Our Adoption Process

Every dog in our care has already been through a lot, so we're careful about their adoptions.


We take the time to get to know both you and the dog, so that when a match is made, it's one that lasts.


Before you apply, here are a few things worth knowing:

  • We only re-home dogs within a 30-mile radius of the shelter, so we can provide consistent post-adoption support.


  • All our dogs begin their journey in a 3-week foster-to-adopt programme, which is a required part of our adoption process. During this time, our behavioural consultant will work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition and provide tailored support.


To apply, please complete the PAWS Adoption Application Form by clicking the “Register Interest” button.

Please answer each question in as much detail as possible to support your application. We require a meet and greet for all our dogs, though some may need a few extra steps. These are outlined on each dog’s profile and discussed further during the adoption process.


What Happens Next


  1. Submit your application.
  2. If suitable, our behavioural consultant, Catherine McGowan-Lloyd, will contact you to discuss the dog in more detail.
  3. You’ll then be invited to a meet-and-greet (by appointment only) with Catherine from All About Dogs, and discuss the dogs' training and behavioural needs in more detail.


Our goal is to support both you and your new dog every step of the way.


Due to the number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact successful applicants. 

All dogs are eligible for 5 weeks of free insurance upon rehoming.

Our Adoption Fees

  • Puppies up to the age of 6 months - £350.00
  • Dogs aged over 6 months old and up to 9 years old - £300.00
  • Dogs 9 years old and over- £200.00

This helps to cover some of the vet fees and routine care given to our dogs and helps to ensure we can continue rescuing dogs in the future.

How We Use Your Information

The information you provide on the adoption application will be used by Paws A While Shelter for the purposes of facilitating your application to adopt a dog. We respect your privacy and will keep your information safe and secure, and we will only use in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Please remember that the assessments and details of each dog we have available are based on any history that we may have been made aware of from previous owner(s) and the behaviour we see here whilst they are in our care at Paws A While Shelter. Once any dog is re-homed, that behaviour may change due to many reasons and the changes the dog has endured may also affect their behaviour.


It is very important that you allow a new dog to overcome as much of the stress it is under, during the early periods of being in a new environment. Dogs that are exposed to lots of new experiences too quickly can often lead to an increase of stress and then associated problem behaviours often surface during this time.