FAQ's

Why do you charge an adoption fee?

The sad reality is that we get the unwanted, unvetted, uncared for. We have had and still have many adult dogs most of whom came to us in need of medical care. Veterinary costs for the special cases can run into thousands of dollars. Younger, healthier dogs may not have quite the same issues as the older dogs do but they too need to be examined vaccinated and altered prior to adoption. The adoption fee only partially covers these costs. Donations from the public are limited as we have not yet applied for Charitable status. Precious Paws Rescue volunteers offset the difference from their own pockets and through individual fundraising efforts.

What should I expect once I send in my application?

Stage 1 - Your application will undergo an initial review by a Precious Paws Rescue volunteer. If it meets our criteria, within a few days of sending in your application, a volunteer will be in touch with you to set up a telephone interview. We will also check your personal and veterinary references.

Stage 2 - Once the results of the interview are in, and positive, we will request that a home visit be done.

Stage 3 - Depending on your location, the home visit may occur within days of the interview, or weeks later. If there are no Precious Paws volunteers locally, we will request assistance from other rescue groups affiliated with us. Rescue work is largely volunteer based with families and obligations beyond rescue which might limit their immediate availability to conduct the visit.

Approval and Adoption - Once the first 3 stages are complete and successful, we will then set up a time for you to come and meet the dog that you have applied for. If it is a successful match we will have you sign an adoption contract, fill out a microchip registration form and take your new companion home with you!

Why do you ask for so much personal information? It would be much easier to go to the store and buy a puppy.

Precious Paws Rescue believes that we have a duty to ensure that our dogs are placed in the homes best suited for them, with applicants that believe in the philosophy of rescue and have the patience to work through the screening process The application provides some of the details needed to make this determination. Certainly it is easier to walk into the store and buy a puppy, but it is exactly this "instant gratification" mentality, that has contributed to the hundreds of thousands of homeless and subsequently euthanized pets in Canada today. Adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment, not something to take lightly.

Can I foster a dog in my home?

If you have room in your home, you might consider fostering for us! Our foster homes go through the same screening process that our adopters go through and then we match you up with a foster dog that is suitable to your home, lifestyle and family. You are responsible for providing food and other essentials while the dog is in your care and Precious Paws covers all veterinary expenses until the dog is adopted.

My current pet is not spayed or neutered - is that a problem?

Precious Paws Rescue's policy is that all cats and dogs, irrespective of whether they are indoor or not, should be altered unless a medical condition prevents it, or the animal is "champion" stock and intentionally is kept intact with the intention of improving the bloodlines. We most likely will not consider a home with an unaltered dog or cat unless there is a medical reason or other for this not being done.