a new family member to your home! Whether you are adopting or fostering, adding a new family member is a big step. Below is what you need to know about adopting and fostering a pet for Hands & Paws!

​

​

Adopting

Hand & Paws takes pride in our dogs and in the process of finding their forever homes. Our process is outlined below. We want to ensure our dogs fit in well with your family and placement is forever. 

​

When adopting from Hands & Paws Dog Rescue, your dog will come fully vetted. This means he or she has been spayed or neutered, is up to date on vaccinations, has had flea and heartworm preventative, and is microchipped. 

​

If you have questions about any of our adoptable dogs or our adoption process, please contact us. 

​

To start the adoption process:

• Complete an online application

• Show us solid references

• Provide us with a vet reference if there are resident pets

• A standard home evaluation is required to ensure a safe environment

• Have a meet and greet with the dog and your family (including resident pets)

  • Home evaluation and meet and greet can, and often will, coincide​

​

Once the process is completed and you are approved for adoption, you will be required to complete an adoption agreement. This agreement basically states that you will provide a safe and loving home for your new family member.

​

Adoption Fees:

Puppy 0-12 months: $250

Young 12-24 months: $200

Adult 2-7 years: $150

Senior 7 years+: $100

​

Adoption fees cover the costs Hands & Paws incurred so that we may provide you with a new, healthy family member.

​

Ready to start? Fill out an application.

​

​

Fostering

Thank you for considering opening your home to a rescued dog! Fostering can be the most amazing and rewarding thing you can do to help the rescue community. 

​

Fostering helps save two lives: the one that gets pulled out of the shelter and the one that can fill that open spot. Fostering also helps to ensure adoptions are successful. While the dog is in your home, you learn about his or her personality and can better help a potential adopter understand the dog when they consider adoption. You also get the opportunity to help the dog grow and learn basic commands and how to be a good pet. Essentially, as a foster, you help the dog get ready for his or her forever family.

​

The most common thing we hear from people when considering fostering is that they fear getting too attached and having to let the dog go. Getting attached is always a possibility. All of us at Hand & Paws have adopted dogs we have fostered. We've also had to let go of dozens that we loved but couldn't keep. We won't lie - it's not always easy. But seeing that dog with his or her new family and the joy it brings to them and to the dog makes it all worth it. We often stay in touch with families who have adopted dogs we've fostered. And many of us get to visit the dogs after they've left our home. And always remember, when that dog finds his or her forever home, you've saved two lives: that dog's and the next one that gets saved because you've opened up your home.

​

Still with us? Good! Here's what you need to know about fostering:

​

Steps to become a foster:

• Submit an online application

• Provide us with solid references

• Provide us with a vet reference if there are resident pets

• A standard home evaluation is required to ensure a safe environment

• Have a meet and greet with the dog and your family (including resident pets)

  • Home evaluation and meet and greet can, and often will, coincide​

​

Once you have been approved as a foster, we will place a dog with you. You will then complete a foster agreement that basically states that you will care for the dog while he or she is in your home and that the dog belongs to the rescue.

​

What Hands & Paws needs from you:

Basically we need you to take care of the dog while he or she is in your home. Hand & Paws will take care of all medical expenses and medications. You will just need to provide food and a loving home. We may need you to transport the dog to events and to accompany us to meet potential adopters. 

​

That's it! Still have questions? Contact us!

​

Ready to start this amazing journey? Fill out an application.

​

​