Adoption Process
Please read the below information carefully to understand DAWG’s adoption process. Everybody in the household must come to the shelter to meet the dog.
Application
Option 1 – download and print online application
Option 2 – fill out application at time of your visit to the shelter
Application Review Process:
The application committee reviews all shelter applications and selection is based on specific criteria. Our commitment is to find the best match for each dog and family.
If your application is selected as a match, we proceed to the next steps.
- If you have another dog in your home, we schedule dog introduction at our facility
- If you rent, we must verify with your landlord that you have permission to have a dog
- If you own, we verify home ownership and give preference to Santa Barbara County residence
- We schedule a home visit to ensure the environment is safe and appropriate for the dog you are adopting.
After these steps are completed, you may return to DAWG to pick up your new canine companion! We complete the adoption paperwork, and ask for a minimum adoption donation of $250 for puppies(under one year), $150 for adult dogs, and $125 for seniors(dogs over 8 years old) when you pick up your new dog. DAWG is funded only through donations and grants; we greatly appreciate any amount you can give above the minimum.
