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Carolina Pet Adoption & Welfare Society (PAWS)

Waxhaw, NC

Our Mission

We are an all-volunteer based 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue centrally located in the greater Charlotte NC area. Our dedicated volunteers are devoted to helping abandoned and abused cats and dogs find loving homes. Carolina P.A.W.S. volunteers can be found "in the trenches," rescuing animals at high risk - those starving on the streets, languishing in shelters, and suffering in abusive situations. Each animal has a different past but our promise to them all is the same…a second chance. We provide them with medical attention, rehabilitate them physically and emotionally, and care for them in foster homes until they can be placed in loving permanent homes.

Along the way, we prepare them to become wonderful companions by taking the time to socialize them and patiently teaching them to trust. We also spay/neuter each one, provide all inoculations, and ensure that they are in perfect health before being made available for adoption.

Adoption Policy

We have a variety of cats, dogs, kittens and puppies waiting for new forever families. Before meeting any of our available pets, we ask that you review our Adoption Requirements and complete a brief application. It's in everyone's best interest to find the right match, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated. As soon as your application is approved (generally within 3-5days), Carolina P.A.W.S. will get in touch with you to arrange for you to meet your new pet! Filling out an application does not obligate you to adopt nor guarantee and adoption.

Adoption Requirements:
An application must be submitted prior to meeting the pet.
Vets and references will be contacted; If you vet office requires client approve before giving out information, we ask that you contact their office once you submit an application.
No animal will ever be adopted to "outside only" homes, as we firmly believe pets have a right to the warmth and safety of the indoors.
Some dogs may require a fenced in yard or may not be suitable for an apartment, condo or townhome.
A meet and greet will be arranged by a Carolina P.A.W.S. representative.
A contract must be signed at the time of the adoption. An adoption fee is required to help defray the cost of the pet's spay /neuter, vaccinations, microchip and any other medical cost.
All applicants need to be 21 years of age or older to apply.
An applicant must be fully employed and proof of employment may be requested.
If you reside in a rental property, we will contact the property owner to confirm that an animal is allowed.

Please note: We will occasionally allow adoptions of puppies and kittens that are not spayed/neutered; however, the adopter must bring the animal to our vet for spay/neuter . This date will be scheduled prior to adoption and will be stated on the adoption contract. We require the use of our veterinarians because our program relies on subsidized healthcare from our animal hospitals. We will follow up to ensure that all animals are brought in for scheduled spay/neuters.

*** We only accept applications within a certain radius of where are volunteers are based in the greater Charlotte NC area. ***

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