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Adoption FAQ's How do I adopt? If you are interested in adopting through Caribbean Paws Adoption Network (CPAN), the first step is to complete our electronic adoption application. ( Click Here to Apply Now!) We always have dogs and cats in our rescue program, but dogs without fosters or adopters waiting for them often cannot make the trip to Virginia right away. We need to know each dog has a safe placement plan before they get the opportunity to fly. Once your application is submitted, our volunteers will review it as quickly as possible. Sometimes this process takes only a few hours, while other times it may take several days, depending on volunteer availability and transport schedules. We encourage applicants to follow Caribbean Paws Adoption Network on Facebook or Instagram, where we regularly post updates and available dogs. After submitting your application, please send us an email at caribbeanpawsadoptions.va@gmail.com or a private message through our Facebook or Instagram page letting us know: • that you applied • what type of dog you are looking for • or if you are interested in a specific dog If you are not quite ready to adopt yet, that is completely fine. Applications remain on file, and we encourage future adopters to stay connected, follow our pages, volunteer, or even consider fostering. Please understand that finding the right match can sometimes happen quickly, while other adopters may wait weeks or longer for the best fit. The more information you provide about your lifestyle, home, and preferences, the better we can help match you with the right dog. Because we constantly have new dogs entering rescue and moving through medical and behavioral protocols, not every dog is publicly listed online. Summary of the adoption application process:
Please remember that we are a foster-based rescue. Many dogs are matched with adopters before they even arrive in Virginia because of the strong support for our mission and rescue program. I am approved to adopt - now what? CPAN is a foster-based rescue organization and does not operate a physical shelter facility. Because of this, you cannot visit to browse available dogs in person. Once dogs arrive, they either go directly to adopters or are placed in foster homes where they are given time to decompress, adjust, and complete any needed veterinary follow-up care, while our fosters work to help us determine what type of family and living situation will be the best match for each dog. This process usually takes about 3–5 days. After that period, approved adopters may schedule meet-and-greets with available dogs. If both the adopter and rescue team feel the match is a good fit, the adoption contract will be completed, and the dog may go home with the new family. If the dog is not the right match, we are happy to help arrange meet-and-greets with other available dogs. If an adopter feels within the first 7 days that the placement is not a good fit, CPAN will accept the dog back into rescue. Our standard adoption fee is $395, though fees may vary depending on medical needs and care provided. Why didn’t I get the dog I said I wanted? We work very hard to make thoughtful matches between dogs and families. We often have information from island fosters, veterinary teams, transport volunteers, and our own observations about each dog’s personality, confidence level, energy, and needs. If we do not recommend a particular dog for your family, please trust that the decision is made in the best interest of both the dog and adopter and is never personal. We also work on a first-approved, best-match basis. If another approved adopter has already been matched with a dog, we will honor that commitment. The good news is that new dogs are constantly arriving into rescue, and we are often able to suggest another dog with a similar personality or temperament. What does the adoption fee cover?
The adoption fee helps offset the costs associated with rescue, including: Adoption fees do not fully cover all rescue expenses, and because we are fully volunteer-run, donations of time, supplies, and financial support are always appreciated. Please note that adoption fees are not tax-deductible. Why doesn’t someone answer my message immediately? CPAN is fully volunteer-run. Our team balances rescue work alongside full-time jobs, families, fosters, transports, veterinary appointments, and adoption coordination. Sometimes we respond very quickly, while other times responses may take a little longer — especially on transport days. We typically try to respond within 24–48 hours. If you have not received a response after 48 hours, please feel free to send a polite follow-up message. We truly appreciate your patience, understanding, and support while we work Caribbean Paws Adoption Network is a Virginia nonprofit corporation and IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats from Puerto Rico and helping them find safe, loving homes. The organization operates independently with its own leadership, governance, financial operations, and adoption programs. Caribbean Paws Adoption Network was formerly Island Dog Adoption Network and we are still awaiting updates on the IRS website.
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