Steps to Adopting a Pet
- Begin your pet adoption journey by filling out our online Adoption Application.
- Approval is necessary before proceeding with the adoption process.
- The timeline for reviewing applications depends on the availability of our volunteers and may span several weeks.
- Once reviewed and if approved, our Adoption Coordinator will arrange a meeting with the pet you’re interested in. If all goes well, we’ll finalize the adoption.
- All our pets are spayed or neutered, receive age-appropriate vaccinations, and are equipped with a microchip before adoption.
Application Process Reminders
- It’s essential to note that not every application gets approved. It could be a matter of finding the right fit for your home or dealing with practicalities like landlord approval. We’re here to guide you through the process.
- Approval of the application doesn’t guarantee adoption; we aim to ensure it’s the best fit for everyone involved.
- Most of our adoptable cats and all of our adoptable dogs are in foster care, not at the Adoption Center. Applying first ensures you’re pre-approved for adoption when you find the right match.
- Keep in mind, multiple meetings might be required, especially with our canine friends.
- Any false information provided on your application will lead to its immediate denial, even if you are initially approved, and the misrepresentation is discovered later during the adoption process. LAWS prioritizes honesty and transparency in order to ensure the well-being and suitability of our animals’ future homes.
Adoption Application Links
Adoption Fees
Dogs
- Puppies under 2 years: $275
- Adult Dogs over 2 years: $215
Cats
- Kitten: $115
- Second Kitten: $95
- Adult Cat: $90
- Second Adult Cat: $70*
*Second cat discount applies only if adopted together.
Adoption fees include spay or neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, and microchipping.
Foster to forever PUPPY PROGRAM
The LAWS “Foster to Forever Program” (FTF) applies to puppies in our program who are not old enough or do not weigh enough to be spayed/neutered (not able to be adopted out yet through our traditional adoption process).
The program is available to Albany County residents only.
A refundable $275 deposit is required to foster which can be applied toward the adoption fee at the time of adoption.
Barn & Working Cats
Often, during our Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) program, we will trap feral or semi-feral cats that for various reasons cannot be returned to their original outdoor home, but who are not suited to be adopted to an indoor home. These cats are, however, excellent mousers, used to hunting for their food.
All of our barn and working cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped prior to adoption. LAWS will also provide detailed instructions on safely confining, releasing and maintaining the barn cats in their new home.
For more information or to apply for a Barn or Working Cat, click here.