FAQ's

I am interested in learning more about a specific dog or cat, who should I contact?

                Please e-mail  pawstinleypark@gmail.com Your question will be forwarded to the appropriate

                person.  Or, you may call the shelter during open hours at 815-464-7298.

What are your adoption fees?

                Dogs and Puppies:

·         Puppies (under 4 months)           $175.00

·         Dogs (4 months - 7 years)          $150.00

·         Senior Dogs (over 7 years)         $100.00

                Cats and Kittens: 

·         Kittens (under 4 months)             $75.00

·         Cats (over 4 months - 7 years)    $50.00

·         Senior Cats (over 7 years)           $50.00 

                Note:  Seniors over 60 years old may adopt a senior cat (7+) for $25.00 as part of our "Seniors for Seniors" Program.

Do you take credit cards for adoption fees or merchandise purchases?

                Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Debit Cards.

What does your adoption fee include?

                Our adoption fee covers the animal's:

·         Spay/Neuter

·         Current vaccinations

·         Heartworm testing/treatment (if positive) - Dogs

·         FeLV/FIV combo testing - Cats

·         24 Hour Petwatch micro-chip

·         A follow-up veterinary exam with one of our shelter veterinarians

·         A starter bag of Science Diet food

·         Collar, leash & tags

                Dogs:  All dogs (over 4 months) have been vaccinated for Rabies, Distemper/Parvo and

                Bordatella. They have also been spayed/neutered, fecal checked/treated, given flea prevention

                and placed on heartworm preventative. All dogs have been temperament tested.

                Puppies:  All puppies (under 4 months) have been vaccinated against Distemper/Parvo and

                Bordatella. They have been spayed/neutered, fecal checked/treated and given flea prevention.

                Cats:   All cats (over 4 months) have been vaccinated against Bordatella, Rabies and Distemper. 

                They have been tested for Feline Leukemia and F.I.V.  They have been spayed/neutered,

                fecal checked/treated and given flea protection.

                Kittens:  All kittens (under 4 months) have been vaccinated against Bordatella and Distemper.

                They have been Feline Leukemia  and F.I.V. tested, spayed/neutered, fecal checked/treated and

                given flea prevention.

What should I bring when I come in to adopt an animal?

·         You will need to bring a valid ID as proof of residence.

·         If renting or part of an association, proof of pet allowance will be needed from the renter or association.

What are your requirements for adopting a pet?

·         Adopters must be 21 years of age.

·         Adoptions fees are non-refundable.

·         If you choose a dog that requires a home visit, you must agree to the visit before adopting.

·         All pets will be kept INDOORS!

·         If renting, you will need to present your lease showing that animals are allowed.

·         P.A.W.S. has the right to refuse any adoption - Adoption fees are non-refundable.

If the dog I choose requires a home check, what is involved?

                A volunteer will bring the dog to your home to see how the dog reacts to the environment, all

                family members and pets.  It gives the potential adopter the opportunity to interact with the

                dog without all the distractions of the shelter and other dogs.  If the dog has special requirements

                such as a fence, it will be assessed to determine if the home is satisfactory.         

Why adopt from PAWS?

·         You will be saving a life!

·         Who doesn't need another friend?

·         You will be opening up space so we can help more animals in need.

·         You will be helping to put an end to puppy mills!   To read more on puppy mills, please

·         check out the following link from Best Friends Animal Society. http://network.bestfriends.org/initiatives/puppymills/pages/about-the-campaign.aspx

·         Many of our dogs have undergone behavior training during their stay at the shelter.

·         Plus - all of our animals are vaccinated, spayed or neutered and micro-chipped before adoption!

Where does PAWS get their animals? 

                About 13% of our dogs and cats are owner-relinquished animals. 41% are unclaimed strays and

                16% are transfers from other agencies.  Whenever possible, P.A.W.S. lends its assistance to

                shelters in need by assuming animals when they are overcrowded.

Are most of your animals relinquished because of behavior issues?               

                There are many reasons that people are forced to relinquish a pet. Sometimes it is a behavioral

                issue but sadly, the economy has  forced many families to have to give up the family pet due to

                loss of job and home.  In many cases, many people are forced to give up their pets due to

                allergies in the family or an unexpected change in the family status.  Sometimes, it's just a failure

                to educate themselves on the breed and its personality, consequently leading to a failure to

                consider special training, energy levels, size, etc.  

                Of course when taking any new animal into the home, there will be a period of adjustment.

                P.A.W.S. has a training team in place that works daily with the dogs that are displaying

                behavioral issues. 

What if I need to relinquish an animal to PAWS?

                Before bringing an animal to the shelter, have you exhausted all other options?   Sometimes

                problems can be corrected with a simple trip to the veterinarian or by consulting a trainer or

                behaviorist. 

                If you must relinquish your pet....

·         Call to the shelter to ensure that space is available for your pet.  Space is limited.

·         Bring all veterinary records with you so that we do not have to give your pet additional vaccinations if they are not needed.

·         PLEASE provide us with as much information as possible on your pet's personality and be honest - it will help us in re-homing them.

·         Please disclose any and all health issues your pet may be experiencing.

·         A donation of $40.00/animal and $60.00/litter is requested to help us care for the animals.

What if I have questions after I adopt an animal from P.A.W.S.?

                We are here to help!  Please call the shelter with any concerns you might have. Speak with the

                veterinarian during your follow up exam if the question is of a medical concern.

Who should I call if I find a lost animal?

                Call your local police department or animal control first.  They keep a record of lost pets.

                They will either pickup the animal or direct you where to take him/her.  Animals should stay

                at a shelter close to where they were found.  It helps to increase the chances of the owner

                locating the animal.

What are your hours?

                Adoption Hours for Dogs & Cats:

                Daytime Hours:  Tuesday - Sunday - Noon - 4:00 p.m.

                Evening Hours:   Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 7:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Is P.A.W.S. a no-kill organization?

                Yes, through your generosity, we were able to declare a no-kill status in 2010!  P.A.W.S.

                does not euthanize animals unless they are deemed dangerous or for medical necessity.

Is P.A.W.S. a Non for Profit Organization?