Adoption FAQ's
Q: What type of animals do you rescue?
A: While we primarily rescue dogs from all over the U.S., we also rescue cats and other small animals on a case-by-case basis. Whether it's a dog, cat, or smaller companion animal, we strive to give them a second chance at life.
Q: Where are the dogs currently available for adoption, and can I visit them?
A: Sandy Paws Rescue operates as a shelterless organization. This means our dogs and puppies rely on foster homes for their care, which may be located anywhere in Massachusetts, including Martha’s Vineyard.Many of our dogs are still in southern states and travel to Massachusetts when ready for adoption. The majority of these dogs come from high-kill shelters, owner surrenders, or directly from the streets of the south. For larger adult dogs coming directly from the south, we sometimes use a “foster-to-adopt” approach, where adopters foster the dog with the intent to finalize adoption.As a shelterless rescue, we do not have a physical location for visits. All potential adopters must first fill out an adoption application to begin the process.
Q: What kind of dogs do you rescue?
A: At Sandy Paws Rescue, we celebrate the uniqueness of every dog. While their physical appearance is influenced by only a small portion of their genetics, we strive to identify breeds based on the traits they most resemble. This determination is often informed by shelter staff, our veterinarians, or visual assessment, but ultimately, every dog is truly one of a kind.
Q: I will be ready to adopt next month. Should I put in an application now?
A: We understand the excitement of planning for a new pet, but we cannot hold dogs for adoption. We encourage you to apply only when you are ready to bring a pup home within the next week or two. Our adoption process typically takes about a week, as most of our dogs are fully vaccinated, have been thoroughly vetted, and are ready to go to their new homes right away.
Q: Can I meet the dog prior to adoption?
A: In most cases, yes, but only after you’ve submitted an adoption application. We prioritize adopters willing to adopt sight unseen, as many of our dogs transition directly from southern shelters or fosters to Massachusetts. These transitions can be stressful for the dogs, and we aim to minimize their movement as much as possible. Adopters who are ready to commit sight unseen help reduce unnecessary transitions and provide stability sooner. Our dedicated fosters, who open their homes to these dogs sight unseen week after week, rely on the same information provided to adopters. They take in unfamiliar pups with open hearts, helping them decompress and prepare for their forever homes. This selfless commitment shows just how rewarding it can be to provide stability and love to a dog in need, even without meeting them first.
Q: Do I need to be approved before meeting a dog?
A: Yes--for private meet-and-greets, you must have an approved application on file. We do not schedule individual meetings for unapproved applicants.
However, if you're hoping to meet dogs at one of our public adoption events, you're welcome to attend without prior approval. That said, submitting an application in advance helps us to get to know you better and can speed up the process if you're interested in a particular dog.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Sandy Paws Rescue is licensed in Massachusetts, with main volunteers based on Cape Cod, South Shore, and Martha’s Vineyard. We also have a small team in Rhode Island. While we do not have a physical location, our volunteers work tirelessly across these areas to support the dogs in our care. We host at least one adoption event each month, giving potential adopters the chance to meet some of our amazing dogs in person. Additionally, we take pride in being communicative and responsive, generally replying quickly to emails. Our goal is to provide a smooth and transparent process for adopters and fosters alike, ensuring every question or concern is addressed in a timely and professional manner.
Q: What does “foster-based” mean?
A: Foster-based rescues like ours believe the best place for a dog to heal, decompress, and showcase their true personality is in a home environment. By placing our rescues in foster homes, we can further assess their needs and match them with the perfect adopters. Fosters are the backbone of our rescue. They provide care, love, and stability until the dogs find their forever homes. We have foster homes in both the southern states and throughout Massachusetts. If you’re interested in making a life-saving impact, please consider FOSTERING - it truly saves lives!
Q: What breed are your dogs, and how big will this puppy be?
A: Occasionally, we have purebred dogs, but most of our rescues are delightful southern mutts! Many of our adopters will tell you their rescue mutt is the best dog they’ve ever had. The full-grown size of our puppies is estimated based on their breed mix (as best we can determine) and their age vs. weight at the time of rescue. While we can’t guarantee their size, we do our best to provide informed estimations.
Q: What are the requirements to adopt?
