How can I adopt a homeless animal?

The process begins by filling out an application. Once your application is reviewed, a member of our volunteer staff will contact you regarding next steps.

The process typically goes pretty quickly (sometimes even same day!), so please do not fill out an application if you are not yet ready to adopt. In any case, please allow up to 10 business days for your application to be approved. You are welcome to contact us via email if you don't hear back about your application status.

Once approved you will be able to meet the dog or cat of your choice virtually in it's foster home. If it's a match and you choose to adopt you will need to sign our adoption contract BEFORE paying the donation and picking up your pup/kitten.

Due to Covid-19 we ARE NOT hosting adoption events.

What is your adoption process?

• Once you fill out an application, you will receive a confirmation email stating that it has been received. If you do not receive a confirmation, we have not received your application.

• Within 5-7 business days, you will receive an email from us requesting a response from one of your references. Please forward this email to your reference and have them email us back the answers.

• Within 48 hours of receiving your reference, we will have your application processed.

• Once approved, you will receive an adoption approval email. Please review it carefully.

The final step is to meet the pups! Our dogs and cats are available to be met in foster if they are already here, or from weekly adoption events if they have yet to arrive. Please check the pet’s profile on our website for arrival date and feel free to ask us via email if the dog is in foster already.

Do I need to fill out an application for each pup / kitten that I’m interested in?

No! Please do not fill out multiple applications. We only require one application for generic approval. Please note that there are separate applications for dogs and cats. Once approved, you are eligible for any pup or kitten.

Application is generic and valid for any pup or kitten, not just the ones you applied for. Your application approval does not mean that you reserved a specific animal or that the pup you applied for is automatically yours. You will still need to attend our adoption event and put your name on the sign in sheet, or schedule a meeting with the foster.

Please note that we have strict requirements for certain breeds like huskies, English bulldogs, pugs, frenchies. These requirements may be specific home environment, further proof of financial ability to support the animal, breed experience, etc.

I’m approved! Now what?

Upon approval, please come to our weekly adoption events to meet the pups! Our adoption process is first come, first adopt. We do not have waiting lists nor reserve animals to put you on the top of the list.

We recommend arriving at 9am to the event to sign in, and we call names off the sign in sheet at noon based on order of arrival.

If you cannot make it to our event, please check the updated list of available animals on our website. If the animal has already arrived, we can connect you with the foster to schedule a meeting.

If you decide it's a match and would like to move forward with adoption, you can then pay the non-refundable tax deductible donation and take the pup home. We will follow up with the adoption papers and medical records including shots, microchip, health certificate, and tax receipts via email.

What should I bring to the adoption event / foster meeting?

Now that you’ve been approved, you are ready to meet your new pet! If you are interested in several pups or kittens, we always recommend coming to our adoption events. Event details can be found on our website.

We also schedule foster meetings for potential adopters to meet the animals one-on-one. Please email us to schedule a meeting.

Upon adoption, please bring your proof of approval (on paper or phone) and a form of ID. If you cannot attend and your family member is coming instead, please be sure they are listed on the application form as a secondary adopter or brings an ID that matches the address on your application.

Does my application expire?

No, as long as your living situation and finances to support an animal remains the same, your application is still valid. If anything changes, please let the rescue know as soon as possible.

I am adopting out of state, is this possible?

Yes, we accept adoption applications from non-NY states and allow out of state adoptions on a case by case basis. Unfortunately, a lot of the time, adopters find it difficult to come to our adoption events in time to meet the pup they are interested in. We will work hard with you to ensure you can adopt the pup. We typically do not adopt animals to southern states with high shelter rates due to many animals in your area already needing homes.

If the animal is available and you would like to proceed with adoption, we request the adopter to personally come to NYC and pick up the pup or kitten in the same manner as a local adopter would. We do not have the capacity to arrange transportation.

Where do your animals come from?

