PAW Adoption Philosophy

The Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW) seeks to match its dogs to adopterswho can provide committed, safe and loving homes. To that end, PAW volunteersspend time interviewing and learning relevant details about individualapplicants so that they can get an idea of the level of care and commitmentthat the applicants can provide to an adopted dog. Ultimately, we look forprospective adopters who possess the qualities and means to offer the chosenanimal a permanent, safe and caring home.

This document has been developed to help volunteers make wise adoptiondecisions. The guidelines that follow are not the only factors that need tobe considered. However, they are essential to decision-making since the welfare of the animals we rescue takes priority over all other considerations.

In addition to understanding the guidelines, it's vital for PAW volunteers tospend time interviewing applicants as individuals, help them select anappropriate dog, educate them in responsible and humane pet ownership, andmake sure that they realize adoption is a lasting commitment. To enhancetheir own knowledge, volunteers are encouraged to review the many dog care and pet owner guides and other documents on the PAW website www.paw-rescue.org,read selections on the Recommended Reading list (available in the Resourcessection of the PAW website), and seek information from PAW's educationvolunteers. It is also recommended to attend PAW's free workshop, "Successwith Your New Dog: Tips That Work!" presented to the public twice monthly.

Veterinary History and Veterinary Reference Checks (Vet Checks)

A good vet check will indicate a consistent record of health care given tocurrent and past pets, as confirmed by regular physical exams, vaccinations,preventative care (e.g., heartworm prevention, dental care),spaying/neutering, and following the veterinarian's recommendations. Vetcheck procedures are outlined in the PAW guide, "How To Do Vet Checks."

Veterinary information is needed before a home visit can be scheduled. If aveterinarian is unwilling to provide information, the vet check volunteerwill ask the applicant to contact the veterinarian to request cooperation sothat the application may be pursued.

An applicant can be declined if checkups have been irregular, or ifveterinarian recommendations have been ignored, putting the animal at risk. If heartworm preventive medication was not purchased for a dog, the vet checkvolunteer will inquire whether it was prescribed by the veterinarian. Somedog owners order heartworm pills by mail, for which they may have receipts or packaging for pills being used for their current dog. Note: heartworm diseaseis not prevalent in some areas of the U.S., so veterinarians in those areasdon’t typically prescribe heartworm preventive pills. If an applicant isunaware of the need for year-round heartworm preventative measures in thisregion, the vet check volunteer should take the opportunity to educate.

If a vet check reveals gaps in exams, vaccinations or medications, the vetcheck volunteer will ask the applicant if he/she visited other vets or hasvet records to fill in the gaps. Some veterinarians do not maintain recordsfor very long, particularly for past clients, so in some cases decisions aremade based upon discussion with the applicant. PAW has accepted receipts orother proof of vetting from applicants.

If an applicant does not vaccinate each year due to holistic health concerns,this will be respected as long as the applicant provides evidence offollowing alternative care practices (e.g. visiting a holistic vet, providinga holistic-style diet and supplements). Note: rabies vaccinations arerequired for dogs and cats by law.

A single lapse or other problem may not warrant an application's decline ifthe applicant demonstrates a commitment to avoid future lapses. Furthermore,if an applicant has an unspayed or unneutered companion animal and anotherwise good application, the applicant can be asked to spay or neuter theresident animal as a condition prior to adopting from PAW. Under somecircumstances, PAW may pursue adoption in cases in which a resident dog isnot neutered/spayed due to being shown in AKC (American Kennel Club) events.

In general, applicants with a good vet history may be considered over anapplicant who lacks a vet history. Applicants without a vet history orextensive experience should be asked to attend a free PAW workshop forprospective (and current) dog adopters. Attendance does not guaranteeapplication approval, but indicates an applicant's willingness to learn.

The Dog's Living Area

PAW will not approve applicants who indicate the dog will spend most of thetime in a crate, bathroom, doghouse, garage, outdoors or in a part of the house that the family does not reside in on a daily basis. This is for safetyas well as socialization reasons; dogs are pack animals who thrive and behavebest when kept with their people. In fact, it's common for dogs kept outsidefor long periods to have housebreaking problems.

The place where the dog stays while the family is out of the home will be well-lighted and comfortable, with bedding, water in a tip-proof container, andsafe dog toys provided. If the dog is kept in a crate when the adopters arenot home, the crate must be at least large enough for the dog to stand up,turn around, and comfortably lie down on his/her side, and to accommodate awater bowl.

