Adoption Requirements & Process
We care deeply about every animal that comes through our rescue and work hard to place each one in a loving, permanent home. While we believe in educating rather than judging, we do have specific requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animals and our rescue.
Adoption Requirements
Residence
At this time, we are only able to adopt animals to residents of Wisconsin and Illinois.
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Applicants must live within four hours of our home base - Muskego, WI
We verify property ownership for all applicants. If you rent your home, we will contact your landlord to confirm pet approval and to verify any breed or size restrictions that may apply.
Vetting
Any pets currently living in the home must be up to date on vaccinations. Required vaccines include:
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Rabies
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DHPP (for dogs) / FVRCP (for cats)
If your current pet is not spayed or neutered, the animal you are applying to adopt must either:
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Already be spayed or neutered, or
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Be of the same gender as your current pet
Deposit Policy
If you are submitting an adoption application, please be prepared to schedule a meet-and-greet within 4 days of making contact with the foster family. If you are unable to meet within that timeframe, or if the animal is not yet available for adoption and you would like us to hold the animal until able to meet, a deposit is required: $25 for cats and kittens, or $100 for dogs and puppies. If a deposit is not received, we may continue processing other applications for that animal.
Deposits must be paid electronically through Square and will be applied toward the adoption fee. If you meet the animal and decide it is not the right fit, the deposit may be transferred to another animal or refunded, subject to board approval.
Adoption Fees
Adoption fees are due at the time of adoption. We do not accept checks for adoption fees. Payment may be made by cash or electronic methods (Square is our only option at this time, we're working on PayPal and Venmo)
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Please note: Adoption fees are considered donations and are non-refundable in the event the animal is returned.
DOGS
Under 2 years: $475
2-7 years: $325
8+ years: $225
Pitty type dogs over 6 months: $250
We do not adopt littermates to the same household
CATS
Under 9 months: $150
9 months-7 years: $100
8+ years: $50
20% discount off adoption donation for cats adopted in pairs
Adoption Process
Submit an Adoption Application
Once you find an animal you’re interested in meeting, please complete an adoption application. Our team will review your application and contact you within 24 hours of submission to discuss the next steps.
Process Adoption Application
Our goal is to place every animal in a safe, loving, and permanent home. To ensure the best possible matches, we carefully review each adoption application we receive.
As part of our screening process, we:
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Conduct a background check to confirm there are no violent offenses.
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Verify home ownership through public tax records.
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For renters, we contact landlords to confirm pet approval and identify any breed or size restrictions.
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Reach out to your veterinarian to confirm that your current pets are up to date on exams, vaccinations, monthly preventatives, and are spayed or neutered.
This process helps us ensure that every animal is placed in a responsible, stable, and loving environment.
Phone Interview
If your application passes the initial review, we will contact you to schedule a phone interview at a convenient time. During this conversation, we’ll ask a few questions to learn more about your household, lifestyle, and expectations. This helps us determine whether the pet you’ve applied for is the best match for you and your family.
Virtual Home Inspection
At the end of the phone interview, we will ask you to provide photos of both the inside and outside of your home. This allows us to ensure that the environment is safe, clean, and suitable for the animal you are applying to adopt.
We understand that people live in their homes and do not expect them to be “picture-perfect.” Our goal is simply to confirm that the space is comfortable and secure for your new companion.
Please note that this step is required in order to move forward to the meet-and-greet stage.
Meet and Greet
Once the phone interview and virtual home inspection are complete, your application will be forwarded to the foster caregiver of the animal you applied for. The foster will contact you directly to schedule a meet and greet.
We ask that the meet and greet take place within 4 days of your approved application email, out of respect for everyone’s time and schedules. If you are unable to meet within that time, we may require a deposit to hold the pet otherwise we're open to processing other adoption applications. The meeting can be held at your home, the foster’s home, or at a neutral location—whichever is most comfortable for everyone involved.
Meet and Greet Requirements:
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All household members must be present during the meet and greet.
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If you are adopting a dog and already have one at home, you are required to bring your dog to the meet and greet so we can ensure both dogs are comfortable with each other.
During the meet and greet, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time with the animal, ask questions, and learn more from the foster about the pet’s personality and needs. The foster may also ask you questions to help determine if this is the right match.
Please note: the foster caregiver has the final say in determining whether the adoption will move forward.
Adoption
If everyone agrees that your home and family are a great fit, you may proceed with the adoption. Adoptions can be completed the same day as the meet and greet, or you may choose to take up to 24 hours to make your decision.
(Please note: the 24-hour period is intended for decision-making, not for “testing” the animal.)
As part of the adoption process, you will:
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Sign the adoption contract
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Pay the adoption donation fee
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Have the option to take a “Happy Tails” photo to celebrate your new addition, which we may share on social media (the photo is completely optional)
Included in the Adoption Donation
For Dogs
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Deworming treatment
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DHPP Vaccine (will be administered as an age-appropriate series based on the pet’s age at intake)
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Rabies Vaccine (6 months and older)
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One free training consultation with our resident trainer - Angie
For Cats
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Deworming Treatment
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FVRCP Vaccine (will be administered as an age-appropriate series based on the pet’s age at intake)
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Rabies vaccine (6 months and older)
Included for All Adopted Pets
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Microchip (includes FREE lifetime registration)
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Lifetime Support – we are always here to support our adopters. From training advice and reassurance to rehoming/return options, we strive to help whenever possible.
Please note that taking an animal back into our rescue is handled on a case-by-case basis, and there may be times when we are unable to offer intake support.
Spay and Neuter Policy
Due to limited veterinary availability and the rising cost of these services, Best Paws Rescue is unable to cover the cost of spay/neuter procedures for animals who have not already been spayed or neutered at the time of adoption. Adopters are responsible for scheduling and covering the cost of the procedure. Any animal not altered at the time of adoption will be adopted with a spay/neuter contract, and a $100 deposit will be required at the time of adoption. The deposit may be paid by cash, check, or separate electronic payment.
Spay/Neuter Timeline
Adopters must agree to have their animal spayed or neutered within 6 months of adoption for cats and dogs under 25 lbs, and within 9 months for dogs over 25 lbs.
Reimbursement
Best Paws Rescue may reimburse $50 for cats and $100 for dogs toward the cost of the procedure. Reimbursement will be provided after the adopter has submitted written proof that the spay/neuter procedure has been completed.
Deposit Forfeiture
If the adopter fails to have the animal spayed or neutered within the required timeframe or fails to provide the necessary written documentation, the $100 deposit will be forfeited, and the adopter will also forfeit any applicable reimbursement.
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Options
For adopters seeking affordable spay and neuter services, we’ve compiled a list of local resources to help make finding care easier. We encourage you to explore the available community programs and schedule your pet’s procedure as early as possible, as appointments may fill quickly.
About Ages, Breeds, and Assessments
Ages and breeds are our best estimates, and we cannot make any guarantees. Most of our animals come from overcrowded shelters with limited resources. We do our best to evaluate each animal’s behavior and medical needs and place them into loving foster homes until they are ready to go home with you. Our organization is operated entirely by dedicated volunteers who give their time and love out of the goodness of their hearts.
Pawfectly Matched!
