DAWS - Puppies available, last update 5/14/08 11pm (scroll down for pictures)

*Please Read*: Things to know about the DAWS puppy program

1. DAWS, whenever possible, rescues puppies that are at risk of euthanasia in out-of-state Pounds. Thankfully, there are not many young puppies needing help in Connecticut municipal pounds due to spay-neuter education and responsible pet ownership in our state. However, there are many parts of the country that are still facing a huge overpopulation of puppies and have to put many to sleep for lack of homes. Through networks of volunteers that are working to transport dogs and puppies out of these high-kill areas to shelters in the Northeast, we are frequently able to bring puppies here for adoption into good homes.

2. Puppies under the age of 4 months generally stay in volunteer foster homes.  When we post a puppy for adoption , it will indicate under the picture whether the pup is in foster care or at the shelter.

*If you are interested in a puppy who is in foster care, please download and email an application to dawsvolunteer@yahoo.com   A volunteer will contact you about the status of your application.  If your application is approved, a meeting will be scheduled to meet the pup, usually at the shelter.  If you like the puppy upon meeting, then the adoption will be finalized.

*If you are interested in a puppy who is staying at the shelter, please visit our shelter during our Open House hours.  Once you have met the puppy, you can fill out an application or bring a completed one with you.  Your application will be processed.  If approved, the adoption will be finalized usually within a few days.

3. We get a lot of interest in puppies and are committed to finding each one the best possible home.  Please be realistic about your lifestyle and your ability to provide the time, commitment, and training necessary to raise a puppy.

4. DAWS strongly recommends that adopters enroll their new puppies in an obedience or training class by 6 months of age.  Proper obedience training is essential in order for a puppy to develop into a well-mannered adult.  DAWS also strongly recommends the crate-training method for housebreaking and other training needs.  Please see our main dog page to learn more about crate-training and obedience training.

5. Puppies are usually spayed/neutered before adoption.  We practice pediatric spay-neuter, a procedure endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association and humane organizations throughout the country.  Puppies can be spayed/neutered are early as 8 weeks of age.

6. . The adoption fee for puppies is currently $200 which covers: pre-adoption spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations (adopter will be responsible for additional vaccines), deworming, flea/tick preventative, other medical care as needed.

The following puppies are currently available through DAWS. If you are interested in seeing these puppies, please see above information for application procedure. All puppies are currently housed at the shelter unless otherwise noted.