Looking for a companion?
First off, THANK YOU for looking to adopt from a rescue!
There are an estimated 5 stray animals for each human in North America.
With so many cats and dogs looking for their happily ever after,
we are hoping we can help you complete even just one of those stories.
The animals in our care have experienced helplessness, abandonment and some, unspeakable neglect and dire conditions.
Yet, they still have so much love to give.
Because our rescue animals live in our care while they wait for forever homes, we’re able to learn so much about the -; their personalities, likes, dislikes and all their adorable quirks. Some are still learning to trust again, but every day they get the love, patience and routine they deserve while we work to match them with the home that fits them best!
What can you expect when adopting?
Quarantine & Observation
All animals in our care have undergone a quarantine and observation period before being placed for adoption. During this time, we get to know each animal and monitor for any medical or behavioural concerns that may arise.
Age, Breed & Size Estimates
We do our best to estimate age, breed and expected size, but we can’t guarantee these details.
Veterinary Care (No Health Guarantees in Rescue)
We ensure every animal receives a veterinary health check before adoption. While rescue animals come with no health or temperament guarantees, this helps provide adopters with added peace of mind. Animals also receive:
- Microchip
- Up-to-date core vaccines
- Parasite control
- Rabies vaccine (if age-appropriate)
- 6 weeks of pet insurance
Additional deworming or booster vaccines may be required after adoption at the adopter’s expense.
Spay/Neuter
Every animal adopted through Bandaged Paws has their spay/neuter fully covered when completed through our partnered veterinary clinics.
- Animals 6 months and older are spayed/neutered before adoption.
- Animals under 6 months go home with a scheduled spay/neuter appointment that we book and pay for when they reach 6 months.
Spay/neuter is required; it’s the most effective way to help prevent pet overpopulation!
What is the application process like?
We begin accepting applications once an animal’s quarantine period is complete and they have passed their veterinary exam. At that point, their are posted to our website and ready to receive applications. Because our adoption coordinators are volunteers, applications are often processed in the evenings. Occasionally, multiple applications may be submitted in a single day—if that happens, we’ll keep you updated.
After your application is reviewed, one of our volunteer adoption screeners will contact you within 24–48 hours to talk through the animal’s needs and any questions you have. Our goal is to work with you; whether that means helping problem-solve, offering guidance, or adjusting next steps to support a successful match.
If it looks like a good fit, we’ll arrange a meet & greet (location and timing based on the animal’s needs and your family dynamics). If it’s a match - congratulations! Thank you for choosing adoption and helping save a life.
Meet & Greets
Meeting Our Dogs
Dog meet & greets are arranged based on each dog’s needs and your family dynamics. Meetings may take place at our facility, in a neutral public location, in a foster/home-base setting or through a home-based meet & greet.
Home-based meets are most often used when a dog needs to meet resident pets to help ensure a smooth transition or at the adopter’s request. Our goal is to set everyone up for success by finding the best match for both the dog and your home.
Some adoptions can be completed as quickly as same day, while others may need an additional meet or a bit more coordination. If you need time to think things through, we’re happy to give you that space - no pressure. Once you’ve decided, your adoption coordinator will work with you to arrange the next steps and a pickup time.
Meeting Our Cats
For cats, meet and greets typically take place where the cat is being cared for.
This may be at our facility, a home-based location or one of our great adoption partners!
When our volunteer adoption coordinators are available, some cats may be able to go home the same day after an approved application. Because our team is volunteer-run, same-day adoptions depend on coordinator availability and the individual cat’s needs.
If you’re hoping for same-day adoption, submitting your application in advance helps things go smoothly. An adoption coordinator must connect with you before any adoption is finalized.
Once approved, please bring a secure pet carrier so your new cat can travel safely.