Pixies and paws rescues animals from all over the US as well as the world. We work with partners in Animal Control facilities and shelters, rescue dogs from breeder situations and assist international rescuers desperate to get their pups to families in the US. The practice of mass poisonings of strays by the government in Middle East countries is pretty unknown to most to the US. We work to educate people on these issues as they are just as important as issues commonly seen in the US.

What does my adoption fee do for the rescue?

The organization has to incur costs for each and every pet it rescues. Some examples are: vetting and medical care, quarantine and boarding for puppies to ensure there are no health issues, shots, deworming, flea/tick medication, spay/neutering, microchip insertion if applicable, transportation and gas (often from more than 1,000 miles away), food, leashes, incidentals, and operational costs outside of animals' needs.

While some dogs only need standard care, others require more extensive veterinary care or behavioral attention. As a non-profit organization, we rely entirely on adoption fees, donations, and fundraising to enable us to continue rescuing dogs.

What if I adopt a pet and it just doesn’t work out?

If you can’t keep a pet, by contract, you are REQUIRED to contact us. As noted on your application, you have agreed to work with a trainer regarding any issues you have seen, we have many trainers listed on our Resources page. We reserve the right to tell you that you NEED to work with a trainer. However, the fee is always non-refundable and will be considered a tax deductible donation.

Can you call me when you have a certain type of dog?

No, unfortunately we do not have the capability to keep track of individual requests. We recommend you set up an alert on Petfinder for the breed you are interested in. Also don't forget to please check the website frequently! It is updated daily!

Can I pay the fee and pick the dog up in a week?

Unfortunately, no. It's not about the money for us, it's just a lack of foster space. If we are holding a dog for you, there is another dog dying in a shelter because we are not able to pull him. You are welcome to check back when you are ready to take the dog home, and if he is still available, you can adopt at that time.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept the following payments:

• Cash (preferred)
• Money order (preferred)
• Zelle
• Apple Pay

Do you have a dog trainer who will help me with my newly adopted dog?

We have multiple! Check our our Resources page to see a full list of our trainers, along with discounts on grooming, boarding, day care, walking, and more!

Pixies and Paws Adoption Contract

Adoption Contract This adoption contract (this “Agreement”) is entered into by and between PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE, Incorporated (“PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE”) and the Adopter in respect of the aforementioned animal (the “Dog”). The Adopter agrees that the Dog shall be kept only as a domesticated house pet. The animal shall be kept indoors except for periods of exercise in a fenced-in yard, dog run, or on a leash. The animal’s appearance shall not be altered (declawing, tail docking, ear cropping), unless deemed medically necessary.

1. Spay/Neuter: If, on the date hereof, the Dog has not been spayed or neutered due to age or for medical reasons, the following provisions of this Section 1 shall apply. The Adopter shall ensure that proper veterinary care is provided to the animal.

1.1. Adopter shall have the animal spayed or neutered by a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the United States (a “Vet”) of the Adopter’s choosing on or before the date the Dog reaches the age of seven (7) months, unless a licensed veterinarian of the Adopter’s choosing, after examining the Dog, provides a written certification presented to PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE recommending a temporary or permanent alter waiver for reasons related to the health of the Dog.

1.2. The Adopter shall deposit, in addition to the adoption fee, a sterilization deposit of $100.00.

1.2.1. The sterilization deposit is refundable to the Adopter if (i) proof of spaying or neutering of the Dog is presented to PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE not more than thirty (30) days after the date specified in Section 1.1 above or (ii) the Adopter provides to PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE not more than thirty (30) days after the date hereof a Vet’s written certification that spaying or neutering would endanger the Dog’s life. The sterilization deposit shall be returned to the Adopter no more than fourteen (14) days after the receipt by PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE of the proof specified in clause (i) or (ii) above, as applicable.

1.2.2. If the Adopter fails to provide timely proof of neutering/spaying within the time set forth above, the sterilization deposit is forfeited to PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE, all rights and ownership of the dog in favor of the Adopter shall automatically terminate and transfer back to PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE, and PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE will have the right to immediately assume possession of the Dog. The Adopter shall also pay PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUEE $500.00 in damages if the Adopter fails to provide timely proof of neutering/spaying.

