Ready to Adopt?
This section covers general USA PAW requirements for potential adopters, and details our process. Once you have finished reading, please accept the adoption terms on the application form.
Adoption Fees:
- 1 dog = $325
- 1 cat = $300
Adoption Process Complete an online Adoption Application. It may take up to 5 business days for your application to be fully processed. Delays may occur if we are unable to get in touch with your references and/or information is incomplete. Please notify them we will be calling or emailing so they respond in a timely fashion.
REQUIRED HOME VISIT: A home visit is a prerequisite for potential adopters. This is NOT a white-glove inspection. We would like to meet the members of your family as well as your current pets. Should you be outside our immediate area, we may utilize a nearby reputable rescue to conduct the home visit. This valuable step helps to prevent re-homing of adopted pets.
AGE REQUIREMENT: You must be twenty-one years of age. All children in the household must be over the age of 5.
REGION & TRANSPORTATION RESTRICTIONS: USA PAW accepts applications from outside of our geographical area, yet does not ship pets. Potential adopters need to be willing to drive to the foster home, meet their possible match and proceed with an adoption, if so desired.
COMMITMENT PLEDGE: You are committing to your adopted animal(s) for their lifespan which may be ten years or more. Many of the animal(s)s in the program have had a difficult start to their lives. Owning a animal(s) is a financial obligation that requires routine veterinary visits and care, which can be costly. Please take this into consideration before adopting. Our mission is for permanent placement in a loving home. Should circumstances arise where a animal(s) must be returned, please contact USA PAW immediately as our policy is to accept and re-home any of our previously adopted animal(s).
UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES AGREEMENT: In the extreme event that you can no longer care for your USA PAW animal(s), you agree that the animal(s) will be returned to United States of America Patriot Animal Welfare of Oklahoma. The animal(s) shall not be surrendered to a shelter, or another rescue.
NEIGHBOR CONSIDERATIONS: Animals can be vocal, although not all are. Please consider your home environment and that of your neighbors when adopting.
LANDLORD APPROVAL: Written proof of landlord approval and pet deposit, if required, is necessary if your residence is a rental, condominium or part of a Homeowner’s Association.
EXERCISE PLANS: A fenced-in yard is ideal, although USA PAW understands this is not always possible. Should this not be an option, the adopter must be committed to daily walks and exercise in all kinds of weather. Please keep your adopted pet on a leash and supervised unless in a secure area. Note that a fenced yard may be required based on individual animal(s)'s history.
VETERINARIAN CHECK: Your veterinarian will be contacted as part of the screening process. Current pets in the household and pets that have passed within the last five years should show that they are/were spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, receive regular heart-worm testing, heart-worm prevention, and have a consistent history of wellness care. Please provide USA PAW with rationale as to why a pet is un-spayed or un-neutered so due consideration can be made.
CONTRACT TERMS: The USA PAW adoption contract is a legally binding document. By signing, it is agreed that your rescued pet will be provided with proper veterinary care. This care includes a yearly wellness exam, heart-worm testing and prevention, routine vaccines, and emergency care if needed. Heart-worm disease is potentially fatal, yet easy to prevent. (Products that contain Ivermectin should be avoided in collies, shelties, and other herding breeds.)
RESCUE: Important to know and share with your Veterinarian…Please realize that the designated ages of our adoptable animal(s)s that are rescued with unknown histories are estimated. Our team of Veterinarians make this estimation based on lenticular changes in the eyes, muscle tone, hair/coat (grey muzzle, thinning), and an oral exam.
TIME FRAME: The adoption process of USA PAW purposefully includes several steps. This helps match you with a animal(s) that is most compatible with your family and lifestyle. Expect to receive confirmation of your application submission within 5 business days. Please do not contact us until after this time-frame as you paperwork may not have been processed. Please keep in mind we are an all volunteer organization.
USA PAW RIGHTS: United States of America Patriot Animal Welfare of Oklahoma reserves the right to deny any application, without explanation.
Things to Remember:
A leash, cage or transport crate will be required in order to transport your new animal home.
You will receive a copy of your new animal’s medical records at the time of adoption, where applicable.
Adoption Fee payments can be made by check, cash or credit card.