Ready to Welcome a New Best Friend?
Thank you for choosing adoption with Free the Paws, a 501(c)(3) pet rescue serving the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Every application helps us match a deserving dog or cat with a loving, lifelong home. On this page you’ll learn how our process works and how to submit your adoption application.
Our Adoption Process
- Browse available pets — Visit our Available Pets page to meet the dogs and cats currently looking for homes. Take your time, read their bios, and note the name of the pet you’re interested in.
- Submit an application — Email us your adoption application (details below). This helps us learn more about you, your home, and what you’re looking for in a companion.
- Meet & Greet — If it looks like a good fit, we’ll schedule a time for you to meet the pet in person in a safe, low-stress environment.
- Home Check — A volunteer will do a quick home check (virtual or in-person) to be sure the space is safe and set up for your new family member.
- Welcome home! — Once approved, you’ll sign an adoption agreement, pay the adoption fee, and bring your new best friend home. We’re here for you if you have questions after adoption, too.
Adoption Fees & What They Cover
Adoption fees help us cover the cost of caring for pets before they join your family. This includes vet exams, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, core vaccinations, and other basic care so your new companion can start their new life healthy and safe.
Typical adoption fees: $75–$150 for dogs, $50–$100 for cats (exact fees may vary by pet).
How to Submit Your Adoption Application
When you’re ready to apply, please send us an email with the details below. This helps us make the best possible match for both you and the pet.
Email: rescue@freethepaws.com
Subject line: Adoption Application
In your email, please include:
- Full name
- Full address (including city, state, and ZIP)
- Phone number
- Name and/or ID of the pet you’re interested in
- Your living situation (house, apartment, own/rent, yard, etc.)
- Your experience with pets (current or previous pets, training, etc.)
- Why you want to adopt and what kind of companion you’re hoping for
Once we receive your email, a volunteer will review your application and reach out about next steps.
Why Adopt From a Rescue?
When you adopt from Free the Paws, you’re doing more than bringing home a pet—you’re saving a life and opening space for us to help another animal in need.
- Every adoption saves two lives — the pet you bring home and the next one we can rescue in their place.
- Known personalities and histories — our volunteers get to know each pet’s temperament, likes, and needs so we can help you find a great match.
- Vet care before adoption — pets are vaccinated, spayed/neutered when age-appropriate, and microchipped to set them up for a healthy start.
- Ongoing support — we’re here to answer questions and provide resources as you and your new companion settle in.
Adoption FAQs
Are your pets vaccinated?
Yes. All pets receive age-appropriate core vaccinations and a vet exam before adoption. Some pets may need follow-up boosters depending on their age, and we’ll let you know what’s still needed at the time of adoption.
Do you adopt outside DFW?
Our first priority is always the safety and well-being of our pets. In most cases, we prioritize adopters within the Dallas–Fort Worth area so we can complete home checks and provide support. For exceptional matches slightly outside DFW, we may consider adoptions on a case-by-case basis.
What if the adoption isn’t working out?
We know that even with the best intentions, sometimes a match isn’t the right fit. If you’re struggling, please contact us right away at rescue@freethepaws.com. We can offer advice, resources, and if needed, arrange for the pet to return to our rescue so we can find a better match.
Still Have Questions?
We’d love to help you find your new best friend. If you have any questions about a specific pet or our adoption process, please reach out.
Email: rescue@freethepaws.com
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