A: The adoption process begins with an application, which is reviewed on an individual basis. We do not adopt on a first-come, first-serve basis. Instead, we focus on finding the best match for each dog. Adoptions are limited to MA, RI, and parts of NH, though seasonal MA/Cape Cod residents may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Are there age considerations for adopters?
A: Yes, we adopt to individuals 25 and older (we do make exceptions), but our goal is to place dogs in forever homes. We consider long-term stability, lifestyle, and support systems when making matches. High-energy or young dogs may be better suited for homes that can meet their needs long-term.
Q: How long does the application process take?
A: Applications are processed by our dedicated volunteers, typically within 1–3 days. The timeline also depends on how quickly we can reach your references and receive any requested home tour videos or additional information.
Q: Will you let me know when you receive my application and if I am in the “running”?
A: We will only send out an email if we determine that an applicant is not a good candidate to adopt from our organization at that time. If you do not hear from us, don’t worry—we still have your application! We send out a weekly newsletter (please check your spam folder) showcasing our available dogs, giving our applicants first choice. Simply follow the instructions in the newsletter. It’s best to communicate with us via email until an adoption coordinator reaches out. Please avoid messaging us about your application on social media. For dogs with high interest (e.g., purebreds or fluffy benefactor dogs), all applications will be thoroughly processed before a decision is made.
Q: I sent an application to another rescue group and never heard anything back. Will your group keep me informed of the status of my application?
A: We strive to maintain good communication with our applicants. You may receive a “getting to know you” phone call, email or text from one of our volunteers, who will be happy to answer your questions about your application status. Our goal is to find wonderful homes for our dogs, and good communication is a key part of this process. If you do not hear from us immediately, please be patient. You must follow up with your application via email or by replying to our newsletter before we will contact you. Please note that many people fill out applications with multiple rescues and do not follow up. If one of our volunteers reaches out to you, we ask that you respond within 24 hours as a courtesy.
Q: What would prevent me from successfully adopting one of your rescues?
A: The majority of our adoption denials are due to a lack of proper vetting for current pets. Additionally, decisions are based on your personal references and home tour. Recently adding a new pet to the home within the past year may also be a factor, as we want to ensure the stability of all pets involved. This decision is made on a per-dog basis, as we sometimes feel an adopter's home situation is not the right fit for the specific dog they're interested in at the time.
Q: How long will my application remain on file?
A: Your application will remain on file for six months. During this time, you do not need to resubmit unless instructed otherwise. If you see another dog you’re interested in within this period, simply email us or reply to our newsletter to express your interest!
Q: Why are you asking for personal references?
A: Personal references help us get to know you better. They play a critical role in determining whether your home will be a good fit for one of our dogs.
Q: What types of questions will you ask my friends?
A: We’ll ask questions about their relationship with you, how long they’ve known you, and how they feel about your ability to provide a loving, responsible home for a pet.
Q: What questions will you ask my veterinarian?
A: Our questions will focus on:
Q: Why is the adoption fee so high?
A: Our adoption donation per dog starts at $625. This fee helps cover the cost of fully vetting each dog upon arrival, appropriate for their current age. While there are exceptions noted in the dog’s bio, it’s important to understand that the total expenses for our fosters, vetting, and transport costs often exceed $625 per dog. Adoption fees directly contribute to covering these expenses, ensuring each dog receives the medical care, vaccinations, and other services they need. Copies of all vetting records will be provided to the adopter. In rare cases, we may not have background health information for dogs prior to their arrival in our care, but rest assured, we work diligently to ensure every dog’s well-being.
Q: Because this is an older dog would you take any less for the Adoption Donation?
A: Our adoption donations are not negotiable. These donations are crucial to supporting all the dogs in our program. For example, a 1-year-old dog may only require $150 worth of vetting but still have an adoption donation of $625, while an 8-year-old dog might need over $800 worth of vetting and have the same fee. We do not set adoption fees based solely on the costs of vetting for individual dogs. Instead, this standardized fee allows us to provide care for dogs who need extensive medical attention. Puppies who are too young to be spayed or neutered will also have a $50 deposit, refundable upon proof of sterilization. Regardless of age or circumstance, we ensure every dog receives the medical attention they require. We hope this explanation helps you understand why we cannot lower adoption fees based on a dog’s age.
