PAWS of Hillsborough County Inc.

Additional adoption info

The following is a list of requirements new pet guardians must meet/agree to before adopting an animal from PAWS.

PAWS only adopts to homes with sterilized pets.
Adoption fee is $35.00 for cats and $75.00 for dogs.


WE REQUIRE THAT ALL ADOPTED DOGS BE KEPT ON HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE and both cats and dogs to be on flea medication.
All animals adopted will be "indoor" pets - PAWS does not adopt "outdoor" animals.
If it doesn't work out, ALL animals MUST be returned to PAWS!
In some cases, a fenced yard is required

Adoption Process
Fill out our online adoption form.
If you have questions or problems with the online form, contact us here to request an adoption form
Email us about the animal you are interested in -
Ask any questions you may have and let us know you are interested and that you have filled out an adoption application so we can look for it and contact you. If you are experiencing problems, you can fill out an online information request
Meet The Animal/Meet The Family -
Since not all animals are suitable for all homes, we will make an initial determination, based on the adoption application if the animal is suited to the home. If we believe it is, we make arrangements for you to meet the animal and for PAWS to meet the family. It is mandatory we meet everyone who is in the home on a regular basis at the inital meeting.
In-Home Visit -
If, having met the animal and being fully aware of our adoption requirements, you wish to adopt the animal, PAWS will make an in-home visit to the applicant and meet the whole family and see where the dog or cat will be kept during the day and at night. PAWS does not adopt to homes where the dog will always be kept outdoors.
Two Week Trial Period -
The new guardian takes responsibility for the animal and he/she is moved into his/her new home. The first two weeks are a trial period to see how well the animal adjusts to the new home and how well the new home adjusts to the animal.
Final In-Home Visit and Finalize Adoption -
After the two week trial period, a final in-home visit is made by PAWS volunteers. If the adoption is agreed upon, the adoption will be finalized and the final papers filled out at this time.