Minnesota Valley Humane Society

What is PAWS?
PAWS stands for Pet Adoption Without Surrender. It is a program that was created by the Minnesota Valley Humane Society to offer pet owners an alternative to surrendering their pet to a shelter. Pets enrolled in the PAWS Program continue to live with their owners until they are adopted.

How long has PAWS been around?
PAWS opened for enrollment in January of 2004. Our first PAWS pet, a dog, was enrolled in March of that year. Our first PAWS adoption took place that April.

How long does is take to find my pet a home through PAWS?
The overall average stay for pets in the PAWS Program in 2004 was 31 days. Most dogs find homes within 21 days, and most cats within 50 days. We have had animals adopted on the same day they enroll, and others who have stayed in the program for almost 6 months. We have found that PAWS animals, especially cats, are adopted more quickly when we have fewer animals in the shelter.

How much does PAWS cost?
There is a $40 enrollment fee for the PAWS Program. Pairs of animals may be accepted for a reduced fee, depending on the circumstances. The fee includes posting your pet’s information on our website and on a special bulletin board in our shelter. It also covers program materials including adoption screening information and posters, and administrative costs.

Do most animals in PAWS get adopted?
Of the 30 animals that finished the PAWS Program in 2004, 26 were adopted. One owner decided to keep his pet, one decided to surrender his dog to our shelter, and two decided to euthanize their pets for health reasons. In 2006, 90% of the animals enrolled in the PAWS Program were adopted; only 10 % were surrendered to MVHS.

Can I make any special requests of adopters?
With the PAWS Program, you are in complete control of your pet’s adoption. Many owners request that their pet not go to homes with children of certain ages, or other dogs or cats. Some require adopters to return the pet to them if the adoption doesn’t work out. Some require that their cats not be declawed. You will be given a general adoption contract to use for your pet’s adoption. You are free to add any additional stipulations.
You will be given a general adoption contract to use for your pet’s adoption. You are free to add any additional stipulations.

What kind of health care will my pet need to enroll in the PAWS Program?
All canines, felines, rabbits and ferrets enrolled in the PAWS Program must be sterilized. Additionally, we require that they be up to date on routine vaccinations. If your pet has any special health concerns, you may want to call MVHS and discuss the problem before enrollment.

Should I charge a fee?
Experience shows that people value what they pay for. We suggest charging an adoption fee for your pet. However you are free to charge (or not charge) however much you want. If you have any questions about what to charge feel free to contact us or check out or website for ideas.

How long can my pet stay in PAWS?
We will automatically keep your pet in the PAWS Program for 60 days, unless you call to take them out. However, there is no additional fee to stay in the program longer. Simply keep in contact with us, so we know your pet is still available.

What types of pets are in PAWS?
Both dogs and cats have found homes through the PAWS Program. We have also assisted birds, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets in finding new families.

How much time will I spend finding a home for my pet through PAWS?
The amount of time depends on you. You will need to be available to accept calls and respond to messages or e-mails. We recommend doing a preliminary interview on the phone before meeting with adopters. The adopters may want to meet your pet at your home, at their home, or an alternate location (such as a dog park). You may also want to follow-up with your pet after adoption. Be prepared to invest in finding your pet a good home. If you are in a situation where you have time restraints, such as moving, please allow yourself a minimum of 2 months for using PAWS.
If you are in a situation where you have time restraints, such as moving, please allow yourself a minimum of 2 months for using PAWS.

What happens if the adoption doesn’t work out?
If your pet is returned to you within a month of adoption, he or she can be reinstated in the PAWS Program free of charge. If your pet is surrendered to MVHS by the new adopter, we are not obligated to nor will we inform you.

How will my pet be advertised in PAWS?
PAWS animals are posted on our shelter’s website at www.MVHSpets.org, and on www.petfinder.com. They are also posted on a special bulletin board in our shelter’s lobby. Anyone contacting our shelter regarding adoption will be offered information on your pet if they are an appropriate match.

What information will be given out to people interested in my pet?
We will have you fill out a behavioral profile about your pet, including habits, familiar routines, likes and dislikes. This information, along with your pet’s basic information such as name, breed, and age, will be available on our website at and our shelter. Your name and approved contact phone number and e-mail will be provided to interested parties. Although we may indicate what city you live in, your home address will not be disclosed, and your contact information will only be given out on request—not published on the website or posted at the shelter.

Can I enroll a pet with behavior problems?
The PAWS Program is designed to place adoptable animals. Pets showing any signs of aggression, separation anxiety, or litter box issues must consult with a member of our Behavior and Training Team prior to enrollment. We cannot accept any animals that have bitten and broken the skin in the last 10 days, and any pet that bites while enrolled in PAWS will be removed from the program. Pets with serious behavior problems can be very difficult to place, whether on your own or through a shelter. If you need assistance in working with a behavior problem, please call our behavior help line at 952-894-5000, extension 37.

Can I be guaranteed that my pet will find a new home through PAWS?
Although the PAWS Program has been very successful, we cannot guarantee that your pet will find a new home. Pet owners that are active in their search for a new home, consistently return phone calls, and have realistic expectations of potential adopters are most successful!

For more information, please call the Minnesota Valley Humane Society at 952-894-5000.