Our Fees as of 01/01/2024
Puppies/Dogs : $625*
Benefactor Puppies under 12 months: $750-900*
Benefactor Dogs 12 months & up: $650-800
*if a puppy is intact, there is a $50 refundable deposit in addition to the fee.^
Q: What is a Benefactor Puppy or Dog and why is their fee higher?
A: No. Like all donations, it is non-refundable.
Q: What does the adoption fee cover?
A: The adoption fee covers:
Age-appropriate core vaccines/deworming - $75-200
Flea/Tick prevention - $15-45
Heartworm prevention - $15-150
Spay/Neuter (if old enough) - $110-600
Microchip implant - $25-75
Microchip lifetime registration - $13
Boarding - $50-1000
Transportation - $200-250
MA isolation - $150
Total Cost for SPR: $653-2,483
Costs to Sandy Paws Rescue not factored into the adoption fee include treating dogs or puppies for injuries or illnesses prior to adoption, which can amount to thousands of dollars. This may include treatment for parasites, upper respiratory infections (URIs), severe injuries, parvovirus, dental procedures, and other medical needs.
We take great pride in helping medically needy dogs through our partnership with Cuddly, where supporters can contribute directly to life-saving treatments for these vulnerable animals. Your generosity through platforms like Cuddly allows us to provide the essential care our dogs need to recover, thrive, and find their forever homes.
Q: If approved to adopt a dog, when will I receive the dog's medical records?
A: We do not provide hard copy paper records. Medical records are supplied electronically through our Petstablished portal. Due to the overlap between travel, clerical needs, mailing time, and occasional human error, records are typically released to adopters within 2-5 days after the adoption is finalized and the dog has been picked up.
Q: If we adopt an intact puppy, what guidelines do we have to meet for neutering/spaying?
A: At the time of adoption, a neuter/spay agreement is required, and a date for the procedure is determined with the rescue.
Most puppies 12 weeks or older are already sterilized before adoption. In rare cases where a puppy is not sterilized, a $50 neuter/spay deposit is required, refundable as a discounted coupon if the procedure is done at one of our partner vets. This deposit is non-negotiable for intact puppies.
Sterilization is mandatory for all adopted dogs and must be completed as agreed. Additionally, all pets in the adopter’s home must already be sterilized unless a veterinarian confirms a valid medical reason* (e.g., heart murmur or brachycephalic condition).
*Keeping a pet intact because a breeder recommended it is not an acceptable reason. As a rescue, we emphasize sterilization to prevent overpopulation and protect pet welfare.
Q: We haven’t had a pet since we moved to this town, so our vet reference isn’t local or recent. Is that okay?
A: We evaluate each application on an individual basis. We understand that some applicants may not have had a pet for some time due to personal circumstances but are now ready to welcome a dog into their lives. In such cases, we rely on personal references, your current lifestyle, and the home tour to make our evaluation.
We also encourage you to provide as much previous veterinary information as possible, even if it’s from out of town or state. This helps us better understand your history of pet care and supports the application process.
Q: We are new to rescue and have never adopted a dog before. Does this disqualify us?
A:Absolutely not! We evaluate each application individually and welcome first-time adopters with open arms.
We deeply appreciate your willingness to learn and provide a loving home for a rescue dog or puppy. Giving a second chance to these animals is what rescue is all about, and we’re here to support you throughout the process.
Q: What is the foster-to-adopt process?
A: Foster-to-adopt allows adopters to foster a dog with the intent to finalize adoption. This option is typically available for some large adult dogs traveling directly from southern states. It gives the dog a stable home while ensuring a good match before the adoption is finalized.
Q: I recently adopted a dog or cat. How long do I need to wait before adopting another pet?
A: Sandy Paws Rescue requires adopters to wait 9-12 months before adding another pet to their home. This ensures your new pet has time to adjust, settle in, and form a strong bond with your family before introducing another animal.
Q: Can I adopt if I live outside of Massachusetts?
A: We primarily adopt to families in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and parts of New Hampshire. Seasonal residents of Cape Cod and surrounding areas may be considered on a case-by-case basis
Q: Can I adopt if I have young children?
A: Yes, but we evaluate each application on an individual basis to ensure the dog is a good fit for your family. Some dogs may not be suitable for homes with young children, while others thrive in that environment.