Since canine behavior professionals frequently advise to avoid crating a dogmore than six hours a day, we recommend encouraging adopters to transitionadopted dogs to a larger space within the home (for example, the family room-kitchen area) after the dog adjusts to the new home. However, if an ownerplans to confine a dog for longer periods, a small, well-lighted, puppy-proofedroom or large indoor pen has benefits over a crate. A good idea for adopterswho work long hours is to have a trusted neighbor or dog-walker visit the dogmid-day so that the dog can relieve himself/herself and get physical andmental stimulation. Doggie daycare is another option for adopters who aren'thome during the day.

Fenced Yards

Fencing is not required for all PAW dogs. However, it is sometimes requiredby foster caregivers and other dog volunteers for individual dogs. A minimumfence height may be recommended by the dog's foster caregiver or otherexperienced volunteer based on the individual dog's behavior. For example,many dogs can jump over a standard (three to four foot) fence, and many dogs(even small ones) can climb chain-link fences.

The fenced area must be enclosed on all sides and not allow space at thebottom through which a dog can escape. Many dogs dig, which is one reasonthat PAW advises dog adopters to continuously supervise when their dogs are inthe yard.

In the case of a fenced area not attached directly to the house, the dog would need to be kept on leash while walked to the fenced area. For fences that arenot of adequate height, applicants may install height extensions on theexisting fence.

Fencing may be required for specific reasons, such as to give families a safe,convenient area for the dog to play with the family members and to go to thebathroom. As stated on the PAW application form, fences are typicallyrequired for households having children under age 12. This is based on thefrequent observation by animal welfare volunteers and shelter workers thatfamilies have trouble fitting in several leash-walks a day while juggling theneeds of young children. For example, parents are expected not to leave youngchildren alone in a house when taking dogs out for walks, and young children may be difficult to take along on dog-walks when the children are ill or theweather is bad.

Fencing may be required as a condition to adoption, with the adoption delayeduntil the prospective owner has completed the fencing.

Invisible Fencing

PAW typically does not approve invisible fencing as stand-alone fencing,although it can be used to supplement physical fencing. Reasons include: dogs have escaped invisible-fenced yards to chase animals or people...thefence is useless during power failures...wild animals and roaming pets canattack the dog...people, including small children, can enter the yard, with consequences ranging from pet theft to serious injuries to lawsuits.

Exceptions have been made in cases in which all of the following conditionsare met: the adopter demonstrates commitment to train the chosen dog to theinvisible fence (it helps if the applicant already has dogs successfullytrained to the fence)...the chosen dog's traits (such as prey drive level andlack of aggressive tendencies) make the dog suitable to being trained to an invisible fence...the location is far from traffic...and the applicant stayswith the dog while the dog is in the yard.

Application reviewers may ask the applicant for a neighbor's reference toconfirm that all conditions to approval of an electric fence are met. Evenso, an applicant with a physical fence may be chosen over an applicant with aninvisible fence. Application reviewers may provide information regarding thedrawbacks of electric fencing for educational purposes.

Dog Doors

A dog door poses a safety risk if the dog is outdoors unattended. The dooralso enables other animals and possibly even humans to enter the home. Generally, PAW does not place in homes that use doggie doors, unless an applicant demonstrates that the door is blocked when the owners are not home.

On/Off Leash Handling

As noted in the PAW Dog Adoption Contract, PAW requires that adopted dogs bewalked on-leash when in unfenced areas. Any dog can give into instinct, breakvoice command and run off. And very few people are able to train even themost obedient dog to achieve reliable voice control over a dog's behavior.

A dog who runs off can be hit by a car, fight with another dog, injure apasser-by, get hurt, be taken by someone, or become lost in the woods. Thisis why PAW tries to protect the dogs it rescues by requiring that adopterskeep the dog on leash when not in a fully fenced area. It's also why PAW application reviewers place great importance on applicants' intentionsregarding the use and non-use of leashes.

If an applicant indicates letting previous dogs off-leash in unfenced areas,reviewers will consider the individual circumstances. Considerations includewhether the applicant's previous off-leash activity was in connection withobedience trials, agility training, flyball or search-and-rescue, and whetherthe applicant understands why a PAW dog cannot be let off-leash in unfencedareas.

An applicant who indicates off-leash intentions may still be considered for aPAW adoption, provided that after the application reviewer or foster caregiverexplains the dangers, the applicant expresses sincere concern and acceptanceof PAW's on-leash requirement as stated in the Adoption Contract.

Note: If an applicant/adopter lives in a jurisdiction that permits use ofvoice control in place of a leash, clarify that the PAW adoption contract'son-leash requirement still applies.

