Requirements:

If you would like to adopt one of our animals, please click the adoption application link and fill it out completely. You will be contacted for a phone interview as soon as possible. Please remember that we are an all volunteer organization and while we will try to contact you within 24 hours of your filling out the application, it may on occasion take a little longer. Thank you for your understanding. 

Adoption Application

Veterinarian reference

Personal reference

Landlord check

Interview

Donation Fee

Steps to take:

Make sure you are ready to adopt a dog from Florida Doggie Paws Rescue (FDPR). Please read FDPR's Policy for Adoption.

Next, browse through the available dogs to see if there is one you are interested in adopting.

If so, fill out the adoption application and submit it back to FDPR via the FDPR website. Please be sure to answer all questions entirely, failure to do so, will delay your application. IF YOU ARE USING A MAC, PLEASE USE EITHER SAFARI or FIREFOX - DO NOT USE INTERNET EXPLORER.

If there is not a dog that fits your needs, don't despair! E-mail FDPR, at info@floridadoggiepaws.org with a list of your requirements, then fill out the adoption application so we can get started on your adoption! Please keep in mind that many dogs we get are not completely housetrained. While housetraining an adult dog is easier than housetraining a puppy, there is still work involved. Crate-training is the method of choice for house-training your dog or puppy.

Upon receipt of your application, someone from FDPR will call you for an interview. Once your application is approved, a vet check is conducted, the landlord check is complete and your paperwork is complete we will put you in touch with the foster family that has the dog you're interested in.

We reserve the right to deny any application without giving reason and do not accept responsibility for the inconveniences caused. We spend ALL of our spare time and money caring for our rescued dogs and will only adopt to homes which, we feel, would be perfect.

The required donation for each pet STARTS AT $100.00 and is determined by the age and desirability of the pet. All donations go towards keeping our rescue running, the health, nutrition, and well being of our rescued pets, items to promote name recognition in the community, and to the many vet bills incurred in doing so. We do not pay anyone in our rescue for their time or gas. Everything goes right back to help get the dogs healthy and in their forever homes quickly. If you have a question about an adoption fee for a particular pet, please feel free to email us.

When you've met the dog you like and have decided to adopt him/her we can schedule you to pick up your new dog.

Adoption Policy

Adoption Donation

Adoption Application

Adopters will allow for a minimum of 30 days adjustment period for the dog to adjust to its new environment and family.

Dogs will be placed with adults to be kept as companion animals. They are to be accepted as family members, receiving proper nourishment, medical care and attention. Continuous outdoor confinement is not acceptable. Doghouses, pens, and runs are unacceptable.

All male and female dogs and puppies will be neutered or spayed prior to adoption.

We discourage the adoption of puppies to homes with children under the age of 4 because of the nipping and chewing tendencies of puppies.

We will not place puppies under the age of 6 months old into homes if no one is home during the day. It is cruel and inhumane to leave puppies home for long periods of time unattended. If you are considering a puppy and are away from home for more than 4 hours at a time, you will need to make arrangements with a dog walker. Exceptions will be taken into consideration.

A fenced yard is ideal for all dogs but not a requirement for adoption. This protects the dog from roaming and owners from liability their loose animal may cause. Dogs should never be left unattended in a yard. Chaining is not acceptable. Dogs will not be placed in homes where they will be allowed to run at large. Dogs must remain leashed at all times while outside, except in a secure, fenced-in area.

Adopters must be at least 18 years of age. All adults in the household must agree to the selection of the chosen dog: including parents, relatives, roommates, etc.

Dogs cannot be adopted as gifts. Dogs shall not be given away or sold to another individual. They must be returned to Florida Small Paws Rescue if the adopter can no longer care for the dog properly.

All dogs must have collars with owner identification tags, rabies and license tags. If your dog is lost, a tag may be the only way to have him/her returned to you.

Currently owned animals should be up-to-date on vaccinations. All mature dogs and cats in the home should be up to date on their yearly shots.

We believe very strongly obedience training is KEY to a successful adoption and we encourage all of our adopters -- even the ones who consider themselves to be dog-experienced -- to take their rescued dogs to an obedience class. Taking one class can 1) help you bond with your dog; 2)teach him (and you) basic commands; and 3) instill a sense of confidence in a shy dog or teach a dominant dog that you're the boss, not her.

We recommend positive reinforcement as the best training method for most dogs. Most Petcos and PetSmarts offer these classes. Clicker training has also been successful with most dogs.

FDPR only adopts to individuals living in Florida.

What's Covered with the Donation?

People often want to know why Florida Doggie Paws Rescue, Inc asks for a donation and what the donation covers. Below is what's covered.

For Adult Dogs:

Spay/Neuter
Boarding/Food (while being spayed/neutered)

Rabies

DA2P+PV (Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, Parvo Modified Live Virus)
Bordetella

Heartworm Test

Microchip implant (for id purposes)

Any treatment deemed necessary by our vet

For Pups:

Shots, until time of adoption

Deworming, until time of adoption

Spay/neuter, at 6 months or earlier - At a participating vet

Microchip implant (for id purposes)

As you can see, your donation covers a number of costs. Your dog will be covered for all the necessary inoculations for the first year*. We will send you copies of all paperwork related to any service provided to your dog.

*Puppies that are too young to be spay/neutered may have the procedure done by a Florida Doggie Paws Rescue authorized vet at an appropriate age or you may elect to use your own vet (at your own expense). Puppies will have all shots/treatments suitable for their age.