How to Adopt

Before You Apply

  1. Find out if a pug is the right pet for you
  2. Read Our Adoption Requirements
    • In order to be able to adopt with us, you must meet the following basic requirements:
      • You must be at least 21 years of age.
      • You cannot have been convicted of any animal abuse laws.
      • The pug must not be a gift or “surprise” for another person.
      • All pets in the home must be altered (spayed or neutered), unless a medical reason is provided to us by a veterinarian.
      • All pets in the home must be up to date on vaccinations per minimum vaccination policy.
      • You must agree to feed your pug an approved, high-quality dog food (see examples).
      • You cannot have an invisible fence (learn why).
      • If you have a dog door, it must only be used under supervision.
      • If you live in a rental property, you must provide a signed letter of approval from your landlord or other documentation stating you are allowed you to have a pug.
      • You must agree to pay the adoption donation
      • If you live outside of Nebraska, you must be willing to arrange safe transportation for the pug
  3. Check out our pugs available for adoption
  4. Come to one of our events
    • Meet some of our adoptable pugs.
    • Meet with our volunteers to ask any questions you may have about the adoption process.

Complete the Application

  1. Email our Adoption Coordinator
    • We are currently pre-screening all potential adopters before they complete our adoption application. Email our adoption coordinator at kristi@pugpartners.com and let her know the pug you are interested in and why you think you’re a great fit for them. We will NOT accept inquiries via Facebook/instagram. Our adoption coordinator is a volunteer with a full-time job, so please be patient when waiting for a reply.
    • Our adoption application is long and requires a great deal of time from both the potential adopter to complete and for volunteers to check. By pre-screening, we are hoping to prevent any potential adopter who is unlikely to be approved from spending their time filling out an application. The most common reason for applications being denied is that applicants did not read/meet our Adoption Requirements (see #2 above).
    • If the adoption coordinator agrees that you may be a potential fit for the pug, she’ll send you a link to our adoption application.
  2. Fill out the Adoption Application.
    • In the application, you will need to provide the following:
      • Contact information for your current veterinarian (if you have one).
      • 3 personal references
      • A copy of your lease if you rent your home/apartment.
    • If you have questions regarding the application, please call us at 1-888-509-1940 (toll-free).
    • Once you have submitted your completed application, a volunteer will contact you within 10-15 days.
    • Please be patient! We are staffed entirely by volunteers and we receive many applications every week.
    • Pugs are not placed on a “first come, first served” basis. We work hard to ensure each pug is placed in a home that fits their needs and the desires of the adopting family.
  3. Ask your veterinarian and personal references to reply promptly
    • Waiting on references to reply to our calls and emails can significantly slow down the adoption process. If your vet or references do not respond to our messages, your application may be declined.

After You Apply

  1. A volunteer will schedule and conduct a home visit
    • All adoptions require a home visit.
    • Don’t worry, the volunteer isn’t looking to judge the state of your kitchen sink or whether you made the beds – they are looking to ensure your home is pug-proof, and to ensure it is the right environment for the particular pug you are interested in.
    • This is also a great opportunity to get to meet us and ask us any questions you may have.
  2. Meet the pug
    • If you haven’t already had the chance to do so, we’ll find an opportunity for you and any family members to meet the pug.
  3. Sign the Adoption Agreement
  4. Pay the Adoption Donation
    • We accept payment via Venmo, money orders, cashier’s checks, or cash. Personal checks will only be accepted with prior approval.
    • We spend more on medical bills and care for our pugs than we recover in adoption fees. For this reason, the adoption payment is not negotiable.
    • The adoption donation is non-refundable after 14 days.
  5. Pick up your new best friend!
    • A volunteer will set up a time and location to transfer the pug to you.
    • You will receive the pug’s medical records and other documentation.

After the Adoption

  1. Submit your response to our follow up surveys
    • We want to hear from you. How is the new pug adjusting? Any questions or suggestions?