Dog Parks

Unfamiliar dogs and insufficient fencing/gating pose a risk of injury to dogs at dog parks. Transmission of disease and parasites is another problem. Therefore, PAW recommends caution in selecting and using dog parks,particularly if the dog is vulnerable or has shown any signs of dogaggression. Use of unfenced parks for PAW dogs are not permitted. A PAWvolunteer needs to examine dog parks that an applicant intends to use before a decision is made to pursue or decline.

Dog parks are not wise choices for dogs who have exhibited antagonism towardother dogs, dogs who are easily stressed, and small dogs who might be regardedas potential prey. In line with recommendations of breed-specific rescue groups and breed authorities, PAW recommends that dogs of breeds originallyused to fight or seize other animals should not be taken to dog parks to avoidthe risk of a serious fight. At a time when some breeds are victims ofnegative press, breed-specific legislation and insurance exclusions, it isbest to avoid potential incidents that would further fuel negative sentiment.

Guidance on this subject should be shared with prospective adopters, along with other detailed information about the breed and individual characteristicsof the dog.

Applicants with Young Children

We expect families to consider babies and young children a priority and thatyoung children may accidentally hurt a dog or be hurt by the dog. This is whyso many rescue and adoption groups typically do not place dogs in familieswith children under age six. "Are You the Pet for Me," a book by Mary JaneChecchi, includes insight into the reasoning behind such guidelines. PAWapplication reviewers also follow that guideline, which is printed on theadoption application.

Exceptions have been made in cases in which the parents have demonstratedsubstantial experience caring for a dog.

Puppies and children: Dogs typically do not display all breed and individual characteristics until maturity, so PAW typically does not place puppies inhouseholds with young resident children. Puppies tend to trigger impulsedecisions on the part of parents and children (which has resulted in a largenumber of relinquishments), so it is critical to help families realize thetime demands of a puppy and the fact that puppies will grow much larger andstronger in mere months. PAW has placed young dogs with families with young children in cases in which the adopters had substantial dog ownershipexperience (such as the parents having a recent, successful history of owningand caring for an active dog).

Studies have shown that the largest number of give-ups occur before a dogreaches one year of age. In response, we discourage the placement of puppieswith families who lack current dog experience. Too often, families give uppuppies once they grow larger, start jumping on people (and knocking overlittle people) and engage in other common canine adolescent antics. Manyparents do not have, or are unwilling to take, the time for the necessaryobedience training. Maturing puppies must be given proper housetraining,socialization and other behavioral guidance while they are young, and busyfamilies that eventually return young dogs often have missed a criticalage-related window of opportunity.

Breed traits: It's important to understand breed traits -- and that thetraits of some breeds make them risky matches for households with youngchildren or frail residents. For example, some dogs with herding or guardinginstincts will present difficulties to households with children and/or frequent visiting children. Some dogs, particularly small breeds, may attemptto bite out of an instinct for self-preservation. (See details about breedconsiderations later in this guide.)

Of course, it's essential for people to understand that any dog can bite, andthat the humans and dogs have far different definitions of what constitutes"provoked."

Be sure to counsel adopters to never leave dogs and children alone together,as emphasized by canine behavior professionals nationwide. The age at which achild can behave safely and responsibly when alone with an animal varies withthe individual child (and dog), but every parent must be advised to exercisecaution. It is best to steer families to dogs whose behavior andcharacteristics are well-known, such as dogs who have spent at least severalweeks in foster homes.

PAW volunteers should suggest that families attend obedience training with thechildren participating. One successful approach is to require prospectiveadopters to line up an obedience class before the home visit and to noteobedience training class as a requirement in the adoption contract. Be sure toprovide prospective adopters with cautionary advice along with completeinformation about the chosen dog.

There is an elevated risk when we adopt out kenneled dogs since we do not knowhow the dog will behave in a home environment. Therefore, it is best to notplace a boarded dog in a home with children under age 12 unless a PAWvolunteer first fosters the chosen dog for at least several days.

Q. Why do we encourage applicants with young children to have fencedyards?

A. Because it gives busy families a convenient and safe place toexercise and "walk" the dog when they can't fit in several leash-walks a day. The children have a safe place to play outside with the dog. And since childrenare prone to leaving doors open, a fence would safeguard against some escapesfrom the house into the yard. A parent can make sure the dog gets enough pottybreaks even on days when the children are sick. Parents may not want to leavetheir children alone when it's time to walk the dog. A fenced yard allows thedog ample time to be outside on those occasions. While exceptions have beenmade, most parents tend to find a fenced yard extremely helpful.

