Dog & Puppy Adoption Information

*Please Read Carefully Before Submitting an Application

All of our dogs and puppies reside in foster homes and are not housed at the Adoption Center. Meetings are scheduled only after an application has been reviewed and preliminarily approved.

If you are interested in a puppy labeled “FTF Only,” please do not complete this Dog Adoption Application below. Those puppies are part of our Foster to Forever (FTF) Program and require a separate application. Please visit the FTF Program page for details and the appropriate application.

Adoption Process & Requirements

Submitting a Dog Adoption Application is the first step in the process. Applications are reviewed with the specific dog in mind. We do not operate on a first-come, first-served basis; our priority is finding the best possible match for each individual canine.

All applicants must receive preliminary approval before any meetings are scheduled. Application review timelines depend on volunteer availability and may take several weeks.

If your application is preliminarily approved, a formal meet-and-greet will be arranged with our dog program coordinators, the foster family, potential adopters, and the dog. Some dogs, particularly shy, reserved, or fearful dogs may require multiple meetings to ensure comfort and compatibility.

Preliminary approval does not guarantee adoption of a specific dog. LAWS reserves the right to deny any application or discontinue the adoption process at any time if we determine placement is not in the best interest of the dog.

Housing & Yard Requirements

Many of our dogs and puppies are high-energy and require a securely fenced yard for safety, enrichment, and successful placement.

Applications are reviewed based on the specific needs of each individual dog. If a dog’s bio indicates that a securely fenced yard is required, that requirement is mandatory for adoption. Not all dogs are suitable for apartment living or homes without fenced yards.

Consideration of out-of-county or out-of-state adoptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, depending on the specific needs of the dog and the circumstances of the applicant.

Application Guidelines

  • Submitting an application does not guarantee adoption of a specific dog or any dog.

  • Approval does not obligate you to adopt.

  • Our dog program is 100% volunteer-based; please allow adequate time for thoughtful review.

  • Please provide detailed and complete information to assist us in evaluating the best possible match for your household.

Household & Age Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 22 years of age (proof required).

  • Compatibility with children, existing pets, and overall household dynamics will be carefully considered to ensure safe and successful placements.

Application Review & Possible Denial Criteria

Applications may be denied for reasons including, but not limited to:

  • Incomplete applications or failure to provide required information

  • Applicant does not meet LAWS’ minimum age requirement (22 years of age)

  • History of animal cruelty, neglect, abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, outstanding warrants, or other criminal concerns

  • Providing false, misleading, or unverifiable information

  • Inability to verify address, home ownership, landlord approval, or references after reasonable attempts

  • Application approval would exceed the number of pets permitted by local ordinance

  • Current pets not up to date on vaccinations (unless medically exempt)

  • Home environment not meeting the specific needs of the dog, including energy level, fencing requirements, compatibility with children or other animals

  • Lack of a securely fenced yard for dogs that require one

  • Philosophies regarding animal care that are not aligned with LAWS’ standards of care

  • Other concerns identified during the application review process that may impact the safety or well-being of the animal

Background checks, home checks, and verification of homeownership or landlord approval may be requested.

By Submitting an Application, You Acknowledge

  • Providing false or misleading information may result in immediate denial.

  • While LAWS strives to accurately represent each dog’s known temperament, habits, and health, no guarantees can be made.

  • The adopter assumes full responsibility for the dog’s ongoing medical care and overall well-being.

Adoption Fees

  • Dogs under 2 years old: $325

  • Dogs 2 years and older: $250

For adoption inquiries, please email lawsdogprogram@gmail.com. Please do not call the main office regarding dog adoption inquiries.