Adoption Program

PAWS' adoption program places homeless animals in new homes and makes every attempt to ensure the new home is suitable for the animal. Towards this effort, PAWS asks that you list every person living or frequenting the home regularly on the adoption application. In addition, PAWS does a home visit and has the right to refuse adoption if the home is not found suitable or compatible to the animal. If the adoption is approved, the first 2 weeks are a probationary period after which PAWS will make a follow-up home visit. If the animal is happy and healthy and the applicants wish to make the animal a permanent member of their household, the adoption is finalized. PAWS' adoption fee is $150 for dogs, $75 for cats, and also requires the new guardian to register the microchip which requires a $17.50 microchip registration fee. Since all animals are current on heartworm (unless the animal is undergoing heartworm treatment) PAWS also requires the new guardian purchase a 6-month supply of heartworm preventitve and Advantage flea control.

As a non-profit organization, P.A.W.S of Hillsborough County does not receive funds from any state or federal government agencies. Any donation or volunteer time that you give will help all of the animals housed and cared for by P.A.W.S.

The animal that you adopt will have received age appropriate vaccines, spayed/neutered (if old enough), and tested for heartworm (if over 6 months). All animals might require further vaccinations, fecal exams and possibly worming medications. Some of our animals were brought to us with their medical records. If we have received such records, that information will be given to you.

We cannot guarantee, nor can we be responsible for, the health of the pets being adopted. Many of the pets admitted to us have come from unknown origins. While a veterinarian has checked all and every effort has been made to ensure the basic health of our animals, some might be incubating certain diseases, which are not readily apparent at the time of adoption.

Adoption Requirements

The following is a list of requirements new pet guardians must meet/agree to before adopting an animal from PAWS.

       PAWS only adopts to homes with sterilized pets.

       Adoption fee is $150.00 for dogs, $75.00 for cats,and microchip registration fee is $17.50.

       In some cases, if the animal had required extensive medical care, a donation may be requested.

       Adoptor must purchase 6 months heartworm and 6 months Advantage within 2 weeks of final adoption (Unless medical reasons prevent it).

       WE REQUIRE THAT ALL ADOPTED DOGS BE KEPT ON HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE.

       All animals adopted will be "indoor" pets - PAWS does not adopt "outdoor" animals.

       If it doesn't work out, ALL animals MUST be returned to PAWS!

       In some cases, a fenced yard is required

Adoption Process

1. Fill out our online adoption application.
   If you have questions or problems with the online form, contact us to request an adoption form. Once the application has been received an adoption counselor will contact you as soon as possible.

2. Meet The Animal/Meet The Family -
   Since not all animals are suitable for all homes, we will make an initial determination, based on the adoption application if the animal is suited to the home. If we believe it is, we make arrangements for you to meet the animal and for PAWS to meet the family. It is mandatory we meet everyone who is in the home on a regular basis at the inital meeting. If this cannot be arranged in a reasonable manner, an adoption will not be considered.

3. In-Home Visit -
   If, having met the animal and being fully aware of our adoption requirements, you wish to adopt the animal, PAWS will make an in-home visit to the applicant and meet the whole family and see where the dog will be kept during the day and at night. PAWS does not adopt to homes where the dog will always be kept outdoors

4. Two Week Trial Period -
   The new guardian takes responsibility for the animal and he/she is moved into his/her new home. The first two weeks are a trial period to see how well the animal adjusts to the new home and how well the new home adjusts to the animal. An adoption counselor will be in touch and be available to the adoptive parent during this time.

5. Final In-Home Visit and Finalize Adoption -
   After the two week trial period, a final in-home visit is made by PAWS volunteers. If the pet and its new family are adapting well and the adoption is agreed upon, the adoption will be finalized and the final papers filled out at this time.

If you agree with all adoption requirements please begin the adoption process by filling out an adoption application.