FAQ to Load – Justice for Paws

General FAQs

Where do your animals come from?

Currently, most of our JFP animals are from Texas, specifically South Texas. Many of our animals are found in shelters and/or abandoned and neglected in rural dumping grounds, many times in harsh weather conditions.

Additionally, Texas has one of the highest animal euthanasia rates in the country. We work closely with our South Texas partners to bring animals to safety.
I can't foster or adopt right now. How else can I help?

We are a foster and donation- based organization, run by volunteers. We are always in need of donations, both monetary and supplies, for the medical, transport, and everyday care of our animals. Check out our donation page here.

Justice for Paws could not do our work without hardworking volunteers. We have many available positions with ranging time commitments to consider. We appreciate anyone willing to drive our animals from local shelters, medical appointments, and events. Check out our volunteer page here.
There are so many rescues in the DMV. What makes Justice for Paws different?

You might be thinking “alright, many DC- based rescues seem exactly the same!” and while yes, we seem very similar from the surface- we are all different and unique in our own ways. Justice for Paws aims to make its mark by advocating for every animal regardless of if they are directly in our care or not. We have a heavy emphasis on spaying and neutering animals to eliminate the harsh reality of overcrowded shelters and pregnant homeless animals left in dumping grounds. This is due to a lack of appropriate laws and funding around spaying and neutering pets, as well as general lack of animal welfare laws, and enforcement of such.
I would like to become a partner with Justice for Paws. Who do I reach out to?

If you are a DMV based shelter or rescuer and would like to partner with Justice for Paws, please reach out to colette@justiceforpaws.org and melissa@justiceforpaws.org.

If you are a Texas based shelter or rescuer and would like to partner with Justice for Paws, please reach out to esmer@justiceforpaws.org.

If you are a business that would like to partner with Justice for Paws, please reach out to sofia@justiceforpaws.org.
I would like to surrender my animal to Justice for Paws to rehome. How do I do this?

We understand the choice to rehome your animal is a difficult one and there are many choices for rescues/ shelters to assist. The first step is to fill out our owner surrender form found here. The next step is for Justice for Paws to evaluate the animal and ensure we are a good fit to rehome the animal. Justice for Paws relies on fosters to take an animal in prior to adoption. We will need to identify a foster and ensure the best fit. After we have a foster commitment, we will transfer the animal to Justice for Paws care. We will work diligently, as we do for every animal in our care, to find the best forever home.

Adoption FAQs

Can I adopt my foster?

Absolutely! One of the best homes an animal can find is with their foster family. Our goal is to have the least transitions for the pet as possible. We ask that you first let our foster team know you are interested in adopting your foster pet. We cannot consider any family without an application, so you should complete an application as soon as you are considering adoption.
What requirements does Justice for Paws have for potential adopters?

The traditional barriers surrounding pet adoption, such as owning a home, having a backyard, or meeting a certain income threshold hinder many potential adoptive families from finding their furry family member. At Justice for Paws, we treat adopters of all backgrounds with respect, kindness, and inclusivity. We acknowledge the unique needs of each adopter and animal in our care, and our primary goal is to find loving, committed homes for every one of our rescued animals.

We require our adopters to be at least 18 years of age and you MUST be able to provide your animal with a safe, indoor, temperature-controlled space, love, and adequate food and water.
What does my adoption fee go towards?

Each adoption fee is invested in the care of our animals. Every Justice for Paws animal will be up to date on age-appropriate vaccines, monthly preventatives, and will either come altered or with an appointment scheduled at one of our approved vet partners. The cost of transportation for our animals and supplies is also covered by our adoption fees.
Can I donate money to Justice for Paws to keep my animals supplies from their foster?

Absolutely! We are an organization that encourages options to be timely and our goal is for the transition from foster care to forever home to be a smooth one. If you are interested in keeping the supplies provided by JFP with your new family member, our adoptions team will add in an additional donation cost. Just let us know before the meet and greet that you are interested in this option so we can plan accordingly.

Fostering FAQs

Why should I foster? Why do so many animals need fosters?

Shelters across the world are at capacity and needing room for more animals who are subject to neglect and homelessness. A shelter, dumping ground, or abusive home is NO place for an animal. These environments are stressful and cause medical and behavioral conditions in some animals. We are working to clear shelters in South Texas and beyond, where some of the most vulnerable animals are.

Fostering is a great way to get a deserving animal out of a shelter and one step closer to their forever home. Fostering is a very rewarding experience, it teaches responsibility, and you can save lives!
Am I a good fit for fostering? What skills do I need?
What is the "Foster Forward" approach?
What support does Justice for Paws provide me as a foster?
- Foster coordinator and direct access to JFP leadership
- Supplies
- Medical appointments
- Behavioral assistance
What requirements are there to foster?
1. You must be at least 18 years old.
2. Live within a reasonable travel distance (~1 hour) of the DC metro area.
3. Have reliable transportation for veterinary visits or emergencies (your own car, a friend’s car, or ride shares)
4. Offer a safe, indoor, temperature-controlled space, and adequate food and water.
5. Be willing to host in-person meet and greets for your foster.
6. Stay in contact with your Foster Coordinator.
If you feel like you are a good fit, but do not meet all the above requirements, reach out to our Foster Team via email at foster@justiceforpaws.org
Do I have to pay for anything to foster?

No, but you can if you want to! Justice for Paws will provide you with the basics- food, collar, leash, toys, some form of bedding, and any medication needed. If you feel that your foster pet is in dire need of something extra, we will work with you to find a solution. We will always welcome foster families providing their foster pets with extra toys, treats, or a fancy new collar and leash!
How long will I foster for?

As much as we wish we could give a definitive range, every foster experience is different. Sometimes, even the cutest of all puppies and kittens stay in foster care longer than anticipated. What we can say is in our experience, our foster families have their foster animals for approximately 2 weeks before official adoption. This can always go quicker or longer.

If you are fostering an underaged animal, a pregnant or nursing momma, or a medical/ behavioral case, you will be fostering longer than usual. Our foster team will walk you through the unique process of helping some of the most vulnerable pets in our care.

FAQS Find answers to commonly asked questions about adopting, fostering, volunteering, and more.

General FAQs

Adoption FAQs

Fostering FAQs