Foster to Forever (FTF) Puppy Adoption Program

** Please Read Carefully Before Submitting an Application

The LAWS Foster to Forever (FTF) Program is designed for puppies who are not yet old enough or do not weigh enough to be spayed/neutered and therefore cannot be adopted through our standard adoption process.

This program is available exclusively to Albany County residents, as LAWS retains jurisdiction over FTF puppies until they are medically cleared for spay/neuter (typically around 16 weeks of age, or later if recommended by our veterinarian).

The FTF Program is intended for applicants who plan to adopt the puppy they are fostering. It is different from our traditional adoption process and separate from our general foster program.

All puppies and dogs reside in foster care and are not housed at the Adoption Center. Meetings are scheduled only after an application has been reviewed and preliminarily approved.

How the Program Works

  • Look for puppies labeled “FTF Only” in our listings.

  • All applicants must complete the appropriate application and receive preliminary approval before any meetings are scheduled. Application review timelines depend on volunteer availability and may take several weeks.

  • If your application is preliminarily approved, our Adoption Coordinators will contact you to schedule a meeting with the puppy and their foster family. If we determine the match is a good fit for both your household and the puppy, we will review the Foster to Forever agreement and coordinate placement arrangements, including collection of the required $325 non-refundable deposit at the time the puppy goes home.

  • The $325 deposit is applied toward the full adoption fee and covers veterinary care provided during the FTF contract period.

  • FTF families must commit to bringing the puppy to all scheduled booster vaccinations and the mandatory spay/neuter procedure.

  • Participation in the FTF Program requires weekly updates to your Adoption Coordinator throughout the duration of the agreement. Families must maintain consistent communication and respond promptly regarding medical appointments and program requirements.

  • Final adoption paperwork will be completed only after the puppy has received all age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and has undergone the mandatory spay/neuter procedure (typically performed at approximately 16 weeks of age, or later if medically recommended by our veterinarian).

Important Program Information

  • You must be 22 or older to adopt a dog or puppy from LAWS- we will ask for proof of verification.

  • Participation in the FTF Program does not guarantee final adoption approval. As puppies grow and develop, factors such as temperament, energy level, behavior, housing situation, fencing requirements, and overall fit will continue to be evaluated to ensure the placement remains in the best interest of the animal.

  • Not all applications are approved. Considerations such as housing arrangements, landlord approval, lifestyle compatibility, and overall suitability may influence the decision.

  • Most of our puppies are high-energy and require a securely fenced yard for safety, enrichment, and successful placement. Applications are reviewed based on the specific needs of each individual puppy. If a puppy’s bio indicates that a securely fenced yard is required, a fenced yard is mandatory for adoption. Not all puppies are suitable for apartment living or homes without fenced yards.

  • Because LAWS maintains responsibility for FTF puppies until their spay/neuter procedure is complete, the program is limited to Albany County residents.

  • Providing false information on an application will result in immediate denial. LAWS reserves the right to deny any application or discontinue the process at any time if we determine the placement is not in the best interest of the animal.

Getting Started

If you are an Albany County resident and are interested in participating in the Foster to Forever Program, please complete the Foster to Forever Application below.