FAQ

• Submit an adoption application and don't call us
• After approval, a home visit is scheduled to ensure the safety of the home
• Schedule a meet and greet. Everyone in the household (pets included) will meet the potential pet
• Round Of-A Paws Pet Rescue works one-on-one with you to introduce and observe the compatibility of candidates to find the best match
• Pets are sterilized, vaccinated, and microchipped
• Pets are ready to go home with you on adoption day with all paperwork

Our team knows all of the adoption candidates and will work with you one-on-one to find the best fit. Our team will carefully introduce candidates to your children and other pets to observe interaction to find the responsible lifetime match. 

Make sure all gates, doors, and fencing are in good working order. Repair and secure all areas before you bring your new pet home. Any wires and hazards should be secured away. Just like you would "baby-proof" your home, you should "pet-proof" your home as well.

Make sure your pet will have a quiet, calm area for themselves to sleep and decompress.

Every pet adopted from ROAP will come with records of sterility, vaccinations, and microchip.  Here are the basics you will need to have on hand for your newly adopted dog or cat.

• 6-foot sturdy leash (for dogs) and collar (no retractable leashes)
• ID tag with your contact info
• Food bowl
• Water bowl
• Bed
• Wire crate (for dogs) and carriers (hard, top-loading)
• Food. We only recommend Purina Pro-Plan, Hill's Science Diet, or Royal Canin. 
• Litter and litter boxes (1 per cat, plus 1. So, if you have 2 cats, have 3 litter boxes)
• Commitment. Above all, you need to commit to helping your newly adopted dog adjust to their new life which can take time. ROAP is there to help you every step of the way.

We only recommend the three veterinary brands: Purina Pro Plan, Royal Canin, and Hill's Science Diet. Please do not purchase any diets that are grain-free.

Do not feed any brands available in grocery or convenience stores. These low-grade foods are over-processed, filled with fillers like corn, preservatives, and toxins which are very problematic for pets. These brands include Alpo, Beneful, Meow Mix, Friskies, Gravy Train, and many more.

ROAP will help select the best candidate to fit your life and all in it. If your home includes other dogs, cats, or kids of any age it is best to be prepared to follow integration guidelines to ensure the best chance for full integration and a happy life together.  It can sometimes take time and effort, but the end results are unconditional love for a lifetime. GO SLOW, TAKE TIME. Knowing what steps to follow and more importantly what NOT to do will help everyone.  Click appropriate links for successful integration tips that apply to you. Be prepared by educating yourself on what will work.

Proper dog to dog introductions

Proper cat to cat introductions

Proper dog to cat introductions

Pets LOVE their human family. Your new pet should sleep inside the house preferably in the same room as a family member, especially at first.  Do not expect your dog to sleep in a remote room such as a kitchen or laundry room which makes your new pet feel isolated rather than included. A crate in your bedroom is a great integration tool helping your pet feel safe, avoid accidents, and prevent anxiety.

The simple answer to this question is to integrate your pet by following ROAP take-home instructions and taking things in baby steps. Your new pet has a lot to learn and get used to. Every home is different; every pet is different. The most important thing to remember is that ROAP is here to help you after adoption with advice and to answer questions to help your new pet fully integrate.

Here are links to the most common questions people have when bringing home a new pet.

Housebreaking Leash Aggression Separation Anxiety

ROAP treats health issues that are apparent when pets arrive or conditions that develop during their time with us. Owner surrenders to ROAP often come with their medical history and records. Pets that we pull from shelters often come without much history and we must evaluate visually from experience.  ROAP will always divulge any conditions that are known and treatment protocols.  We partner with quality vets for the very best for the pets in our care. 

We currently only adopt to Baltimore and the surrounding areas.