Q: What happens if the adoption doesn’t work out?
A: If for any reason the adoption doesn’t work out, we require that the dog be returned to Sandy Paws Rescue. This ensures the dog’s safety and allows us to find a better match, for the dog.
Q: What should I expect during the home tour?
A: The home tour is typically a virtual video walkthrough of your home and yard. We look for safe spaces for the dog, such as secure fencing and appropriate sleeping/living areas. The goal is to ensure a safe, loving environment for the dog.
Q: Are all dogs microchipped?
A: Yes, all dogs adopted through Sandy Paws Rescue are microchipped. We also include lifetime registration for the adopter’s convenience and the dog’s safety.
Q: What training resources do you offer?
A: We recommend balanced training approaches and are happy to provide referrals to trainers in your area. While we do not mandate specific training styles, we expect adopters to have a trainer ready to assist as needed.
Q: Can I adopt if I don’t have a fenced yard?
A: Yes, a fenced yard is not required. However, we do expect that adopters provide their dogs with adequate exercise and enrichment through leash walks, playtime, and other activities.
Q: Do you allow same-day adoptions?
A: No, we do not offer same-day adoptions. Our process involves an application review, reference checks, and a home tour to ensure the best match for the dog and adopter.
^conditions apply.
A: While we primarily rescue dogs from all over the U.S., we also rescue cats and other small animals on a case-by-case basis. Whether it's a dog, cat, or smaller companion animal, we strive to give them a second chance at life.
Q: Where are the dogs currently available for adoption, and can I visit them?
A: Sandy Paws Rescue operates as a shelterless organization. This means our dogs and puppies rely on foster homes for their care, which may be located anywhere in Massachusetts, including Martha’s Vineyard.Many of our dogs are still in southern states and travel to Massachusetts when ready for adoption. The majority of these dogs come from high-kill shelters, owner surrenders, or directly from the streets of the south. For larger adult dogs coming directly from the south, we sometimes use a “foster-to-adopt” approach, where adopters foster the dog with the intent to finalize adoption.As a shelterless rescue, we do not have a physical location for visits. All potential adopters must first fill out an adoption application to begin the process.
Q: What kind of dogs do you rescue?
A: At Sandy Paws Rescue, we celebrate the uniqueness of every dog. While their physical appearance is influenced by only a small portion of their genetics, we strive to identify breeds based on the traits they most resemble. This determination is often informed by shelter staff, our veterinarians, or visual assessment, but ultimately, every dog is truly one of a kind.
Q: I will be ready to adopt next month. Should I put in an application now?
A: We understand the excitement of planning for a new pet, but we cannot hold dogs for adoption. We encourage you to apply only when you are ready to bring a pup home within the next week or two. Our adoption process typically takes about a week, as most of our dogs are fully vaccinated, have been thoroughly vetted, and are ready to go to their new homes right away.
Q: Can I meet the dog prior to adoption?
A: In most cases, yes, but only after you’ve submitted an adoption application. We prioritize adopters willing to adopt sight unseen, as many of our dogs transition directly from southern shelters or fosters to Massachusetts. These transitions can be stressful for the dogs, and we aim to minimize their movement as much as possible. Adopters who are ready to commit sight unseen help reduce unnecessary transitions and provide stability sooner. Our dedicated fosters, who open their homes to these dogs sight unseen week after week, rely on the same information provided to adopters. They take in unfamiliar pups with open hearts, helping them decompress and prepare for their forever homes. This selfless commitment shows just how rewarding it can be to provide stability and love to a dog in need, even without meeting them first.
Q: Do I need to be approved before meeting a dog?
A: Yes--for private meet-and-greets, you must have an approved application on file. We do not schedule individual meetings for unapproved applicants.
However, if you're hoping to meet dogs at one of our public adoption events, you're welcome to attend without prior approval. That said, submitting an application in advance helps us to get to know you better and can speed up the process if you're interested in a particular dog.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Sandy Paws Rescue is licensed in Massachusetts, with main volunteers based on Cape Cod, South Shore, and Martha’s Vineyard. We also have a small team in Rhode Island. While we do not have a physical location, our volunteers work tirelessly across these areas to support the dogs in our care. We host at least one adoption event each month, giving potential adopters the chance to meet some of our amazing dogs in person. Additionally, we take pride in being communicative and responsive, generally replying quickly to emails. Our goal is to provide a smooth and transparent process for adopters and fosters alike, ensuring every question or concern is addressed in a timely and professional manner.
