How to Adopt a Dog

Dogs available for adoption at Lakeshore PAWS are fully loaded: spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, heartworm tested (at the appropriate age), and flea/tick & heartworm preventative. Please be patient with us as we are 99% volunteer-run; our goal is to find loving homes for the homeless pets in our program.

A Step By Step Outline
of Our Adoption Process:

  • Come into our adoption center during business hours or fill out the application below. Make sure you answer EVERY question and get a confirmation message that your application went through after you submit it. We review applications in the order they are received. Once approved, we will contact you to make an appointment to meet our dogs. We highly suggest making an appointment to ensure we have availability at the time you come in. 
  • Bring the whole family to meet the dog you’re interested in! If you have children we would like to see the interactions between them and your potential new pet! If you have a dog(s), we require a meet and greet to make sure interactions are positive. Your dog(s) must be up to date on vaccines, spay/neutered, and on heartworm preventative. We do require vet records and/or do a vet check. 
  •  If your appointment goes well we recommend doing an “FTA” (Foster-to-Adopt) period** with the potential new pet you’re interested in. It is a 3 day trial to make sure the dog you’re interested in fits your home and lifestyle. During this time Lakeshore PAWS will provide anything needed for the dogs stay in your home (food, crate, medication, ect.) We want the best possible fits for our dogs and for you to be positive about your decision to adopt a new furmember! 

***FTA only eligible for dogs older than 6 months.  

  • Adoption time! It’s a perfect fit and you’re ready to add a new member to your family. We’ll have you fill out paperwork, you’ll learn about the *bonuses* of adopting a dog through us, and then you’ll be on your way to living a happy furever after!

ADOPTION FEES

Any dog that is younger than 1 year old is considered a puppy. They come with age-appropriate vaccines, are dewormed, microchipped, on heartworm preventative, and if age allows spay/neutered. If they are not old enough to have the procedure done, we do require a $100 deposit which is refunded once the surgery is done. We require the spay/neuter to be done at 6 months and can schedule it at one of our vets if you wish to not use your own vet. If you do decide to go to your own vet, once proof of procedure is done, a refund can be issued. Puppy adoption fees are $350 + $100 refundable deposit.

Adult dogs are dogs that are ages 1 – 6 years old. They come with vaccinations (Bordetella, Rabies, Distemper), are dewormed, on heartworm prevention, microchipped, heartworm tested, and spay/neutered. Upon intake, they also have an initial wellness exam to screen for any pre-existing conditions. Their adoption fee is $300.

Senior dogs are dogs that are 7 years old and up. They come with vaccinations (Bordetella, Rabies, Distemper), are dewormed, on heartworm prevention, microchipped, heartworm tested, and if age allows spay/neutered. Upon intake, they also have an initial wellness exam to screen for any pre-existing conditions. Their adoption fee is $100.

Questions to Ask Before Adopting

 

  • Have You Clearly Identified the Reason You Want a Pet?
    Is it because you are looking for a loyal companion for your family? Do you want your existing pet to have a friend? Maybe you want your child to grow up with animals to learn responsibility and compassion. No matter what your motivation, selecting a pet is a personal decision. Understanding the reason for that decision will help in determining which pet is best for you.
  • Are You Ready to Make a Long-Term Commitment?
    Adopting a pet means that you are making a commitment to care for that animal for its entire life. As you go through lifestyle changes such as moving, new jobs, the birth of children, your pet will remain a permanent part of your life. Are you willing to make that kind of commitment?
  • Have You Considered the Financial Impact of Being a Responsible Pet Parent?
    Quality food, regular vaccines, wellness visits, etc. are very important to the health and safety of your pet. As pets age, their veterinary expenses can increase, too. Are you prepared to accept the potential cost of caring for your family pet to keep them happy and healthy for life?
  • Are You Willing to Train Your Companion Pet?
    Lack of training is a major cause of animals being returned to the shelter after adoption. Basic training, or manners training, helps dogs and their owners begin to speak the same language and communicate better which leads to a stronger relationship.
  • Is Your Living Arrangement Appropriate for a Pet?
    If you are attracted to a high-energy or large breed dog, but have a small apartment or small back yard, will they have enough room? If you are a renter, have you considered what you will do when you move and have you investigated the pet policy and discussed pets with your landlord? Moving is the number one reason people give when they relinquish an animal into the shelter system. Thinking ahead will help you avoid this heartbreak if and when your living situation changes.