Paws for Life Rescue and Adoption
Our Mission
Paws for Life’s mission is to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves; to rescue and rehome abandoned pets, matching animals and families to find the right fit for everyone and promising to exhaust all efforts to place adoptable pets in lifelong, loving homes; to promote humane education, spay/neuter initiatives and respect for all living things; to prevent and report cruelty to animals; to participate in disaster animal response; to improve the lives of animals and end the suffering created by puppy mills, animal fighters and backyard breeders; and to be a driving force, leader and champion for animal welfare in Michigan.
Adoption Policy
Step 1: Understand Our Adoption Policies
Minimum Age: To adopt a pet from Paws for Life, you must be at least 18 years old and be able and willing to provide a lifelong, loving home to your new pet.
Pet Care: Dogs and cats are indoor animals and should not live outside. Cats should not be declawed and dogs should not be debarked. The contract you sign will stipulate these requirements and there is a $1,000 fine for violating the contract. All we ask is that your new pet be treated at all times like a treasured member of the family.
Adjustment Period: Paws for Life believes that every animal needs adjustment time to get to know their new environment, routine and people. We require a mandatory, minimum two-week adjustment period before the adoption can be finalized and ownership transferred.
Step 2: Apply Online or In Person
The first step in the adoption process is to complete the application, either online (below) or at one of our adoption events. If you don't have a specific animal in mind, you can describe what you’re looking for and our foster care coordinators will recommend which pets they feel are the best match to your household.?
Apply to adopt or foster a cat or kitten: https://form.jotform.us/72344550240144
Apply to adopt or foster a dog or puppy: https://form.jotform.com/81935638982170
Step 3: Get Matched
Once we receive your application, you’ll receive a phone call from a volunteer adoptions counselor to answer your questions and to discuss your household and your expectations for a new pet. Counselors may recommend pets that will be a better fit for you.
Step 4: Get Approved
After you and Paws for Life decide which pets you want to meet, we will schedule a meet-and-greet at your home, at an area shelter or at an upcoming adoption event. We prefer that all members of your household are available and present for the meet-n-greet. It’s critically important that everyone agrees that the chosen pet is the right pet for them.
Step 5: Welcome Your New Pet Home
The day your new pet comes home is the first day of the mandatory, minimum two-week adjustment period. The first two weeks are usually the most stressful – for both humans and pets. Everyone is learning about each other and your new pet’s entire world just turned upside-down. They have to adjust to new people, new home, new routine, new expectations, new everything. On average, it takes 14 days for a cat or dog to truly settle in and start to be themselves. Some pets adjust faster than others. Be patient and give them time.
Adoption Fees
Adult Cats: $75
This includes fecal and heartworm testing, deworming, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, rabies vaccine, FVRCP vaccination and booster, microchip, spay/neuter, 30 days of free pet insurance and one call with a cat behavior trainer, if needed.
Kittens (up to 6 months old): $125
This includes fecal and heartworm testing, deworming, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, rabies vaccine at 12 weeks old, FVRCP vaccination and two boosters, microchip, spay/neuter, and 30 days of free pet insurance.
Adult Dogs: $80
This includes fecal and heartworm testing, deworming, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, rabies vaccine, DHLPP vaccination and booster, bordetella vaccination and booster, microchip, spay/neuter, 30 days of free pet insurance and one training session with a professional behavior trainer, if needed.
Puppies (up to 6 months old): $125
This includes fecal and heartworm testing, deworming, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, rabies vaccine at 12 weeks old, DHLPP vaccination and two boosters, bordetella vaccine and booster, microchip, spay/neuter and 30 days of free pet insurance.
Adopting in Pairs
Discounted adoption fees available for adopting a pair of cats or dogs.
Senior Pets for Senior People
Discounted adoption fees available for cats and dogs over 8 years old for adopters over age 65.
