Adoption fees vary based on the animal, its age, and any special promotions we’re running. Check the website adoption page for fees for each animal.
All animals adopted through WAAL come spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated (age-appropriate), dewormed, and tested for heartworms (dogs aged 6 months or older) or feline leukemia (cats aged 6 months or older).
Yes! We don’t have a blanket policy requiring fences. Some dogs may need a fenced yard, while others won’t. We’ll work with you to find a pet that suits your living situation and lifestyle.
Absolutely! Many of our animals thrive in apartment settings. Our team will help you find a pet that’s a great match for your environment.
We believe pets are family members and should live indoors, where they can be safe and loved. All WAAL animals are adopted to indoors-only homes.
As a foster-based organization, many of our animals already live in homes with other dogs. This allows us to share valuable insights into how they interact with other pets. Upon adoption, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks to help manage introduction to your resident pets and ensure a smooth transition. We may require a WAAL supervised dog to dog introduction at the meet and greet.
We have a strict no-declaw policy due to the physical and emotional harm caused by the procedure. Declawing can lead to behavioral changes, increased aggression, and litter box aversion.
Most rescued animals just need a little TLC. They might be shy, have minor medical issues, be too small/young or simply not do well in the shelter environment. They really are great pets who just need a second chance at life.
WAAL animals live in foster homes, allowing us to learn their personalities, preferences, and habits. This means we can provide detailed information to help find the perfect fit for your family. Our goal is to reduce the change of pets being rehomed multiple times and instead match them with loving, forever homes. Additionally, many animals have already begun basic training, such as potty training, making the transition to their new home easier!
WAAL also provides post adoption support. At the time your adoption is finalized, you will receive info about the Petzel application. The application allows you to communicate with WAAL staff about your new pet and offers many tips.
Yes, WAAL allows out-of-state adoption! However, you must be willing to travel to meet the animal and complete the adoption process, ads we do not ship animals. Please note that while we welcome out-of-state adopters, we prioritize local adoptions to ensure the best support for both the pet and adopter.
The adoption process typically takes a few days to a week, depending on how quickly we can review your application, schedule any required meet-and-greets, and finalize the paperwork.
We recommend bringing a leash and collar (for dogs) or a secure carrier (for cats). Our team can provide guidance on any additional supplies you may need to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Yes! Our team is here to answer any questions and provide resources to help you and your new pet adjust to life together.
Our goal is to place all our animals in loving, forever homes. However, we understand that sometimes adoptions don’t work out or life can throw unexpected challenges. As outlined in your adoption contract, WAAL will always welcome the animal back into our care if the adoption isn’t a good fit.
Snicks Cat Cafe is a cozy, cat-friendly space where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while spending time with adoptable cats from WAAL. It’s a great place to meet our feline friends in a relaxed environment before making an adoption decision. We work closely with Snicks to showcase our adoptable cats, and we encourage potential adopters to visit and get to know our cats in a low-pressure setting.
