Where are you located?

Paws Deep Animal Rescue does not have a physical shelter or facility. We are a foster-based rescue, which means our animals live in private foster homes while waiting for adoption.

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Our foster network is primarily throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, the Eastern Shore, Delaware, and surrounding areas.

 

How can I meet one of your dogs?

Because our dogs live in foster homes, we require an approved adoption application before scheduling a private meet-and-greet.

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You may also meet some of our available dogs at public adoption events without having an approved application. However, if you would like to adopt and take a dog home from an event, we strongly recommend completing your application in advance.

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Why do I need an approved application before meeting a dog?

Our foster families generously volunteer their homes and time to care for our animals. To respect their schedules and avoid unnecessary meet-and-greets, we complete the application and screening process before arranging private meetings.

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An approved application also allows us to determine whether the dog you are interested in is likely to be a good fit for your household.

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I want to adopt, but I am out of town. Can you hold a dog for me?

Generally, we are unable to hold dogs for extended periods of time.

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Every dog that remains in a foster home occupies a space that could otherwise be used to save another animal. Because of this, applicants should be prepared to complete the adoption process and bring their new dog home within our required adoption timeframe.

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Why are your adoption fees what they are?

Adoption fees help offset only a portion of what it costs to rescue and prepare each animal for adoption.

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Many of our dogs come from overcrowded shelters outside our immediate area. Transportation alone can cost approximately $200–$230 per dog, before veterinary care and other expenses are included.

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Depending on the animal, rescue expenses may also include vaccinations, preventatives, testing, medications, microchipping, spay/neuter services, emergency veterinary care, specialty treatment, supplies, and other necessary care.

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Our adoption fees help us continue rescuing animals without operating at an unsustainable loss.

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What happens when an animal costs more than the adoption fee?

This happens frequently. Some animals arrive sick, injured, heartworm-positive, or needing additional veterinary care that could not have been anticipated.

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When adoption fees do not cover our expenses, we rely on donations and fundraising to make up the difference. As a small nonprofit rescue, those donations are especially important because veterinary expenses can quickly exceed what we collect through adoption fees.

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Keeping the rescue financially sustainable allows us to continue helping animals in need.

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Why do you rescue dogs from other states?

We focus our efforts where we believe we can make the greatest difference.

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Many of the shelters we work with are overcrowded and face significantly higher euthanasia rates than shelters in our local area.

 

Some dogs are at risk of euthanasia simply because there is not enough kennel space available. Whenever possible, our goal is to rescue adoptable dogs whose lives are at risk due to overcrowding and lack of space.

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Do you operate on a first-come, first-served basis?

Not necessarily.

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Our priority is finding the best fit for each individual dog. Sometimes the first approved applicant is the best match, and sometimes another household may be better suited to that dog's needs, personality, energy level, or circumstances.

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Submitting an application first does not guarantee adoption of a particular animal.

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Do you offer refunds if an adoption does not work out?

No. Adoption fees are nonrefundable.

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We encourage applicants to carefully consider the commitment involved before adopting and to ask as many questions as needed during the adoption process.

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Why don't you typically rescue dogs with known behavioral issues?

Because we are foster-based, we have to consider the safety and capabilities of our foster homes.

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Many of our fosters have children, dogs, cats, or other animals of their own and are not equipped to safely manage dogs with known serious behavioral concerns or aggression.

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For this reason, we generally prioritize dogs that are expected to be appropriate for typical foster and adoptive homes.

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Do dogs ever develop behavioral issues after entering the rescue?

Yes. Dogs can behave differently once they leave a shelter environment and begin settling into a home.

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Occasionally, a dog that entered the rescue with no known behavioral concerns may begin displaying issues days or even weeks later.

 

When this happens, we evaluate the situation and work to determine what type of home, management, training, or other support may be appropriate.

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Our goal is always to make responsible placement decisions while protecting the safety of the dog, our fosters, adopters, and the community.

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Does your rescue euthanize animals?

We do not euthanize healthy, adoptable dogs simply because we need foster space.

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There are, however, circumstances in which humane euthanasia may be considered. If an animal is suffering from a serious medical condition and a veterinarian determines that euthanasia is the most humane option, we will follow veterinary guidance.

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Behavioral euthanasia may also be considered in rare cases involving severe or unpredictable aggression where an animal presents a significant safety risk to people or other animals and cannot be responsibly or safely placed.

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These decisions are never taken lightly. They are made based on the individual animal, professional veterinary guidance, quality of life, public safety, and our responsibility as a rescue organization.