How to Snag Your New Best Friend:
The PAWS of Dale Hollow Adoption Guide
Ready to add some extra paws (and lots of love) to your life?
Here is the scoop on how our adoption process works, broken down step-by-step!
Step 1
Send an inquiry to adoption_inquiry@pawsofdalehollow.org
or follow the Available to Adopt => "See All Available" link
and use the Request Info button for the cutie you are interested in.
We’ll get back to you with all the juicy details about your chosen fur-baby.
Optionally (but recommended) you can request to meet your future best friend before committing to adoption.
This can be helpful in finding out if existing furry members of your family will pout 
at the new-comer!
Please be aware that meet-and-greets will almost always be at our main care facility or at a foster home in the area.
If you decided to adopt, move on to the next part...
Step 2
We are trying to cut down on paper usage so please fill out our Adoption Application on-line by following the link below.
We will check your references and do our homework to make sure you are a good fit for the animal you are trying to adopt.
Adoption Application
You can then email the application to adoption_inquiry@pawsofdalehollow.org.
If you would rather fill it out by hand please use the browser's built in print function by right-clicking on the "Adoption Application" page,
choosing "Print" pointing to an appropriate printer.
Make sure you fill out the application in its entirety, sign and date it and then mail the application to:
PAWS of Dale Hollow
PO Box 242
Byrdstown TN 38549
Sending applications via snail-mail will add substantial processing time!
Once we receive the adoption application we will put that specific fur-baby on
while we do our homework.
Patience is a virtue (especially for furry babies!):
Please allow 24 to 72 hours to process your paperwork. The time it takes depends entirely on how quickly we can reach your references!
We’ll let you know about our decision either way.
Step 3
- Foster Parent Chat:
- The Travel Agent:
- The Big Saturday Meet-Up:
If you would like, we can put you in touch with the foster parent who has first-hand knowledge about the animal you are trying to adopt.
They also know all the best belly-rub spots and quirky habits and they are ready to answer all your burning questions.
Other members of our team will handle the travel logistics to get your new family member safely to you.
Make sure to talk to us about your need to transport an animal as our contracted animal mover offers limited destinations.
We'll keep you updated every mile of the way!
As a side note:
Depending on where your fur-baby travels to, our volunteer may have additional topics that need to be discussed with you such as
'review of state laws concerning re-homing animals across state lines (depending on the destination state)' or if you requested alternate transportation.
Our transports roll out on Fridays or Saturdays. You will need to pick the most convenient drop-off spot from a list of choices, and we will book your furry friend a ticket!
Please note that we contract with a professional animal moving company who will care for your new family member during transport. Route and drop-off points are determined by the Mover.
Step 4
(aka Adoption Fees)
- Puppies and Dogs:
- Kittens and Cats:
Our adoption fee for a dog/puppy is $375 plus a transportation fee of $150 if applicable.
The transport fee covers select areas only. This fee is waved if the animal is picked up locally.
Our adoption fee for a kitten/cat is $75 plus a transportation fee of $75 if applicable. As with Dogs, the transport fee covers select areas only. This fee is waved if the animal is picked up locally.
Quick Note
We love our fur-babies too much to put them in cargo! We will NOT send unaccompanied fur-babies via Air Freight.
They deserve the VIP road-trip treatment.