Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions and we have answers!

ADOPTION

  • 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.

  • Unfortunately, we cannot hold dogs. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis and plan adoption meet-and-greets accordingly with approved applicants. If you are interested in a dog, fill out the application right away.

  • 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.

  • We receive a high volume 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 within. The best way to confirm is to contact your local animal services department.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

MEDICAL

  • 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)

  • 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.

FOSTER

  • 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 that you would like to foster to adopt, please let us know before picking up your foster dog.

  • We love when our fosters find a match with their foster dog! If you think there is any possibility you may want to adopt your foster pup (even on the first day) please let our team know as soon as possible so we can guide you through the next steps. All dogs are considered adoptable unless noted otherwise. Fosters must fill out an adoption application and complete the same formal approval process as any adopter. Submitting an application early is important, as dogs remain available for adoption unless otherwise arranged with our team. If another approved applicant begins the adoption process first, they will be given priority and we must honor any meet and greets.

    Our goal is always to make the best match for both the dog and adopter, and we would hate for you to miss the opportunity to adopt a pup you have fallen in love with!

VOLUNTEER

  • Children 16+ are more than welcome to volunteer independently, as long as they and a parent have attended both trainings and signed a Volunteer Release of Liability form for minors. Children ages 10 to 15, must be accompanied by an adult at all times and the adult is responsible for leash handling. Children ages 9 and under are unfortunately not able to volunteer.

  • We’re excited to reintroduce Wags Kids Events, which will be hosted once a month at no cost. These events are designed specifically for younger children. Sign-ups for these events will be on the website as they happen, so keep an eye out!

  • Yes, of course! All volunteers go through 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.

  • 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.