Expectant Parents

As recommended by many canine professionals as well as parents who have beenthrough the experience, PAW typically does not adopt dogs to people who areknown to be expectant parents. This is for the welfare of the dog and thefamily, since childbirth and bringing a new dog home are both stress-inducing,life-changing and schedule-changing events. A volunteer who has had childrenmay be asked to explain the reasoning to expectant parents.

Too often, dogs are neglected and given up as result of challenging or at-riskpregnancies and neonatal problems that demand the parents' full attention andinterfere with their ability to care for a pet. Even when the delivery goes smoothly, the demands on new parents are often so time-consuming and stressfulthat the dog's attention and exercise needs are not met, particularly if theparents have not had experience caring for a dog and an infant at the sametime.

It is best to encourage expectant parents to wait until their lives settledown and they adjust to having a new child before considering the addition ofa dog to the home. In some cases, expectant parents might be interested involunteering with animals as a short-term alternative to making the verylong-term commitment to the responsibilities of owning a dog during a time ofmajor adjustment in their lives.

Q. Does this mean that we can never place a dog with a familyexpecting a baby?

A. If the parents have dog experience, infant care experience and havedemonstrated that they have planned for the difficult task of adjusting to anew baby and a new dog at the same time, then a dog adoption might be pursued. However, they still might find it easier to wait until having and adjusting tothe baby than to introduce a new dog into the household at a particularly busyand stressful time. Delaying dog adoption plans until after the parents adjustto the new baby will reduce stress for the dog as well. A less-experiencedperson or couple will have a much harder time than those with substantial dogownership experience.

People Planning to Have Children

If an applicant gives indication that he/she/they may have or adopt children inthe next few years, a volunteer will explain that children joining thehousehold will alter the relationship between the dog and the adopters. Toprepare for a smoother transition, recommend that the people seek guidance froma canine behavior specialist and read materials available from PAW and othersources. Provide a copy of Dog Tips: Preparing Dogs For Life-With-Babyin the adoption folder.

Adult Children Residing with Parents

For prospective adopters over 18 and under 21 years old who reside withparents, a parent will be asked to co-sign the application, indicating sharedresponsibility for the dog.

For any dog adoption, as noted previously, each member of a household will beconsidered as part of the adoption decision. Regardless of age, a familymember who is not ready or willing to have a dog might present a risk to thestability of an adoption.

Homes with Residents with Physical Challenges or Age-Related Conditions

There is a greater risk of injury to frail or physically vulnerableindividuals from puppies and highly active dogs. Applicants in homes withsuch residents can be introduced to more mature, calmer dogs who would be a better fit for the home. Elderly and other applicants should be asked abouttheir plans for the dog should they become unable to care for the dog.

People with Allergies

Many people with allergies have dogs and keep them for life. The key factor isnot choice of breeds, but rather the problem-solving ability and commitmentlevel of the adopters. The PAW website contains a Dog Tip and another sectionabout coping with allergies. It's important to realize that an allergy to dogscan develop even if an individual had not previously experienced symptoms whenexposed to dogs. That's why it's wise to ask the applicants questions such as,"what steps will you take if you or a family member develop allergic reactionsto the adopted dog over time?" It's preferable if the allergy-prone individualsees an allergy specialist for advice before adoption. Good advice includesmaking sure that the dog does not sleep in or near his/her bed, that someoneelse in the family grooms the dog, and that the individual washes his/her handsafter petting the dog, particularly if the allergic person is a child. PAW,just like other groups and shelters, has had dogs returned when the ownersdecide not to take other allergy maintenance steps, so education and inquiriesat the interview stage are vital.

Rentals

If an applicant rents his/her home, PAW application reviewers will determine ifthe landlord allows dogs, and will verify pet-related restrictions andconditions. Also consider the physical structure of a rental unit. Forexample, some apartments have thin, non-soundproofed walls and floors, puttingthe prospective adopter at risk of noise complaints from neighbors and buildingmanagers. A relatively quiet, calm, mature dog might be best for suchsituations. (Note: this recommendation applies to thin-walled condos aswell.)

If the applicant's landlord has a size, height or other pet restriction, PAWwill not place a dog in violation of the restriction(s). However, many rentaltownhouses and houses, and some apartments/condos, do not have weight or sizerestrictions.