1.3. PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE may, but is not obligated to, allow extensions of the time periods upon receipt of a certificate from a Vet certifying that the Dog has a medical condition which prevents him or her from being spayed/neutered within the time period set forth in Section 1.1 above, or that it would otherwise be detrimental to the health of the Dog to be spayed/neutered by such time period. In such a case, the Dog shall be spayed or neutered when the Dog is healthy enough, as certified by a Vet. The Dog shall be spayed or neutered within thirty (30) days of such certification, or the sterilization deposit is forfeited to PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE.

2. Release: The Adopter hereby assumes responsibility and ownership of the animal at the Adopter's own risk. The Adopter, and the Adopter’s spouse, heirs, executors, personal representatives and assigns, covenant not to bring a claim or suit against, and hereby releases PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE or any of its directors, founders, employees, officers, agents, representatives, contractors, volunteers, and/or its successors and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”) from all liability arising from, the adoption or behavior or activities of the Dog. The Adopter understands that this Agreement discharges the Releasees from any liability to the Adopter and the Adopter’s spouse, heirs executors, and assigns, with respect to bodily injury, personal injury, illness, amputation, scarring, death, property damage or other loss that may result from the adoption or behavior or activities of the Dog. The Adopter releases PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE and discharges the Releasees from any liability for PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE’s own negligence or liability that may result in bodily injury, personal injury, illness, amputation, scarring, death, property damage or other loss to the Adopter or any third party. The Adopter hereby agrees that PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE may use any photograph of the Adopter and the Dog taken by PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE or its agents or provided by the Adopter to PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE, in promotional materials, consents to PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE’s use of the Adopter’s likeness in such promotional materials, and specifically releases PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE from any claim arising out of PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE’s use of the Adopter’s likeness or photographs of the Adopter in such promotional materials; provided, however, that the Adopter may specifically revoke such consent, in part or in whole, at any time upon written notice to PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE.

3. Indemnity: The Adopter, and the Adopter’s spouse, heirs, executors, personal representatives, and assigns, agree to indemnify and hold the Releasees harmless for all bodily injury, personal injury, illness, amputation, scarring, death, property damage or other losses, including attorney’s fees and costs of litigation, that result to anyone else or any other entity because of the Adopter’s negligence or liability. This includes lone acts or omissions by the Adopter as well as the combined acts of the Adopter with others.

4. The Adopter expressly agrees that the release and indemnity provisions in Sections 2 and 3 of this Agreement, respectively, are intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law. The Adopter agrees that in the event that any clause or provision of this Agreement shall be held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions.

5. The Adopter acknowledges that monetary damages for a breach of this Agreement may be insufficient, and PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE may seek specific performance of this Agreement. Furthermore, the Adopter agrees to pay for ALL legal and/or court expenses should this contract be violated and it becomes necessary for PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE to pursue legal avenues to repossess the animal or to take ANY legal action for violation of this contract. For legal purposes, the value on the Dog is no less than $1,500.

6. Adoption Donation: Each of the parties hereto understands and agrees that the adoption donation includes the cost of any spay or neuter procedures, as applicable; provided, that such adoption fee does NOT include the sterilization deposit, if required hereunder.

7. The Adopter will allow PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE to make inquiry about and enforce any of the conditions and requirements of this Agreement at any time after adoption.

8. The Adopter represents that all family or household members have agreed to the adoption of the Dog and agrees to ensure that all family or household members will abide by the terms of this Agreement.

9. The Adopter shall not permit the Dog to be outdoors without proper supervision. When taking the Dog outdoors, (s)he will be on a secure harness (or other secure leash or walking device) and wear proper ID. The Adopter agrees that the Dog is to be a companion animal, not a guard or attack dog. Adopter shall cause the Dog to live indoors.

