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Before You Apply:


Thank you for your interest in adopting from Kate's House of Paws, and for taking the first step toward offering a loving, forever home to an animal in need. Bringing a cat or dog into your home is a long-term  commitment and a life-changing decision - for both you, and your new pet. Please take a moment to review the information below before submitting your adoption application.

Adoption Is a Long-Term Commitment


Dogs and cats can live 10–20 years depending on breed, size, and health. Adoption means committing to provide love, stability, training, medical care, and financial support for the entirety of your pet’s life.


If you anticipate major life changes (moving, new job, new baby, college, etc.), please consider how a pet will fit into those plans.


Financial Responsibility


Pet ownership includes ongoing expenses such as:


  • Quality food and treats
  • Annual veterinary exams and vaccinations
  • Spay/neuter (if not already completed)
  • Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
  • Grooming
  • Training (especially for dogs)
  • Emergency veterinary care


Unexpected medical costs can arise at any time. Please ensure you are financially prepared before applying.


Landlord & Housing Requirements


If you rent your home:


  • You must have landlord approval for a pet.
  • Breed and size restrictions must be disclosed.
  • We will verify rental and pet policies before approval.

If you own your home, we may verify ownership.


Time & Lifestyle Considerations


Pets require daily care, attention, and companionship.


Dogs need:
  • Daily exercise and walks
  • Training and socialization
  • Bathroom breaks throughout the day


Cats need:
  • Daily interaction and enrichment
  • Frequent litter box maintenance
  • Scratching posts and environmental stimulation


Consider your work schedule, travel frequency, and household activity level.


Veterinary Care


We require that all pets in your household be:


  • Spayed or neutered
  • Current on vaccinations
  • On regular veterinary care


We will contact your current or previous veterinarian for a reference.


Meet & Match Process


Submitting an application does not guarantee adoption. We review applications to ensure the best match between pet and adopter. Our priority is the long-term well-being of the animal.


The process may include:


  • Application review
  • Reference checks
  • Meet-and-greet
  • Home check (virtual or in-person)


Children & Pets


Please ensure all household members are ready for a new pet. We strongly recommend:


  • Teaching children respectful pet behavior
  • Introducing current pets slowly and properly
  • Supervising all early interactions


Adoption Fees


Adoption fees help cover medical care such as vaccinations, spay/neuter, and general health assessments. Fees vary by age and species and are non-refundable once adoption is finalized.


If Things Don’t Work Out


We require that adopted animals be returned to our organization if you can no longer keep and/or care for them. There is no  fee to surrender a previously adopted animal.  Animals adopted from us MAY NOT be rehomed independently.


Ready to Apply?


If you’ve reviewed the above information and feel prepared for the responsibility and joy of pet ownership, please click below to complete your adoption application!