Paws Along The River Humane Society is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization registered in Pennsylvania in 1931. A volunteer Board of Directors develops the mission and policy, ensures legal responsibilities are in place, oversees finances of its resources, reviews and approves plans and budgets, is an ambassador to the community, supports the executive director, recruits new board members, and evaluates operational performance. We are not a part of any government agency. However, we do receive a small percentage of funding from our City, Townships, and Boroughs within Warren County. Our main source of income comes from our adoptions, donations, fundraisers, and our thrift shop sales. Also, grants, bequests, and legacies allow PAWS to provide animal services to our community. We specialize in matching pets to situations and people. This matching process helps ensure permanent and successful adoptions. We take the time with you and your family to assist in selecting a new family member. We get to know our pets and can give you valuable information in helping you to make a decision. All pets are spayed and neutered before adoptions are complete. We require a waiting period before taking a pet home. This time helps potential adopters decide what they truly want in a new family member. Our “Pet Visit” is a trial time that gives potential adopters a chance to view the pet in their home setting before adoption. We take care of any medical or behavioral concerns that may arise during the pet visit.
Step 1. Complete the Pre-Adoption Information Questionnaire. This form helps adoption counselors gather important information in finding your perfect match. We may not have what you are looking for today. However, with a completed form we can contact you when we get a pet that meets your specifications. Step 2. Photos - We require a minimum of 5 photos of your home inside and out. This will allow us to see where the pet will live. Photos must be of entire rooms, not parts of a room or an item in the room. A kitchen, living room, and/or family room or any other areas the pet will be permitted will give us insight as to what your home will provide. If you have an outside fenced area, please include it. A photo of the front of the home and the back of the home and yard is appreciated. In order to meet with an adoption counselor, all your paperwork and photos will need to be submitted prior to your visit with our pets. Step 3. Meet the Family - All members of the family or people living in the home will need to visit and be introduced to the new pet. We will accommodate your time and schedule as much as possible. Families with children may want to visit first without the children and then return. Current dogs in the home will also need to have a meet and greet with the adoptable pet. This is its own process and one we take seriously. We avoid the “pet-shop” way of adopting and hope you can understand that we take our time to help in finding your MATCH. Our process, in-depth as it may be, is the reason we have a 97% success rate of permanent adoptions and pets staying in the home. Visit with our Pets. An appointment is scheduled for you and your family members to meet with us. We want to take as much time as needed to show you potential matches. We use your Pre-Adoption information form to begin our adoption visit. An adoption counselor MUST and will spend time with you and your family. This is the time we gather information and discuss the temperaments and needs of pets we have that may match your situation and family. We specialize in knowing our animals. Please trust us to help in this process. We realize our process may not be for everyone, but for those who want a more hands-on approach and guidance; this can be an enjoyable and educational bonding time for everyone. Step 4. Pets and People - Our goal is to adopt only pets able to live with people and pets. Each pet is evaluated, temperament tested, and all health and behavior issues addressed. All the information we gather is given to potential new owners. We want you to know and understand matching to you is our first priority. You can be assured that all information and care is given to the pet you choose. However, remember animals can react to different situations. So be patient and give them time. AT TIMES MORE THAN ONE PERSON IS INTERESTED IN ONE PARTICULAR PET. OUR FIRST PRIORITY IS TO CHOOSE THE BEST SITUATION OFFERED FOR EACH PET WHENEVER POSSIBLE. We do not use the first-come-first-serve method of adopting. We look at each situation and give everyone consideration. However, the first person completing our survey indicating a particular pet will be given first consideration. We always have great pets for adoption and can help you find another match. Please consider looking at more than one. Step 5. Processing Your Pre-Adoption Questionnaire - If you are a renter, we must contact your landlord in order to confirm permission to take a pet into your home. We also contact your veterinarian for current and past pet records. You must sign authorization on the Pre-Adoption form and in some cases, your vet may require you to release those records to us. Please call ahead and give them permission. A veterinary reference is required for adopters living outside of Warren County. This information is vital to our adoption process as it gives an indication of past ability and commitment to providing veterinary care. Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats already in the home must be up to date and any dogs must have a current license before final adoption. If you are moving, or have just moved, please return when you and your home are more settled. We are looking for permanent, established homes for our pets. CALL US! Because of limited staffing and busy phone lines, we remind you to call us and leave a message if you haven't heard from us. Step 6. Waiting Period – We call this “think time.” Take some time to make this big decision and commitment. This is an important time in our adoption process. What pet best works for your family and home? It can’t just be about the “look” and breed. It has to be what you can physically and financially care for at this time in your life. Our adoption counselors will process your information and make a decision about the match. PAWS makes the final decision on who will adopt from us based on what best matches our pets. We reserve the right to refuse an adoption at any time during the process. Step 7. “Pet Visit” Scheduled – Unlike some shelters and rescues, Paws does not adopt the pet out right away. Our unique process has proven undeniable in establishing our 97% success rate for adoptions. After a pet is selected and the adoption is approved, we schedule a “Pet Visit.” This is the time to take a pet to your home for 12-15 days (for free!) to see what the pet will be like in your home. You can’t know how a pet will behave in a home setting from seeing them in the shelter. Crates and condos are offered for our trial period and overnight bags are packed and sent with the potential new owner. Every effort is made, and instructions are given, to help make this a successful adoption. At times, pets need to be returned due to unforeseen circumstances. We take these opportunities to move forward and learn more about the pet from their experience in a home. We check on the progress during the pet visit and when all behavior and health issues are addressed, the adoption is scheduled. Step 8. Adoption Day! Adoptions are done in person or in the mail if out of our area. A post-adoption phone call or email will follow in 90-120 days to check on the continued progress of our pets.