*** Important Please Read Before You Apply!!***
LAWS Dog Adoption Application Process & Requirements
Please do not call to inquire about our dogs. Our dog program volunteers do not work in our main adoption center. All inquiries should be emailed to lawsdogprogram@gmail.com.
Pre-approval is required to adopt a pet through LAWS. All of our dogs and puppies are in foster homes, so you must submit an application. Applications will be reviewed based on the specific dog or puppy you are interested in. We do not operate on a first-come, first-served basis; instead, we focus on finding the best possible match for each dog.
In addition to pre-approval, a formal meeting/interview is required, involving our dog program coordinators, fosters, potential adopters, and the dog. Some dogs/puppies may require multiple meetings, especially shy or fearful dogs, to ensure they are comfortable and that the adoption is the right fit. LAWS reserves the right to deny any application at our discretion to ensure the best possible placement for our dogs.
Application Process:
Submitting an application does not guarantee adoption of a specific pet or any pet. Approval also does not commit you to adoption.
Our dog team is 100% volunteer-based—please be patient and kind while we carefully review applications.
Please provide as much information as possible in your application to help us properly review and match you with a dog that suits your lifestyle.
Household & Age Requirements:
You must be at least 22 years old to adopt (proof required).
Families with young children should consider the dynamics between pets and children to ensure successful placements. Assessing the compatibility of pets with potential adopters' lifestyles and providing support to ensure successful transitions into their new homes is essential.
Application Review & Denial Criteria:
Possible reasons for denial include but are not limited to:
History of animal cruelty, neglect, or abuse
Domestic violence, sexual abuse, or outstanding warrants
Expired vaccinations on current or past pets (unless medically excused)
Inability to verify address, references, or any false/misleading information
Background and home checks may be requested. We also verify homeowner information and require direct communication with the homeowner.
By submitting an application, you acknowledge:
Misrepresentation may result in immediate denial.
While LAWS strives to accurately represent each animal's known temperament, habits, and health, we make no guarantees regarding these aspects.
The adopter assumes full responsibility for the pet’s care, including ongoing medical needs and well-being.
Adoption Fees:
Dogs under 2 years old: $325
Dogs 2 years and older: $250
For adoption inquiries, please email lawsdogprogram@gmail.com.
No phone inquiries – thank you for your patience and support!
First Name*
Last Name*
Address*
City*
State/Province*
Zip/Postal Code* -
Email*
Home Phone*
Work Phone* x
Cell Phone*
Alt Email
What is your date of birth?*
Do you intend to adopt this dog as a companion for yourself and/or immediate family and for the dog to reside with you at your primary location? Who is this pet intended for? *
If No, where, and with whom will the dog reside?
Have you, as an adult, ever adopted an animal from a shelter or rescue before? If so, please tell us about the animal and your experiences.
Please list the FULL NAMES and AGE(s) of every individual in the household.*
Does everyone in this household agree to and support the adoption of this dog?
Please provide details about all the pets in your household. For each pet, include the species, name, breed, gender, age, and how long they have been with you. Additionally, describe their individual behaviors and personalities. Also, please share how and where you acquired these pets. If applicable, have your cats or current pets lived with or had interactions with a puppy? The more details you can provide, the better. If you do not have any pets, please respond with 'N/A.*
Are your dogs and cats currently up to date on their vaccinations? We will need to verify this with your veterinary reference. If you use a low-cost or mobile vaccination clinic, you will need to provide copies of your pets' vaccination record before your application can be approved. Please understand that applications will not be fully processed until records are confirmed.
Please list your VET CLINIC. Please list the clinic’s name and phone number We will be calling your veterinarian for a reference. If your pets' account is under another name, such as a maiden name, extended family, etc., please provide that information here so that we may more easily verify your reference. *
How long have you lived at this address? *
Are you the LEGAL OWNER of the property you live in, meaning that YOUR NAME appears on the deed of the property/property tax bills? (All property ownerships will be verified.)*
If you rent, you must provide the LEGAL OWNER's full name and phone number.
Do you have a completely fenced yard?
If yes, what is the height of the fence?*
Would your adopted dog ever be "tied up?" If yes, for how long?*
Where will your pet stay in the event of inclement weather or cold temperatures?*
What does a typical week in your life look like, and how often are you home to provide care for your foster(s)? If fostering dogs, please include details such as where the dog will sleep, eat, and spend time during the day. How long will the dog be left alone, and what does its exercise routine look like? Will the dog accompany you to work, and if so, in what capacity? Additionally, please describe where in your home the foster will stay when you are away.*
Do you require a dog to be already house trained? If not, are you able to house train? Please describe your training methods and any relevant experience you have with house training dogs.*
Please describe your past experience handling animals. Have you ever worked with a dog that displayed issues such as aggression, fearfulness, shyness, or other “problematic” behaviors? How did you approach and help the animal overcome these challenges? Additionally, have you had any formal training with a dog trainer? If so, where did you receive this training, and what methods were used?*
Have you ever adopted ANY animal from LAWS before? If yes, who did you adopt? If not applicable, please write "N/A"*
Have you ever surrendered a pet to a shelter or rescue group, or re-homed it on your own (family member, advertising, etc)? If so, please describe the circumstances that led to the surrender.*
Please describe your current adoption search. How long have you been looking for a dog? What qualities are you looking for in a dog? What breeds do you have experience with?*
If there a specific dog you are interested in, please write his/her name here: (please note- while you may apply for a specific animal, we cannot guarantee that it will result in the adoption of that specific animal).
If the dog/puppy you mentioned above is no longer available, or the LAWS Dog Team does not deem the dog to be a good fit for you based on your application, would you be open/interested in adopting a different dog/puppy from LAWS? * Choose one: Yes No
Please list the NAME (first and last) and PHONE NUMBER of at least 3 (three) references. Describe how you know each reference. Your application cannot be processed if we cannot speak with ALL of your references. NOTE: Please inform your references that you have given us their name and number and will be contacting them.*