Got a question about our adoption process? See our frequently asked questions below. Don't see what you're looking for? Click here to fill out our question and answer form.

What do the adoption fees cover?
Where do you get your animals?
Will I be able to learn why the pet was in the shelter?
Why does my pet need to be spayed/neutered?
If I come to a show and like a dog or cat - can I take him/her home?
How can I meet an animal that is not brought to a show?
Why do we need to do an interview and home visit?
What if someone else wants to adopt the same animal that I do?
What if I meet an animal but it gets adopted by someone else?
How long does the adoption process take?
Will I be notified that I was NOT selected for a particular animal?
If I adopt an animal and it doesn't work out - what can I do?

What do the adoption fees cover?

Our adoption fee is $180 for dogs and $75 for cats. The fee covers spaying/neutering, current distemper and rabies vaccinations, deworming, AVID microchip and general care of the animals (food, medication, vet care, equipment, etc). Our animals are up to date on all shots and are microchipped as well. We do not place cats who have tested positive for feline leukemia or FIV. 

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Where do you get your animals?

We rescue them primarily from the Prince George's County Animal Shelter in Forestville, Maryland, typically on their last day. A group of our volunteers regularly visit the shelter to evaluate animals that will fit well into our program of adoptable pets. We take as many adoptable animals as we have foster homes for. We can't save them all, but we try our best!!

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Will I be able to learn why the pet was in the shelter?

We do not usually receive information about the animals from prior owners, and we receive no information at all if they were strays. In order to ensure successful adoptions, we temperament test the dogs and similarly evaluate the cats prior to accepting them into our program. We also have them examined by our vet, and evaluate their behavior in a foster home environment. We try to learn as much as we can about their personalities in order to match them with the right home.

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Why does my pet need to be spayed/neutered?

Our organization is trying to find forever homes for homeless animals in the Prince George's County and surrounding area. There are simply too many animals and not enough homes. The only way to change that is to reduce the number of puppies and kittens being born, so we can focus our efforts on the animals already living that need homes. Spay/neuter also provides health benefits for the animal, as explained at http://www.hsus.org/ace/11879.

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If I come to a show and like a dog or cat - can I take him/her home?

The shows are designed for the public to see our available animals. It also allows us to meet you and for you to meet the pet in which you are interested and begin the process of becoming an adopter. Owning a pet is a lifelong commitment. We require that you first meet the dog or a cat at a show, then submit your application. You can submit your application prior to a show for review, but the adoption process will not start until you have met the animal. At the show, a volunteer may interview you to help us understand your needs in a pet. Following the show, our volunteers will review your application. If approved, you will be contacted about a home visit. A vet check and personal reference is also required prior to visiting your home.

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How can I meet an animal that is not brought to a show?

We ask our volunteers to attend at least two out of the three monthly shows. This is not always possible. If the dog or cat you want to meet is not at the show, please email pgspcavol@hotmail.com, fill out an application and state that you would like to meet this pet. We will do our best to arrange a meeting.

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Why do we need to do an interview and home visit?

We have had the time to learn the animal's personality and needs. By meeting with you and seeing your home and family environment, we can determine if the animal for which you have applied is a good match for you and the animal. Some animals may have difficulty in a busy family setting, while others may be too active for your lifestyle. We try to place the right pet with the right owner.

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What if someone else wants to adopt the same animal that I do?

To the best of our ability, we select the right home for the animal. We want you to keep your pets forever, so if we receive more than one application for the same dog or cat, we will try to choose the best home for the animal. We also request on our application that you select your first and second choice for pets.

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What if I meet an animal but it gets adopted by someone else?

We encourage all applicants to choose more than one animal in which they are interested, mainly for this reason. If your application has been approved by us, but the animal you chose is adopted to another family, you should return to the next show, or visit our website, and try to choose another animal that meets your needs. You can also contact one of our volunteers at a show or via email (pgspcavol@hotmail.com) to help determine which animals meet the needs of you and your family.

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How long does the adoption process take?

The adoption process can take anywhere from a few days to a week or two. We do our best to contact approved adopters within one week, but this is not always possible. Please be patient, as the work to place the right pets in the right homes is all done by volunteers. If you have questions, please call our phone number 301-262-5625 or email our volunteers at pgspcavol@hotmail.com.

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Will I be notified that I was NOT selected for a particular animal?

We are a volunteer group and unfortunately do not have time to contact every applicant. If you have not heard from us within one week you can assume that you were not selected for that particular animal.

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If I adopt an animal and it doesn't work out - what can I do?

When you adopt from us you sign a contract which states that if anything happens whereby you cannot keep your pet you will notify us and return the animal to us. We will then attempt to find a new home for this animal. Please understand that our adoption fee is non-refundable.

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