10. The Adopter is able to provide proof that (s)he is twenty-one (21) years of age or older and is a head of household.

11. The Adopter agrees to care for the Dog in a humane manner and be a responsible animal guardian. This includes: ● Freedom from hunger or thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour; ● Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area; ● Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment; ● Freedom to express (most) normal behavior by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind; and ● Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

12. The Adopter agrees to adopt the Dog voluntarily, with full knowledge of the aforementioned medical and/or behavioral and/or dietary condition(s), and acknowledges that (s)he has had ample opportunity to research and discuss such condition(s). The Adopter hereby assumes and accepts full and complete responsibility for the Dog and its medical and/or behavioral and/or dietary condition(s), as applicable, and will follow up with any and all necessary care, related or unrelated to such condition(s), at the Adopter’s own expense.

13. The Adopter represents that neither (s)he nor any member of his/her household has ever been subject to or convicted of any animal welfare law violation such as neglect, cruelty, abandonment, etc. Furthermore, the Adopter represents that neither (s)he nor any member of his/her household has ever owned an animal that has been confiscated by any animal control or humane organization for any violation of state or local animal control regulations or animal adoption agreements. The Adopter shall ensure that the Dog is treated in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the United States, the State of New Jersey.

14. If the Adopter is a tenant, (s)he agrees to provide written permission from the landlord/co-op/building management consenting to the animal adoption as soon as reasonably practicable upon the request of PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE.

15. The Adopter agrees that the Dog is being adopted for him or herself, and the Dog shall not be sold, adopted, traded, or given to another party by the Adopter, including as a gift to a friend or family member.

16. If for any reason the Adopter is or may be unable to provide care to the Dog, (s)he agrees to inform PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE of the same. Returns will be discussed on a case-by-case basis and adoption donation will remain non-refundable. Without limiting the foregoing Section 15, the Adopter shall not offer the Dog for sale, give the Dog to any third party, or otherwise transfer ownership of the Dog, or euthanize the Dog for a treatable medical or behavioral issue, without the prior written consent of PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE. The Adopter agrees to notify PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE in writing of any behavioral, medical, or other problems that have occurred at any time before the Adopter returns the Dog.

17. The Adopter agrees that PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE shall have the right of immediate possession of the Dog if, in the judgment of PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE, the Dog is receiving inadequate care, is being improperly housed or handled, or has not been spayed or neutered by the date specified in Section 1.1 above.

18. The Adopter hereby declares that (s)he is aware of the following: i. Animals are different from human beings in their responses to human actions. The actions of animals are often unpredictable. ii. An animal’s behavior may change at any time, including after it leaves the shelter and becomes accustomed to a home or other different environment. iii. PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE makes no representation or warranty as to the history, temperament, health, age, breed, gender, mental disposition or any other quality or characteristic of any animal put up for adoption.

19. The Adopter understands that the adoption fee is non refundable. The Adopter understands that any partial or total refunds of the adoption donation shall be in PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE’s sole discretion. For the avoidance of doubt, PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE shall have no obligation to refund the adoption fee upon repossession of the Dog by PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE pursuant to Section 17 above.

20. Confidentiality: This Agreement and any written oral communications between PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE and the Adopter in connection with this Agreement or the arrangements contemplated hereunder may not be disclosed to any third party or circulated or referred to publicly without the prior written consent of PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE.

21. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement nor consent to any departure by the Adopter therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE, and then any such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. No failure on the part of PIXIES AND PAWS RESCUE to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

22. Any signature (including any electronic symbol or process attached to, or associated with, this Agreement and adopted by a party hereto with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such contract or record) hereto or to any other agreement or document related to this Agreement, shall have the same legal validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New Jersey State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any similar state law based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and the parties hereby waive any objection to the contrary.

23. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey. Any disputes under this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts of the State of New Jersey, and, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, each party hereby accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. The parties hereto hereby irrevocably waive any objection, including any objection to the laying of venue or based on the grounds of forum non conveniens, that any of them may now or hereafter have to the bringing of any such action or proceeding in such respective jurisdictions.