Adoption Requirements

Because many of the dogs up for adoption have experienced enough suffering to last them a couple of lifetimes, we want to make EXTRA sure we are sending them to the absolute best homes possible. We want them to live as part of the family. Hence, this is what we require of our adopters:

  • Caring Hearts 4 Paws REQUIRES a fully fenced yard with no holes or gaps (invisible fences do not qualify). Fences in need of repairs must be fixed PRIOR to completing application. 
  • Potential adopter must remain in compliance with any breed restrictions whether imposed by your local jurisdiction, rental agreement, homeowners association or insurance policy.
  • Potential adopter must have approval from Landlord (if renting or leasing) prior to completing application.
  • Potential adopter must have the financial resources to provide necessary medical care for the pet.
  • Dogs require a lifetime of dedication. If something were to happen to you, please make sure your dog has both emergency and long-term caretakers. Check out this article to learn how important it is to have this in place. PROVIDING FOR YOUR PET.
  • All resident pets must be spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, and up to date on vaccinations (unless a written explanation is provided by a licensed veterinarian)
  • Caring Hearts 4 Paws dogs need to be adopted as companion animals only and cannot be trained as service dogs, working dogs, or guard dogs.
  • Potential adopter must be willing to keep the dog on heartworm preventative for life and take them for annual vaccinations and check ups
  • Potential adopter may not have any history of animal cruelty, domestic violence or child abuse
  • Potential adopter may not have surrendered a dog to our group, or an affiliate rescue organization
  • Potential adopter must remain in compliance with the number of allowed animals by your local animal welfare ordinance

Ready to apply? Click here Adoption Application

Please remember, we are an all volunteer organization so sometimes
this process takes a little time. Your patience is appreciated.

Why do we charge an adoption fee?

Adoption fees through a rescue are more economical than purchasing an animal and paying for the vaccines, spay or neuter yourself. We cover initial veterinary costs before we adopt an animal to a new home. Spaying or neutering alone can cost between $300-$800, and wellness exams and vaccines can be an additional $100+. When needed, we also pay for costly surgeries, emergency grooming, training and more. Your fee helps us cover some of these costs and ensures we can save more dogs