ADOPT A WAGGYTAIL

See Adoptable Animals

Adoption Requirements

A thorough and complete application
Applicant over 21 years of age
Applicant able to meet the animals in NYC within one week of approval
A documented pet-friendly living space
Love, patience, and determination to give your Waggytail a safe and happy home

Adoption Fees

Dog Adoption/Donation Fees

$550 for puppies under 1 year
$450 for dogs 1 to 8 years
$325 for seniors over 9 years of age

Cat Adoption/Donation Fees

$300 for a pair of kittens
$175 for single cats

Adoption fee includes microchip registration,
age-appropriate vaccines, and spay/neuter

**If the animal is not neutered, add an additional $100 (refundable) deposit**

Application Form

If you're interested in adopting a Waggytail, please submit an application form. You will receive a confirmation email once submitted.

Dog Adoption Application

Cat Adoption Application

The Adoption Process

Step 1 - Do Your Research

Ask yourself if you are ready for the commitment that comes with being a pet-owner. Please do your due diligence and review our Adoption FAQs on our site prior to applying.

Step 2 - The Application

Tell us all about yourself and how your adopted Waggytail would fit into your home! Applications with missing information will not be considered. Application forms are linked above.

Step 3 - Application Review

We review applications on a rolling basis. If the animal you applied for is still available, we will process your application with that specific Waggytail in mind. When our volunteers determine that you are a good fit, we will reach out to you over email for the next steps in the review process! Our volunteers diligently check all aspects of your application. Be prepared for us to contact your landlord, references and current veterinarian.

Waggytail Rescue is completely volunteer-run, so please be patient with us while we process the hundreds of applications for our Waggytails. If you do not hear from us within two weeks, and the animal is removed from our website, the animal has likely been adopted. We regret that we cannot reply to every application but we encourage you to engage with us on social media or through another application if you are interested in other adoptees or volunteer and foster-to-adopt oportunities!

Step 4 - Meet & Greet

Now... the moment you've been waiting for! You get the chance to meet your potential adoptee and their foster who will help you get to know all about their foster pet. All members of your household (dogs and humans) are required to attend.

Please note: once you're approved the adoption process moves quickly! We ask that you complete all steps towards adoption within 24 hours of meeting, and to pick up your new family member up within 48 hours. If you are not ready, please wait and submit an application when you are.

Step 5 - Making It Official

Ready to commit? Then you're ready for the last step, adoption finalization! You must submit a copy of the transfer agreement and adoption fees before bringing your animal home.

Transfer Agreement (Online)

Transfer Agreement (PDF)

To pay the adoption fee, you can use any of the following options. Please send us a screen shot of the payment receipt as confirmation!

Venmo: @WaggytailRescue - include animal's name in payment - do not select "Goods and Services" because then Venmo deduct a percentage from your donation
Zelle: waggytailrescue@gmail.com - include animal's name in payment
PayPal: waggytailrescue@gmail.com include animal's name in payment, select "Friends and Family" (otherwise add extra $15 processing fee)
Please reach out if you have questions to make a payment in a different form

Does your employer provide an employee match program? We can provide you with a receipt and W-9 form. Email us here.

Any questions? Please review our Adoption FAQs!

Please note: Waggytail Rescue is a completely volunteer-run organization. We know waiting is difficult but we appreciate your patience while our volunteers do their best to respond quickly and responsibly to applications and inquiries.

After Adoption

All documentation and tags that came with the animal, plus any information and vet records or medical treatment they received while in foster care, will be given to the adopter.

Adopted pet's health and training are your responsibility. While in our foster care, we help our animals with basic training and housebreaking, but it will take your commitment to continue their training & education.

You and your adoptee are forever a part of the Waggytail family. Please contact us for guidance, we want to help as much as we are able to!

MY ADOPTION EXPERIENCE

Kat & Ginger

The process of adopting Ginger during the pandemic was extremely easy with Waggytail. The volunteers were caring and gave me the time I needed to confidently make the decision to bring Ginger into my life. And what a good decision it has been - she brings such joy to my heart even on the darkest of days! Thank you Waggytails for all that you do in connecting humans with their furever pals!

S.O & Jupiter

I adopted Jupiter (formerly Gretchen) officially in January of 2018. She had come from Texas as a result of Hurricane Harvey. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas so the opportunity to help out a pup in need while my hometown was also in need was a rewarding and life-changing opportunity. Jupiter is my best friend and adventure companion, we go everywhere together. Thanks Waggytail for making our stars align!