Q: What does “foster-based” mean?
A: Foster-based rescues like ours believe the best place for a dog to heal, decompress, and showcase their true personality is in a home environment. By placing our rescues in foster homes, we can further assess their needs and match them with the perfect adopters. Fosters are the backbone of our rescue. They provide care, love, and stability until the dogs find their forever homes. We have foster homes in both the southern states and throughout Massachusetts. If you’re interested in making a life-saving impact, please consider FOSTERING - it truly saves lives!
Q: What breed are your dogs, and how big will this puppy be?
A: Occasionally, we have purebred dogs, but most of our rescues are delightful southern mutts! Many of our adopters will tell you their rescue mutt is the best dog they’ve ever had. The full-grown size of our puppies is estimated based on their breed mix (as best we can determine) and their age vs. weight at the time of rescue. While we can’t guarantee their size, we do our best to provide informed estimations.
Q: What are the requirements to adopt?
A: The adoption process begins with an application, which is reviewed on an individual basis. We do not adopt on a first-come, first-serve basis. Instead, we focus on finding the best match for each dog. Adoptions are limited to MA, RI, and parts of NH, though seasonal MA/Cape Cod residents may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Are there age considerations for adopters?
A: Yes, we adopt to individuals 25 and older (we do make exceptions), but our goal is to place dogs in forever homes. We consider long-term stability, lifestyle, and support systems when making matches. High-energy or young dogs may be better suited for homes that can meet their needs long-term.
Q: How long does the application process take?
A: Applications are processed by our dedicated volunteers, typically within 1–3 days. The timeline also depends on how quickly we can reach your references and receive any requested home tour videos or additional information.
Q: Will you let me know when you receive my application and if I am in the “running”?
A: We will only send out an email if we determine that an applicant is not a good candidate to adopt from our organization at that time. If you do not hear from us, don’t worry—we still have your application! We send out a weekly newsletter (please check your spam folder) showcasing our available dogs, giving our applicants first choice. Simply follow the instructions in the newsletter. It’s best to communicate with us via email until an adoption coordinator reaches out. Please avoid messaging us about your application on social media. For dogs with high interest (e.g., purebreds or fluffy benefactor dogs), all applications will be thoroughly processed before a decision is made.
Q: I sent an application to another rescue group and never heard anything back. Will your group keep me informed of the status of my application?
A: We strive to maintain good communication with our applicants. You may receive a “getting to know you” phone call, email or text from one of our volunteers, who will be happy to answer your questions about your application status. Our goal is to find wonderful homes for our dogs, and good communication is a key part of this process. If you do not hear from us immediately, please be patient. You must follow up with your application via email or by replying to our newsletter before we will contact you. Please note that many people fill out applications with multiple rescues and do not follow up. If one of our volunteers reaches out to you, we ask that you respond within 24 hours as a courtesy.
Q: What would prevent me from successfully adopting one of your rescues?
A: The majority of our adoption denials are due to a lack of proper vetting for current pets. Additionally, decisions are based on your personal references and home tour. Recently adding a new pet to the home within the past year may also be a factor, as we want to ensure the stability of all pets involved. This decision is made on a per-dog basis, as we sometimes feel an adopter's home situation is not the right fit for the specific dog they're interested in at the time.
Q: How long will my application remain on file?
A: Your application will remain on file for six months. During this time, you do not need to resubmit unless instructed otherwise. If you see another dog you’re interested in within this period, simply email us or reply to our newsletter to express your interest!
Q: Why are you asking for personal references?
A: Personal references help us get to know you better. They play a critical role in determining whether your home will be a good fit for one of our dogs.
Q: What types of questions will you ask my friends?
A: We’ll ask questions about their relationship with you, how long they’ve known you, and how they feel about your ability to provide a loving, responsible home for a pet.
Q: What questions will you ask my veterinarian?
A: Our questions will focus on:
- Is/was your pet up to date on all required vaccinations?
