Brown Paws is a 100% volunteer ran non-profit 501(c)3 dog rescue and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you!
if you have application, adoption, VOLUNTEER or foster questions please EMAIL:
For all other questions please email:
ADOPTION Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does its cost to adopt a Brown Paws dog?
Puppies (ages 0 - 1 year) are $425
Dogs (ages 1+) are $350.
How do I adopt a Brown Paws dog?
Fill out an adoption application on the Brown Paws website.
If the dog you are interested in is still available, we will contact your references (current vet, landlord, personal references, etc.) to ensure the dog you’d like to adopt is a good fit for your family and living situation.
If your application is accepted, a meet and greet of the dog(s) of interest will be arranged.
If you and the foster family find the dog to be a good fit for your family, the adoption contract will be signed, and adoption fee will be collected.
If I am the first one to apply for the dog, will I get him?
Not necessarily. It is our goal to match the dog with the best home possible to ensure a successful transition for both the dog and the new owners. We review all aspects of the adoption application to determine the best fit for our Brown Paws Dogs.
Can you guarantee a Brown Paws dog’s breed?
No. Since many of our dogs come to us as stray or abandoned, we do not have much information on their breed. We do our best to guess the breed based on our extensive knowledge of different dog breeds in both looks and personality; however, we cannot promise that we are 100% correct.
Can you guarantee the size a Brown Paws puppy will become?
No. We do our best to estimate the size the puppy will become based on our idea of their breed, their current weight / height, and our experience with other similar dogs.
Are the Brown Paws dogs spayed or neutered and up-to-date on vaccines?
Assuming they are old enough, yes. Some puppies come that are too young to be spayed or neutered but will eventually need to be once they are age appropriate. All dogs arrive to Brown Paws up-to-date on vaccinations.
What do I do if my Brown Paws dog is having trouble?
Medical: Once you have adopted a Brown Paws dog, they are now a part of your family, and you are responsible for all veterinary costs going forward.
Behavioral: All dogs benefit from training, so we highly recommend investing in training courses for your dog, even if they don’t show any issues. Training is a great way to boost your dog’s confidence, expose them to new people, places, and other dogs, and teach them to trust and respect you as their “pack leader”. We can recommend local trainers and training courses if you are unsure of where to start! Please remember that most of these dogs have been through a lot. Some will take time to come out of their shell due to their past and/or the many transitions they have gone through (shelters, transports, multiple foster homes, etc.). Do not get discouraged if you have a dog that takes a little extra time to understand that they are safe. They’ve likely never known that life.
What do I do if I cannot keep my Brown Paws dog?
Contact Brown Paws immediately, and we will work to find the ideal home for your dog.
foster frequently asked questions:
What does it mean to foster a Brown Paws dog?
As the foster family, you know the dog best and play a vital role in helping us place the dog with the home that is the best fit. Foster families will review adoption applications sent by Brown Paws to determine whether the adoptive home is a good fit for the foster dog. You will also set up Meet & Greets with interested individuals and facilitate the adoption if the Meet & Greet goes well.
What am I financially responsible for when fostering a Brown Paws dog?
Foster homes cover basic care costs include dog food, toys, treats and miscellaneous supplies like food bowls or kennels. Brown Paws pays for all pre-approved veterinary expenses. What information am I responsible for providing to Brown Paws? Brown Paws requests that all foster families provide a minimum of weekly updates on the progress of the dog. These updates, as well as any photos you share, will be used on the Brown Paws website and social media channels to provide information to individuals interested in adopting.
Do I get to choose the dog I foster?
Yes! We'd love to know your preferences so that you have a rewarding foster experience. When filling out your foster application, we encourage you to note preferences, so that we can be sure to reach out to you regarding dogs in need of foster that fit your preference.
How long should I expect to foster a dog? Is there a maximum length of time they can be with me?
Dogs can stay with their foster home for as little as a few days, or as long as a few months, depending upon the dog in your care.
What if I want to adopt my Brown Paws foster dog?
Just let us know! As long as the dog has not been adopted by another family, we will work with you to adopt your foster dog. We know how easy it is to fall in love!
What if I have to go out of town when I have a Brown Paws foster dog?
Contact Brown Paws! There are many Brown Paws foster families that cannot currently commit to fostering a dog full-time but may be interested in pet sitting.
What if the foster dog doesn't get along with my dog(s)?
We recommend a slow transition between your dog(s) and your foster dog to avoid any conflicts. It can take several days for them to get used to each other and the situation. If you need advice on slow transitions, please feel free to ask Brown Paws. If conflicts do arise, Brown Paws will move the dog to another foster home so as not to place any undue stress on either your dog(s) or the Brown Paws foster dog.
What if I am fostering a dog, but for some reason can no longer continue fostering that dog?
Contact Brown Paws immediately and we will find a new foster home or adopter for the dog.
Can I foster if I don’t live in the Dane County Area?
Yes! We will work with you to make sure you can still foster, even if you are outside of Dane County.