Frequently Asked Questions

+ What does my adoption fee include?

Your $450-$600 adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines current to the age of the dog/puppy. If you adopt a puppy under 6 months old, an additional $50 training deposit will be required and refunded once your puppy has completed training before the 6 month mark. This is to ensure all of our puppies are set up for success in their new homes.

+ Can you hold a dog for me?

Unfortunately, we cannot hold dogs. We operate on a first come, first serve basis and plan meet and greets accordingly with approved applicants. If you are interested in a dog, fill out the application right away. If we are having an adoption event, we recommend arriving early.

+ Do you offer discounted rates?

We do not offer discounted adoption rates. We are a nonprofit organization and our adoption fees go directly towards medical bills, training, food, and other costs to care for dogs in need. Each rescued dog costs an average of $500.

+ How long does it take to hear back?

We receive a high number of emails daily and do our best to respond to them as quickly as we can. We will be in touch as soon as possible. Typically within 1-3 business days.

+ Do you know the history of my dog?

Unfortunately, many dogs that we save entered the shelter as strays or were surrendered by their owners with little or no information. We do our best to include any information about their history in their profile if it is known. Otherwise, we will always report information about their personalities and health and training based on how they've done in our program.

+ When will I receive my dogs's paperwork?

Within three days of adoption, we will email our welcome letter, paperwork, verification of contact information, etc. If for some reason you need the paperwork sooner, please email info@wagsandwalks.org and we will do our best to accommodate.

+ How do I license my dog?

There are different rules and requirements based on where you live. We do not and cannot keep up with all the rules and changes for all locations we adopt to. The best way to confirm is to contact your local animal services department.

+ Is my dog microchipped?

All dogs are microchipped prior to adoption and all microchips are registered to Wags & Walks. There are many different brands of microchips. We register all of our rescued dogs on the 24PetWatch national database, regardless of the brand of chip. Adopters will receive an email with instructions for how to transfer the registration. It's up to each adopter to decide if the registration will remain with W&W or transfer the registration to adopter's info.

+ Is my dog potty trained?

Unfortunately we do not know right away. Dogs are not let out much at the shelter and we cannot always find out until after the dog is in a foster home or in an adopter's home. There may also be some accidents when a dog goes to a new home. It may take a few days for your dog to get accustomed to your home and routine.

+ Is my adoption fee tax-deductible?

We are a non-profit organization so please consult your accountant regarding a potential tax deduction.

+ What vaccinations do you cover and what schedule do you recommend?

Your dog will have up-to-date vaccinations that are appropriate for your dog's age. Everything beyond that is the adopter's responsibility.

Below is the vaccination schedule that we recommend:

• Puppies:

  • Dogs 6-8 weeks: DHPP round 1
  • Dogs 10-12 weeks: DHPP round 2
  • Dogs 14-16 weeks: DHPP round 3

• Annually for dogs of all ages:

  • DHPP (follow up every 3 years)
  • Bordetella (optional, but required for all boarding facilities)
  • Rabies (required)

+ What types of reactions can dogs have to vaccinations?

Like humans dogs can get reactions to vaccinations as well, the most common being swelling. It is recommended to visit your vet if your dog experiences a reaction just to get it checked out, and remember the reaction for the next time your dog gets vaccinated.

+ Can I foster to adopt?

You may choose to adopt your foster. Just let us know as soon as you decide so we can let other potential adopters know the dog is no longer available. If you know up front you would like to foster to adopt, please let us know before picking up your foster dog.

+ Can I foster and decide later if I want to adopt the dog?

Yes. You may choose to adopt your foster. Just let us know as soon as you decide so we can let other potential adopters know the dog is no longer available. Not all our dogs are able to go into a foster to adopt situation. If you know up front you would like to foster to adopt, we need a deposit of half of the adoption fee to stop all meet and greets. We will give you 7 days to decide. If you haven’t decided in those 7 days, we will start arranging meet and greets with other interested parties. Sorry we cannot extend the 7 days deciding window.

+ Can my child volunteer?

Children 16+ are more than welcome to walk dogs alone, as long as they and a parent have signed a Volunteer Release of Liability form for minors. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times and the adult is responsible for leash handling. Children under 16 are also welcome to play with the dogs off leash in a designated area, accompanied by an adult at all times.

+ If I don't have experience can I still volunteer in Wags Club?

Yes, of course! All volunteers go through a training (which we call a “Shadow Shift”), during which you are paired with a seasoned volunteer or staff member, who will show you the ropes. Volunteers are welcome to shadow others until they are comfortable on their own. Additionally, we offer training workshops for volunteers who are interested in building their handling skills.

+ Can I bring my dog to orientation or while I volunteer?

Unfortunately, no. In order to keep you and the dogs safe, we ask that you please do not bring your personal pet onsite to Wags & Walks.