- Have/were heartworm tests been done on schedule?
- Are/were proper preventative medications (heartworm and flea/tick) being purchased and administered?
- Are/were your pets sterilized (spayed or neutered)?
- Do you pay your bills promptly?
- Would your veterinarian recommend placing a rescued dog/pet with you?
Q: Why is the adoption fee so high?
A: Our adoption donation per dog starts at $625. This fee helps cover the cost of fully vetting each dog upon arrival, appropriate for their current age. While there are exceptions noted in the dog’s bio, it’s important to understand that the total expenses for our fosters, vetting, and transport costs often exceed $625 per dog. Adoption fees directly contribute to covering these expenses, ensuring each dog receives the medical care, vaccinations, and other services they need. Copies of all vetting records will be provided to the adopter. In rare cases, we may not have background health information for dogs prior to their arrival in our care, but rest assured, we work diligently to ensure every dog’s well-being.
Q: Because this is an older dog would you take any less for the Adoption Donation?
A: Our adoption donations are not negotiable. These donations are crucial to supporting all the dogs in our program. For example, a 1-year-old dog may only require $150 worth of vetting but still have an adoption donation of $625, while an 8-year-old dog might need over $800 worth of vetting and have the same fee. We do not set adoption fees based solely on the costs of vetting for individual dogs. Instead, this standardized fee allows us to provide care for dogs who need extensive medical attention. Puppies who are too young to be spayed or neutered will also have a $50 deposit, refundable upon proof of sterilization. Regardless of age or circumstance, we ensure every dog receives the medical attention they require. We hope this explanation helps you understand why we cannot lower adoption fees based on a dog’s age.
Our Fees as of 01/01/2024
Puppies/Dogs : $625*
Benefactor Puppies under 12 months: $750-900*
Benefactor Dogs 12 months & up: $650-800
*if a puppy is intact, there is a $50 refundable deposit in addition to the fee.^
Q: What is a Benefactor Puppy or Dog and why is their fee higher?
- Dogs and puppies with benefactor or higher adoption fees are often purebreds or other rescue dogs that are in high demand for various reasons. Despite their higher fees, they are typically adopted quickly. These increased fees enable them to serve as benefactors, helping to offset the costs of care for other dogs in our rescue who require extensive medical attention, specialized training, or additional time to find their forever homes. Some of our dogs spend over a year in our care, needing costly surgeries, heartworm treatment, or professional training. Benefactor dogs play a crucial role in supporting the care and second chances of the dogs most in need at Sandy Paws Rescue.
A: No. Like all donations, it is non-refundable.
Q: What does the adoption fee cover?
A: The adoption fee covers:
Age-appropriate core vaccines/deworming - $75-200
Flea/Tick prevention - $15-45
Heartworm prevention - $15-150
Spay/Neuter (if old enough) - $110-600
Microchip implant - $25-75
Microchip lifetime registration - $13
Boarding - $50-1000
Transportation - $200-250
MA isolation - $150
Total Cost for SPR: $653-2,483
Costs to Sandy Paws Rescue not factored into the adoption fee include treating dogs or puppies for injuries or illnesses prior to adoption, which can amount to thousands of dollars. This may include treatment for parasites, upper respiratory infections (URIs), severe injuries, parvovirus, dental procedures, and other medical needs.
We take great pride in helping medically needy dogs through our partnership with Cuddly, where supporters can contribute directly to life-saving treatments for these vulnerable animals. Your generosity through platforms like Cuddly allows us to provide the essential care our dogs need to recover, thrive, and find their forever homes.
Q: If approved to adopt a dog, when will I receive the dog's medical records?
A: We do not provide hard copy paper records. Medical records are supplied electronically through our Petstablished portal. Due to the overlap between travel, clerical needs, mailing time, and occasional human error, records are typically released to adopters within 2-5 days after the adoption is finalized and the dog has been picked up.
Q: If we adopt an intact puppy, what guidelines do we have to meet for neutering/spaying?
A: At the time of adoption, a neuter/spay agreement is required, and a date for the procedure is determined with the rescue.
Most puppies 12 weeks or older are already sterilized before adoption. In rare cases where a puppy is not sterilized, a $50 neuter/spay deposit is required, refundable as a discounted coupon if the procedure is done at one of our partner vets. This deposit is non-negotiable for intact puppies.
