adopt your new best friend
Dorchester Paws works to make the best match possible between people and pets. We are always working to place animals in responsible, loving homes.
When adopting an animal, a valid and current photo ID is required. Most importantly, plan to spend some time at the shelter getting to know your new pet. If you are interested in adopting a dog, an adoption counselor will take you to an outdoor pen to meet him/her. We want to make sure whomever you choose will be the right match for you.
If you are adopting from Dorchester Paws, cats must leave in a carrier and dogs must leave on a leash. You may bring your own or purchase one at the shelter for a nominal charge.
Plan to bring everyone who lives in your household along so they may meet your new pet! If you have a dog at home and are planning to adopt a dog, it is important to bring your pet to meet the new dog.
If you rent your home, please check with your landlord before coming to Dorchester Paws to make sure you are familiar with their pet policies.
Please direct any adoption-related questions or inquiries to adopt@dorchesterpaws.org.
Adoption
By filling out the below application, it does not place the animal on hold/reserve for you. You must still come in person to meet the animal and speak to our adoption counselors about adopting the animal.
By filling the application out, it just reduces time during the adoption process.
Thank you for your interest in adopting a pet! When you adopt a pet from Dorchester Paws you are saving a life and becoming part of their journey from victim to victory.
Dogs
Puppies (5 months & under):
$300
Small Breed Dogs:
$200 + up
Dogs (6 months – 6 years):
$100
Senior Dogs (7+ years):
$50
Cats
Kittens (5 months and under):
$100
Cats (6 months – 6 years):
$50
Seniors (7+ years):
$25
Barn Cats/FIV+/FeLV+:
$25
Every animal available for adoption is
Spayed/Neutered
Current on Vaccinations
Microchipped
Current on flea/intestinal parasite medication
Heartworm tested and current on heartworm prevention (Dogs)
Adoption fees help provide medical care, training, food and shelter to the animals. When you adopt from Dorchester Paws, you receive more than $400 of services included in your pet’s adoption fee.
Have more questions? Please reach out to adopt@dorchesterpaws.org
Dorchester Paws’s Tips for
The 3 Days, 3 Weeks, 3 Months Rule of Adopting a Shelter Animal
The 3-3-3 Rule is a general guideline to help pets adjust to their new home. Every animal is unique and will adjust differently.
3 Days
– Feeling Overwhelmed
– May be scared and unsure of what is going on
– Not comfortable to show their true self
– Want to hide in crate or under table
– Testing boundaries
3 weeks
– Starting to settle in
– Feeling more comfortable
– Realizing this could be a forever home
– Figured out their environment
– Getting into a routine
– Behavioral issues may start to show up
– Letting down their guard
3 months
– Finally comfortable and at home
– Building trust and a true bond
– Security
– Set in a routine
– Ready to try new things
Your new best friend’s spay/neuter was paid for by grants from:
