Adoption

Adoption Process

You must have an approved application before you meet any of our pets, so please allow plenty of time to fill out your application and talk with an adoption advocate about the kind of pet you're looking for (Please note that you must be 21 years of age to adopt). To save time, you can complete our online application and submit it before you come or download a copy to bring with you.   If you see a pet you are interested in, be sure to note his or her name on your application.

All of the pets listed on the Adopt a Cat and Adopt a Dog pages are available for adoption but each is in a different stage of getting their medical care.  Before leaving for their forever homes, each pet is spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, brought up-to-date on vaccines, and dewormed.  Some of our pets are still in the process of getting these services, and may not be available to be taken home immediately.

If you see a dog or cat that you want to adopt, please complete an application now!  (Please include the pet's name on your application.) Some of our pets are adopted even before they are medically ready to leave for their forever homes, so we don't want you to miss out on your perfect pet!  Please call (803) 465-9170 or email adopt@pawmettolifeline.org if you have any questions!

We do reserve the right to conduct a home visit or a background check in order to be sure that we are placing the animals in the best homes for their needs. In the majority of cases, however, a pet can be taken home the same day that he or she is adopted. All dogs must leave with a leash and a collar purchased by the adopter either at our facility or elsewhere before the pet is taken home.

Adoption Fees

The adoption fee includes spay or neuter, microchip and microchip registration and all vaccinations appropriate for the pet's age. Adoption fees vary by species. There may be a charge for pain medication and an e-collar if the pet has not already been spayed/neutered.

Why do we charge adoption fees? This great graphic from Arfdogs.org explains!

Gift Adoptions

We do not offer gift adoptions. We want everyone who will be involved with the care of the pet to meet it and be in agreement. Our goal is for every pet to be adopted into its forever home, and while we realize that is not always possible, we try to do everything we can to ensure the pet does not have to be returned to us.

If you are interested in getting a pet as a gift, we recommend you create a certificate stating that you will pay the adoption fee for the pet of your recipients choosing. That way, they can take their time and find just the right fit after the chaos of the holiday is over. You can even note our website listing where they can see available cats and dogs.