Sweet Paws Rescue (SPR) is a registered non-profit animal rescue based in Massachusetts. We are a grassroots, boots-on-the-ground, shelterless, foster-based, and volunteer-powered organization. We primarily work within two of the poorest counties in Mississippi and Alabama and since 2011, we have rescued close to 22,000 puppies, dogs, kittens, and cats that would not have a chance at life otherwise. We are also a New England resource for the abandoned and displaced, and animals seized in cruelty cases within our home state.
Adoption Policy
THE APPROVAL: If you would like to adopt, the first step is the submission of our online application. Once submitted, you will be connected to an adoption coordinator to start the approval process. The time frame from application to approval typically ranges between 1 to 2 weeks depending on your responsiveness along with your references. Please do not submit an application until you are ready to bring a pup into your home. In addition to reviewing your application and providing you with a personalized process to match you with a pup, we talk to your references including your veterinarian, and have a brief home visit, virtually or in person, to ensure your house is a safe and happy home!THE ADOPTION: We do not operate like a traditional animal shelter. There are three ways to adopt from us:The first is to adopt a puppy or dog before it transports north. After working closely with your adoption coordinator to match you with a pup if you don't have one in mind already, prospective adopters first meet their pup through photos and conversation with our southern team. Once adopted, transported, and quarantined with us in Massachusetts, you will be scheduled to pick up your new family member in our facility in Groveland Massachusetts.The second is to meet, and then adopt, one of our dogs already in Massachusetts and living in one of our foster homes. Thirdly, we host "meet & greet" adoption events monthly at various locations throughout the north shore. Approved adopters may meet and then take their new pup home from that event.As an adopter, you are an extension of the rescue process. Too many dogs end up in shelters or back in rescue because their humans were not prepared for the commitment and responsibility of a dog. Before filling out an application, please evaluate your ability to train, exercise, and care for this dog (financially and otherwise), for the span of its lifetime. Their life depends on it!
https://www.sweetpawsrescue.org/dogs-for-adoption
Testimonials
See all testimonials"Rescued our 2nd dog from Sweet Paws. An incredible team of people and volunteers."
— nadia d.
Adoptee, Supporter
"Sweet Paws Rescue is a giant family. We all work together to place dogs in the best possible homes. We have a process that connects adopters with an adoption coordinator so they have a personalized experience tailored to helping them find the best possible match for their home. Becoming a volunteer with Sweet Paws Rescue was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It is so rewarding being a part of this amazing team."
— kerri c.
Volunteer / foster
"My mom and some others I know have adopted through sweet paws. They all had great experiences. We love to help some of the babies from down south"
— christl n.
Adoptee, Supporter
"Sweet Paws is a fully volunteer/rescue based organization who truly cares for every single animal that comes into their care. I have personally adopted 2 dogs from them, I also volunteered as both an adoption coordinator and a foster for this rescue. The people who dedicate all of their time and energy to saving helpless animals are all volunteers who have full time jobs and families outside of the rescue but at any given time they might have 15-20 dogs in their care. full litters of puppies get dumped and left for dead, but this rescue take every single one of them in (even if they don't have space) and gets them the care they need before finding them a forever home. They fight for change in animal care in all different areas where the needs are greatest (no dumping, spay/neuter, more shelters, less breeding, more rescuers, more fosters). I cant say enough good things about the work this rescue does to help reduce the amount of stray dogs, the amount of dumped dogs, and the amount of abused dogs out there."
— bridget k.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
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David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
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