FAQs

General

What do you do?

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs of all breeds and ages. We work alongside local shelters as well as shelters in Texas to save dogs from high-risk situations and place them in loving homes. All dogs receive full veterinary care, including all age-appropriate vaccines, spay/neuter, flea, tick and heartworm preventative, and any special case medical required.

Where are you located?

We are located in Ottawa, Ontario.

Who are you?

Our coordinators are a small team of volunteers (check us out on the Our Team page!) that run the day to day, but we have support from other volunteers in the city for fundraising, driving and any other tasks needed! None of the people involved are paid workers.

How can I help?

There are a number of ways to help out! You can volunteer for events, driving, picking up donations, or any other tasks that you’re interested in. Donating and sharing our rescue with people you know is another way to make a big difference in these dogs’ lives. We do not receive funding from the government or otherwise, so all of the money and supplies we have come from adoption fees and donations. We’re happy to receive any physical donations you have as well, such as leashes, beds, crates, food, treats, etc!

Can I meet the dogs?

If you are interested in meeting one of our adoptable dogs please fill out an adoption application. We want to ensure the dog will be a suitable match, so as to not overwhelm the dogs with lots of visits!

I filled out an application and never heard back?

We receive many applications and it would be impossible to respond to every single one. For adoption applications only those selected for a meet and greet will be contacted.

Adopting

How does it work?

Please review the adoption process on the Adoption page.

What is the adoption fee?

The adoption fee varies with the age of the dog:
Puppies up to 12 months $650
Young Adults 1-3 year $600
Adults 4-7 year $550
Seniors (8+) $400

What’s included in the adoption fee?

The adoption fee includes all age appropriate vaccines, microchip, deworming and spay/neuter.*
*NOTE: if the adopted dog is too young to be spayed/neutered an appointment will be scheduled through one of our partner clinics at the time of adoption.

Certificates, discounts and promotions also included:
All adopters also receive a certificate for a post adoption vet visit at any VCA vet.
A free 30-day trial for Trupanion pet insurance.
A certificate for 15% off a pet photo session with Kiwi’s Photography.
5% off daycare and boarding for the adopted dog at The Canine Clubhouse.

The dog I applied for was adopted, do I have to fill out a new application if there is another dog I’m interested in?

We keep all of our applications on file so you do not have to fill in a second application! Please just send us an email with the other dog you are interested in and we will put your previous application towards them.

What happens after adoption?

We care deeply about all of the dogs that come into and leave our care. Following adoption we are still happy to support adopters. If you have any questions or concerns after adoption please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can give insight about our experiences with the dog and direct you to trainers or other resources if needed. We also love to see updates of our dogs in their new lives so we are always happy to hear from you!

Volunteering

What volunteering positions are available?

We are always looking for extra helping hands! There are a number of areas to help in. You could be involved in planning/running events, photography, driving dogs to/from appointments or events, picking up or organizing donations, homechecks, or just helping to spread the word about our organization! Please email us if you’re interested.

Dogs in need

I know of a dog in need of rehoming, can you help?

Please send us an email with the details of the situation. We determine these on a case by case basis, and it depends on a number of factors. At this time, we are only able to take in dogs under 20lbs. Please understand that our focus is saving lives of dogs that have no other options. We will do what we can to help but Homes For Paws reserves the right to reject any dog for any reason.