FAQ

• • 1. Apply

    Submit an adoption application, including the name of the dog you’re interested in. This helps us find the best match for you.

    2. Review & Discovery Call

    Our team will review your application and reach out within 72 hours if it’s a good fit.

    3. Meet & Greet

    If selected, we’ll arrange a Meet & Greet for you, your household members, and pets to ensure compatibility. A home inspection may also be required.

    4. Final Decision

    If everything aligns, we’ll finalize the adoption, and you’ll welcome your new best friend home!

  • Adoption fees vary (please see ADOPTION FEES page)

Unfortunately, we cannot hold animals. Meet & Greets are arranged based on the best fit for the dog. If you’re interested in adopting, we encourage you to submit an application as soon as possible.

If we’re hosting an adoption event, we will not hold an animal for someone who isn’t present. If you are interested in an animal we recommend you come early so someone else doesn't adopt the animal you are interested in.

The last thing we want is to hold a dog, only for potential adopters to change their minds, which could mean the animal misses out on finding a loving home.

We also cannot keep a dog in foster care until you’re ready due to a trip/moving/not ready, as this limits the number of dogs we can save. In some cases, we can recommend local boarding facilities if you need time to prepare.

animals are clever and they are fantastic athletes. Make sure all gates, doors and fencing are in good working order. Repair and secure all before you bring your new animal home.

animals have been known to open gate latches. Secure with clip locks. animals can let themselves out of yards if a fence is in disrepair or has low or weak spots. You do not want your new animal lost or injured before they become accustomed to your home.  Do a thorough once over to make sure your Boxer will be safe and secure in your home & yard.

Sorry, we cannot give discounted adoption rates.

We are a non-profit organization and our adoption fees go right back to saving more dogs in need. We have many medical bills, training, food, and other costs that all add up.  Please see the ADOPTION FEES page to find out more.

Our goal is to create the best rescue match by considering both the dog’s background and your family’s needs.

Every dog is unique—personality, temperament, energy level, comfort with kids and other pets, medical needs, and more.

As a volunteer-based organization, we carefully review each application and receive a high volume of inquiries. While we’re unable to respond to everyone individually, we will reach out within 72 hours if your application is the right match for a specific dog.

Promise 4 Paws will help select the best candidate to fit your life and all in it. If your home includes other animals, cats or kids of any age it is best to be prepared to follow integration guidelines to ensure the best chance for full integration and a happy life together.  It can sometimes take time and effort, but the end results are unconditional love for a lifetime. GO SLOW, TAKE TIME. Knowing what steps to follow and more importantly what NOT to do will help everyone.  Click appropriate links for successful integration tips that apply to you. Be prepared by educating yourself on what will work.

If you have another dog at home If you have a cat at home If you have kids at home

The simple answer to this question is to integrate your animal by taking things in baby steps. Your new animal has a lot to learn and get used to. Every home is different; every animal is different. The most important thing to remember is that Promise 4 Paws is here to help you after adoption with advice and to answer questions to help your new animal fully integrate.

Here are links of the most common questions people have when bringing home a new animal.

Housebreaking Leash Aggression Separation Anxiety

Promise 4 Paws treats health issues that are apparent when animals arrive or conditions that develop during their time in our foster homes. Owner surrenders to Promise 4 Paws often come with their medical history and records. animals that we pull from city and county shelters often come without much history and we must evaluate them.  Promise 4 Paws will always divulge any conditions that are known and treatment protocols.  We partner with quality vets for the very best for animals in our care. 

Please be aware that there can be a very common temporary condition that affects many animals that come from rescue situations i.e.  Kennel Cough and Diarrhea/Giardia are easily spread but also easily treated. Your new animal may or may not have been exposed so please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these common and very treatable temporary conditions.

Make sure your resident animal is current with shots, especially bortatella before bringing your new animal home.

If in doubt please get in touch with us by calling (949) 600-1964 or your primary contact from your animals adoption.

Common Heath Issues

Kennel Cough

Unfortunately, many animals we save come into the shelter as strays or are surrendered with little to no background information. While we may not know their past, at Promise 4 Paws, we try and carefully select dogs based on temperament, without discrimination toward breed, size, or age. Additionally, because our animals are placed in foster homes, we can provide valuable insight into their behavior, personality, and needs in a home setting. This helps us ensure they will make sweet and loving additions to your family.

We’re lucky to have adopters from all across the country who work with our team to find their perfect animal. Out-of-state adoptions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re adopting from out of town, you’ll need to arrange transportation for your new pet. If, for any reason, the adoption doesn’t work out, the dog must be returned to us at your expense.

We microchip all of our dogs. We will fill out the change of ownership form for you once we verify your information. The microchip company will send out a letter to your address but sometimes this letter can take a month or two to be sent. Don’t worry. All dogs are registered to us so if something happens before the change is made, the company will call us and we can contact you.

Unfortunately, we do not always know right away. Dogs have limited time outside at the shelter, so their house-training status often becomes clearer once they are in a foster or adopter’s home. There may be some accidents as they adjust to a new environment, and it can take a few days for them to settle into your home and routine. Puppies, in particular, will require training, though this will most likely have been started in their foster home.

Our adoption fee helps cover essential care for our rescue dogs and ensures they are healthy and ready for their new homes. It typically includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, and any necessary medical treatment prior to adoption. For full details on what’s included, please visit our ADOPTION FEE page.

We are a non-profit organization so please consult your accountant regarding a potential tax deduction.

Some of the clinics tattoo a green line on the dogs near the spay/neuter site while the are under anesthesia. This is to show that the dog has been spayed/neutered. The green line helps shelters and vets so that they do not need to put the dog under anesthesia again for an investigative surgery if the scar is not noticeable.