Rescue FAQs

PetConnect Rescue was founded in 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and has evolved into a vibrant animal rescue organization. Our mission is to save the lives of abandoned dogs and cats and place them in loving and permanent homes. Each day, we respond to desperate email and phone pleas to rescue dogs and cats imminently slated for euthanasia. We pull these animals into rescue from over-extended shelters throughout the southeast, from Maryland all the way to Georgia. PetConnect Rescue is a non-breed-specific organization, and we are committed to stepping forward whenever we can and wherever there is the greatest need. We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. PetConnect Rescue arranges and pays for medical services ranging from routine treatments, such as vaccinations and blood tests, to treating serious medical conditions such as broken bones. All PetConnect Rescue animals are spayed or neutered at an appropriate age to help decrease the terrible problem of pet overpopulation. Adopters of puppies and kittens are required to have the animals altered at the appropriate age as well. The rescues that come into our care are primarily placed in foster homes, although some are boarded with reputable kennels or at vet practices. Our foster volunteers provide loving care and socialization for these animals while they await their forever homes. Thanks to donation drives, we are able to pass on supplies to our foster families such as crates, food, collars, toys, bedding etc. The core mission of PetConnect is to rescue abandoned animals, prove them with high quality care, and place them in safe, loving and permanent homes. Time and again, potential adopters tell us that they are willing to wait to adopt from us because of the comfort level they have in working with our organization. We are committed to ensuring a highly positive rescue experience for our adopters and to providing ongoing support through the adoption process and beyond. Because of the dedication and commitment of our volunteers we are able to find loving homes for all of these animals who otherwise would not have had a chance. From high kill shelters or other at-risk situations to foster homes to adoptive families, PetConnect Rescue handles every step of the rescue process.

Metropolitan Washington, DC Maryland Virginia

Additional adoption info

How Do You Adopt a PetConnect Rescue Animal?

1) To be eligible to adopt one of PetConnect Rescue’s animals, you will need to be at least 21 years old.

2) If you would like to learn more about one of our rescue animals, please fill out our short online application. Just click on the link to the appropriate form (dog or cat) on our website to access the application. Completing the online application is the first step and will provide us with the initial information we need but does not obligate you in any way.

3) An adoption coordinator will contact you, or you may call or email the coordinator listed for more information. Please understand that we are a predominantly volunteer-based organization; therefore, a PCR team member will contact you as soon as possible.

4) If applicable, we’ll call your veterinarian to ensure that your current/previous pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and well cared for. For renters, we’ll check with your landlord to verify applicable pet policies, and if you are adopting a dog – whether there are any size or breed restrictions.

5) Once you have spoken to an adoption coordinator about the pet you are interested in, and if you would like to continue with the adoption process, arrangements will be made for you to meet the pet at his or her foster home.

6) After you have met the dog or cat of your choice, your home visit will be scheduled. The purpose of the home visit is to ensure that the rescue animal will be living in a safe environment, as well as to support the adoption process.PetConnect reviews applications in the order in which they are received. We focus on matching the right animal to the right family to ensure successful adoptions. Our goal is to place these wonderful pets into homes where they will be safe and loved forever. We require adopters to meet our adoptable pets in person, and therefore give preference to applicants in the metro Washington, DC area, but will consider out of area adopters on a case by case basis.

Adoption Fees:
PetConnect requires an adoption fee for all of our rescued animals. The adoption fees help cover the medical, transport, supply, and other animal expenses associated with rescuing our animals. The expenses for each rescued animal almost always exceed our adoption fee for them. Please note that adoption fees are not tax-deductible.

Dogs (6 months to 6 years) – $425
Puppies (under 6 months) – $475
Senior Dogs (7 yrs and older) – $250
Cats of All Ages – $175
Pair of Cats or Kittens – $300

What’s Included:

* All pets are given age-appropriate vaccines and have been examined by a veterinarian.
* All pets are given preventative medication for heartworm (dogs), fleas, ticks, and parasites and dogs over 6 months of age are tested for heartworm.
* All pets are microchipped.
* Every adoptable animal over 6 months of age has already been spayed or neutered, unless it is medically inadvisable to do so.*
* All pets have been lovingly cared for in a foster home.
* Each adoption comes with a two-week trial period. If you return the pet to PetConnect Rescue during that time, you will receive a refund of the adoption fee or we will work with you to find a better match.

*An additional spay/neuter deposit for puppies ($250) and kittens ($125) will be required, and that deposit will cover the cost of spay/neuter at a participating PetConnect veterinary partner. If the adopter wishes to use their own vet for spay/neuter, the deposit will be refunded once PetConnect receives proof of spay/neuter.

We accept cash, check, or credit card payments for adoption fees. There will be a fee for returned checks. The fee is based on the current rate that we are charged by our bank to process the return, which may be subject to change.