Adoption Applications, Process and Fees
Step 1: Understand Our Adoption Policies
Step 2: Apply to Adopt and Let's Chat
Minimum Age: To adopt a pet from Paws for Life, you must be at least 18 years old and be able and willing to provide a lifelong, loving home to your new pet.
Pet Care: Dogs and cats must not live outside, with the exception of working barn cats and unsocialized community cats. Cats must not be declawed and dogs must not be debarked. The contract you sign will stipulate these requirements and there is an enforced $1,000 fine for violating the contract. All we ask is that your new pet be treated at all times like a treasured member of the family.
Adjustment Period: Every animal needs adjustment time to get to know their new environment, new routine and new people. We require a mandatory, minimum, two-week adjustment period before the adoption can be finalized and ownership transferred.
Begin your adoption process by completing the short application, either online (below) or at one of our adoption events.
If you don't have a specific animal in mind, you can describe what you’re looking for and our volunteer adoption coordinators will recommend which pets they feel are the best match to your household and to your expectations of a pet.
Not yet ready to adopt?
Consider becoming a volunteer foster care home!
Step 3: Get Matched
Step 4: Meet-n-Greet
Once we receive your application, you’ll receive a phone call from a volunteer adoptions counselor to answer your questions and to discuss your household and your expectations for a new pet. Counselors may recommend pets that will be a better fit for you.
After you and Paws for Life decide which pets you want to meet, we will schedule a meet-and-greet at your home, at an area shelter or at an upcoming adoption event. We prefer that all members of your household are available and present for the meet-n-greet. It’s critically important that everyone agrees that the chosen pet is the right pet for them.
Step 5: Welcome Home Your New Family Member
The day your new pet comes home is the first day of the mandatory, minimum, two-week adjustment period. The first two weeks are usually the most stressful – for both humans and pets.
Everyone is learning about each other and your new pet’s entire world just turned upside-down. They have to adjust to new people, new home, new routine, new expectations, new everything. On average, it takes 14 days for a cat or dog to truly settle in and start to be themselves. Some pets adjust faster than others. Please be patient and give them time.
Contact us if you need help!
Adoption Fees
We have some of the lowest adoption fees in Michigan
Adult Cats: $75 for one or $110 for two adult cats
This includes fecal and heartworm testing, deworming, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, rabies vaccine, FVRCP vaccination and booster, microchip, spay/neuter, 30 days of free pet insurance and one call with a cat behavior trainer, if needed.
Kittens (6 months and younger): $125 for one or $200 for two kittens
This includes fecal and heartworm testing, deworming, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, rabies vaccine at 12 weeks old, FVRCP vaccination and two boosters, microchip, spay/neuter, and 30 days of free pet insurance.
Adult Dogs:$80 for one or $120 for two adult dogs
This includes fecal and heartworm testing, deworming, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, rabies vaccine, DHLPP vaccination and booster, bordetella vaccination and booster, microchip, spay/neuter, 30 days of free pet insurance and one training session with a professional behavior trainer, if needed.
Puppies (6 months and younger): $125 for one or $200 for two puppies
This includes fecal and heartworm testing, deworming, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, rabies vaccine at 12 weeks old, DHLPP vaccination and two boosters, bordetella vaccine and booster, microchip, spay/neuter and 30 days of free pet insurance.
Senior Pets for Senior People
Discounted adoption fees available for cats and dogs over 6 years old for adopters over age 65.