Adoption questions, answered
Who can adopt from PAWS?
Adopters must be 18 or over. If you rent, we need your landlord’s consent, and every member of the household should meet the dog before we agree a match.
What does the adoption fee cover and when do I pay it?
The fee is paid on adoption day, once you have met your dog and are ready to take them home. It is a single payment with no hidden extras.
How does the home check work?
A volunteer visits for about 30 minutes. They look at your garden and fencing. Nobody inspects your housekeeping, so there is no need to tidy up.
Can I adopt if I work full time?
Yes. You will need a midday walker, or a dog we have already assessed as settled when left alone for a working day.
What if the adoption does not work out?
A dog can come back to PAWS at any point in its life. There is no fee and no judgement, only a warm welcome back for them.
How do I foster instead of adopt?
PAWS covers food, bedding and vet care. Fosters commit to a minimum of two weeks, and we stay in touch throughout.
Do you adopt out to homes with young children or cats?
Yes. We match each dog to a home using the notes from their assessment, so the fit is right for everyone under your roof.
Good to know
Adoption fee: $185, includes spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchip. Average time from application to adoption day: 10 days. Every dog gets a behaviour assessment and 30 days of post-adoption support.
Meet your new best friend
Start your adoption application, or simply walk in. No appointment is needed during opening hours.
14 Harrow Lane, Brightmead
01632 770 144, adopt@paws-shelter.org
Shelter hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Director: Marisol Vega. Head of Canine Care: Dev Rahman.
Families Who Found Their Match
“They told us the truth about his fear of stairs and then helped us fix it.”
Priya Nandakumar, adopted Biscuit, a lurcher
“Dev called us three times in the first month, unprompted.”
Tom and Elena Haruko, adopted Mabel, a terrier cross
“Ten days from the form to a dog asleep on my sofa.”
Clive Osei, adopted Rooney, a greyhound
10 days
Average time from application to adoption day.
30 days of support
Every dog gets a behaviour assessment and 30 days of post-adoption support.