I want to adopt a dog! What is the adoption process?
The first step to adopting a dog from 4 Lucky Paws is completing the online application form. After receiving your application, we contact the vet offices and the references you provided. If everything checks out, we will contact you to arrange a home visit. The purpose of a home visit is to learn what you are looking for in a new family member. One of our team members will come to your home to find out more about your family in addition to discussing the rescue and how we work.
What if I want to foster to adopt?
​All the dogs that 4 Lucky Paws receives start out as fosters. While in foster care we become familiar with their personalities, temperament, health concerns, and any requirements they might need such as a cat-free home. Once settled in, we begin the vetting process. All dogs are fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered. If a foster wants to adopt the dog they are caring for during this time frame, they have the opportunity to do so. We are happy to have our fosters turn into adopters. However, we strive to make sure that it is a suitable fit for everyone long term.
​ How much is the adoption fee?
The adoption fee is $500 for puppies up to 1 year old. Adult dogs one year or older are $450. Senior fees vary accordingly on a case-by-case basis. 
​Why is there a fee? Where does that money go?
4 Lucky Paws is a non-profit organization and we have vetting fees that go along with every dog. While we are extremely fortunate to have a number of amazing vets in and around the Peterborough area that work with our dogs, the bills are often very costly and they add up quickly. It is important to note that often the vetting fees of a dog exceed their adoption fee. Therefore, adoption fees help to cover the dogs' vetting before they go into their forever homes.
Where do you get the dogs?
4 Lucky Paws has done work in various areas around North America. Many of our dogs have come from kill pounds in Montreal, communities in Manitoba in addition to countless pounds in Ontario, Georgia, and Texas.
Can I meet a dog before applying for adoption?
​ One of our highest priorities is protecting our fosters and their homes. All applicants who wish to adopt must apply and go through the approval process prior to meeting dogs. Further, this ensures that we are not wasting anyone’s time. The application process allows us to determine if a dog is well suited for the adopter that is interested in it, and if not, it gives us a chance to find a more suitable dog for the family.
What happens if A dog is not the right fit after adoption?
 In the event there are difficulties that the owner is not comfortable working on or we feel the dog may be better suited elsewhere, they are returned to the rescue. Depending on the reasons surrounding the dog’s return, we reimburse the adoption fee to the adopters, usually within the first few weeks.
What if I am not interested in any of the dogs currently available?
Due to the number of applications and emails 4 Lucky Paws receives, we ask that adopters follow our Facebook page or check out our website frequently. When you are interested in a dog that is posted, please send in an application. 
What if I want to surrender a dog?
​If you need to surrender a dog, whether from 4 Lucky Paws or acquired elsewhere, we ask that you email us all the information you have on the dog. Please include a description of their personality, their likes and dislikes, and whether they are social with kids, cats, or other dogs. Additionally, we ask that you include all the history that you have and discuss any concerns about the dog. Once we receive this, 4 Lucky Paws will send you a surrender form to fill out and post the dog for foster placement on our rescue page. For us to intake the dog, we must first find a suitable foster home, and depending on the needs of the dog, this can take some time.
I Didn't Get the Dog I applied for. What do I do now?
We frequently receive multiple applications for one dog, and of course, we can only choose one family. Often this has proven to be a difficult decision. If another dog is posted that appears suitable to your lifestyle, we ask that you send us an email with an updated application form and we will be happy to gather the necessary information to determine if they are a good fit for your home.
4 Lucky Paws is a foster-based non-profit animal rescue based in Peterborough, ON, Canada 
© 2022 4 Lucky Paws Animal Rescue