Sterilization is mandatory for all adopted dogs and must be completed as agreed. Additionally, all pets in the adopter’s home must already be sterilized unless a veterinarian confirms a valid medical reason* (e.g., heart murmur or brachycephalic condition).
*Keeping a pet intact because a breeder recommended it is not an acceptable reason. As a rescue, we emphasize sterilization to prevent overpopulation and protect pet welfare.
Q: We haven’t had a pet since we moved to this town, so our vet reference isn’t local or recent. Is that okay?
A: We evaluate each application on an individual basis. We understand that some applicants may not have had a pet for some time due to personal circumstances but are now ready to welcome a dog into their lives. In such cases, we rely on personal references, your current lifestyle, and the home tour to make our evaluation.
We also encourage you to provide as much previous veterinary information as possible, even if it’s from out of town or state. This helps us better understand your history of pet care and supports the application process.
Q: We are new to rescue and have never adopted a dog before. Does this disqualify us?
A:Absolutely not! We evaluate each application individually and welcome first-time adopters with open arms.
We deeply appreciate your willingness to learn and provide a loving home for a rescue dog or puppy. Giving a second chance to these animals is what rescue is all about, and we’re here to support you throughout the process.
Q: What is the foster-to-adopt process?
A: Foster-to-adopt allows adopters to foster a dog with the intent to finalize adoption. This option is typically available for some large adult dogs traveling directly from southern states. It gives the dog a stable home while ensuring a good match before the adoption is finalized.
Q: I recently adopted a dog or cat. How long do I need to wait before adopting another pet?
A: Sandy Paws Rescue requires adopters to wait 9-12 months before adding another pet to their home. This ensures your new pet has time to adjust, settle in, and form a strong bond with your family before introducing another animal.
- Why is there a waiting period?
- Transitioning into a new home is a big adjustment. It takes time for pets for decompress, build confidence, and establish routines. Adding another pet too soon can increase stress, lead to behavioral challenges, and make it harder for both animals to thrive.
- Does this policy apply to all pets?
- Yes, this policy applies to both dogs and cats. Whether you adopted a dog or a cat, we require at least 9-12 months before considering another adoption.
- Are there exceptions?
- In rare cases, exceptions may be considered, such as bonded pairs that must be adopted together. However, our policy is in place to prioritize the well-being of your new pet and future additions.
- What if I find another pet I want to adopt before the waiting period is over?
- We encourage you to focus on helping your current pet settle in first. When the time is right, we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect match.
Q: Can I adopt if I live outside of Massachusetts?
A: We primarily adopt to families in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and parts of New Hampshire. Seasonal residents of Cape Cod and surrounding areas may be considered on a case-by-case basis
Q: Can I adopt if I have young children?
A: Yes, but we evaluate each application on an individual basis to ensure the dog is a good fit for your family. Some dogs may not be suitable for homes with young children, while others thrive in that environment.
Q: What happens if the adoption doesn’t work out?
A: If for any reason the adoption doesn’t work out, we require that the dog be returned to Sandy Paws Rescue. This ensures the dog’s safety and allows us to find a better match, for the dog.
Q: What should I expect during the home tour?
A: The home tour is typically a virtual video walkthrough of your home and yard. We look for safe spaces for the dog, such as secure fencing and appropriate sleeping/living areas. The goal is to ensure a safe, loving environment for the dog.
Q: Are all dogs microchipped?
A: Yes, all dogs adopted through Sandy Paws Rescue are microchipped. We also include lifetime registration for the adopter’s convenience and the dog’s safety.
Q: What training resources do you offer?
A: We recommend balanced training approaches and are happy to provide referrals to trainers in your area. While we do not mandate specific training styles, we expect adopters to have a trainer ready to assist as needed.
Q: Can I adopt if I don’t have a fenced yard?
A: Yes, a fenced yard is not required. However, we do expect that adopters provide their dogs with adequate exercise and enrichment through leash walks, playtime, and other activities.
Q: Do you allow same-day adoptions?
A: No, we do not offer same-day adoptions. Our process involves an application review, reference checks, and a home tour to ensure the best match for the dog and adopter.
^conditions apply.
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