The challenges of renting with pets should be discussed with the applicant. Frequently, new dog owners are not aware of the obstacles until problemsarise. Rental restrictions are one of the key reasons people give forrelinquishing their pets; hundreds of dogs are given up in our area due toowners choosing a new rental with pet restrictions or choosing not to pay petdeposits and added monthly fees. Ask applicants about plans in case they mustmove. PAW volunteers can also advise applicants and others to read the"Renting with Pets" Dog Tip found on the PAW website.

If the applicant has occupied the current rental less than one year,application reviewers should ask for the name and phone number of the priorlandlord (in addition to the current landlord). This can provide insight aboutthe responsibility level of the applicant.

Group Houses

If an applicant lives in a group home, application reviewers will meet with allroommates to assess their willingness to live with a pet and theirresponsibility level. In addition, the roommates will be asked to describehow they will accommodate the pet if a new roommate does not care for pets, orif a move requires them to split up.

Another consideration: what accommodations can and will the adopters make ifother residents of the group home add new pets to the household, given thatsome pets are not compatible with one another.

The home visit is critical to determining the general lifestyle, financialcapability and individual responsibility of members of the household, so inthe case of group homes, it is recommended that two PAW volunteers conduct thehome visit and discuss their observations with others on the Review Committee.

Military Placements

Because many pets are abandoned by military personnel when they aretransferred, PAW exercises caution in placing with military families. Wheninterviewing military personnel, ask the following questions. First, how longhave they been in the military, and how long do they expect to remain? Someonepreparing to leave military service is not likely to be deployed somewhere andmight be considering a pet for that reason.

Next, what is the applicant's pet history? Did he or she keep pets over thecourse of the military career? This could be documented by vet records. Theanswer will give an idea of the applicant's commitment to animals.

Finally, ask "what would you do with the animal if you move or aretransferred?" If a military person plans to take the animal, that wouldrequire him or her to decline an assignment that prohibits taking pets. Higherranking personnel (example, E-7 and above) have more say inassignments/relocation and type of housing. However, if the person isambitious and/or plans to spend a long career in the military, this still mightnot be the best situation. More probing should be done to ensure the applicantis in a position to reject an assignment that prohibits taking pets.

As with all adoption interviews, attitude, demonstrated commitment and historyplay a role, so a good interview is key to determining whether to pursue anapplicant.

Applicants Who Have Given Up Past Pets

PAW looks for a pet history that includes commitment over the long run. Applicants who have previously given up pets may or may not be prepared to keepa pet for the pet's lifetime and/or resolve pet-related problems. So gatherdetails about the year the pet was given up, why, attempts to resolve theproblem, to whom the applicant gave the pet, and whether the applicantfollowed up after rehoming the pet.

Examples: an applicant who gave up a dog three years ago because the dog gottoo large or annoyed a new spouse would not be a good candidate for adoption. Nor would an applicant who left a cat to a county shelter due to spraying orscratching the furniture. However, PAW might pursue an applicant whose dogbecame aggressive with her children, sought veterinary and training advice,took the time to rehome the dog when the aggression problem persisted, andthen awaited several years until her family was in very stable position toadopt a dog. PAW might also pursue an applicant whose family gave up a petyears ago but who provides evidence of having done thorough research, acquiredthe knowledge to solve pet problems and prepared for a successful adoption.

Q. Should we decline people who gave up a pet in the past?

A. It's important to interview each applicant to get to know theapplicant as well as gather details as to why the pet was given up. Was thegive-up last year or 20 years ago? Was the pet given up by the applicant'sparents? Did the applicant give up the pet due to a move instead of seekingout a pet-friendly rental? Does the applicant blame the animal -- or doeshe/she acknowledge personal responsibility and the need to plan toprevent/solve problems? Was the pet given away due to aggression problems ornegative behavior (example: a cat not using a litter box) after the applicantworked with a trainer, behaviorist or vet? And, when that didn't work, did theapplicant seek a more suitable home for the pet, screening the new owners andfollowing up? Or did he or she just leave the pet at a shelter? Has theapplicant's family prepared carefully in the intervening years to avoid repeating pastmistakes? There are many different circumstances. Some reveal that the personmay not have the commitment or resources to keep their next pet for theanimal's lifetime. PAW would consider placement with responsible people whohave taken steps that indicate they are now ready to make a lifetimecommitment to a pet.

Applicants Who Want To Give Pets As Gifts

Preparing Adopters and Following Up

Educated owners are more capable of safely managing their dogs and keeping themfor life. Provide prospective adopters with cautionary advice and completeinformation about the chosen dog.

In addition, explain that changes in family structure or living arrangementswill affect the dog, who may exhibit stress in the form of housebreakingaccidents and other behavior changes. The dog will probably need help from theowner to adjust to household changes.