Adopt me

Thank you for considering adoption!

We currently adopt pugs to Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey and New York.

Unless there is a special circumstance, at this time, we are only able to adopt to people living in these states where we can perform home visits and transport our pugs using our approved volunteers.

Why is there a fee to rescue?

Well, instead of buying a dog from a breeder, pet store, or online dog seller and for $3,500 or more, and worse… possibly supporting puppy mills and disreputable breeders, you are getting a dog that has been fully vetted. APR makes sure the dog has been spayed or neutered, is up-to-date on bloodwork, vaccinations, heartworm and flea/tick preventative, has had a dental( if needed), and has been fully evaluated for behavioral issues and any special needs. In most, if not all, cases, APR incurs more costs to acquire the pug and complete the vetting process than we ever collect in adoption fees.

Read on to learn more about our process and fees.

The Approval Process

After submitting your application, you will be contacted by one of our volunteers as soon as possible. We are volunteer-run so please be patient.

APR is entirely volunteer-run, so please be patient. All updates will be posted to social media and the website. This is the process:

Step 1: Complete Application & Pay Fee
The first step in adopting a dog from your rescue is to complete an adoption application. This provides crucial information about the potential adopter’s household, experience with pets, and preparedness for a new pet. A $25 non-refundable application fee must be paid at this time. This fee helps cover administrative costs and is a one-time charge. The fee can be paid via the following methods
Venmo: @appalachianpugrescue
Paypal: [email protected]
CashApp: $appalachianpugrescue
Zelle: [email protected]

Step 2: Vet Check
A thorough vet check ensures that all current pets in the adopter’s home are:

Spayed or neutered (unless medically unfeasible)
Up-to-date on vaccinations, including core vaccines like rabies and distemper
On flea and tick prevention to ensure a pest-free home environment
On heartworm prevention as part of responsible pet ownership

This step ensures that adopters prioritize their pets’ health and can provide a safe and healthy environment for the new dog.

Step 3: Background Check
A background check is conducted to assess the adopter’s history and suitability for pet ownership. This helps verify that adopters can responsibly care for a dog and meet its needs.

Step 4: Home Details Verification
Using Google Earth, your rescue will confirm home details provided in the application. This ensures that the home is a safe and appropriate space for a dog, including having adequate outdoor areas, fencing, or other accommodations if necessary.

Step 5: Interview with the Director
A 20–30 minute interview is conducted with the rescue’s director. This conversation helps:

Clarify any details from the application
Answer the adopter’s questions about the process or the specific dog
Ensure the adopter understands the dog’s needs and responsibilities

Step 6: Reference Checks
References provided in the application will be contacted. This ensures that the adopter has a history of responsible pet ownership and can provide a loving and stable home.

Step 7: Home Visit
A home visit is conducted to verify that the living conditions match the adopter’s application. This step is essential to ensure the home is pet-safe and suitable for the specific dog.

Step 8: Meet and Greet (If Applicable)
For some dogs, a meet-and-greet may be required to assess compatibility. This helps ensure the dog and adopter (and any existing pets) are a good match. Note that the rescue does not transport dogs for adoption, so the adopter must arrange to travel to meet the dog if needed.

By following these steps, your rescue ensures that each adoption is a thoughtful and informed process, ultimately prioritizing the welfare of the dogs and their potential adopters.

Adoption Fees

Adopting a pug isn’t just welcoming a dog into your life—it’s gaining a loyal, snuggly, and utterly charming best friend. Adoption fees are based on the dog’s age, health, and in some cases, medical costs incurred during their time with us. Fees can range from $150 to $700 based on age and health (a huge savings from the typical $3,000 breeder fee). Here’s how adoption fees vary by age, reflecting the unique needs and care provided to each pug:

Puppies (Under 1 Year): $500–$800
Puppies are bundles of joy, brimming with energy and endless curiosity. Their fees reflect the costs of early veterinary care, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping. Adopting a puppy means a lifetime of memories from their very first steps to their forever cuddles.

Young Adults (1–4 Years): $300–$650
Young adult pugs offer the perfect balance of playful energy and growing maturity. Many are already spayed/neutered and vaccinated, making them an easier transition into your home. They’re still young enough to learn new tricks and old enough to be your steady companion.

Adults (5–8 Years): $250–$500
Adult pugs are seasoned snuggle pros. They’re past the puppy stage but still have so much love to give. Reduced fees encourage adopters to consider these charming dogs, who often come with the bonus of being house-trained and well-mannered.

Seniors (9+ Years): $100–$300
Senior pugs are true gems, looking for a warm, loving home to enjoy their golden years. They’re calm, wise, and endlessly grateful. To help these sweet souls find their forever families, senior adoption fees are often lower. Though they may require ongoing medical care, their love and gratitude are boundless.

Special Considerations for Adoption Fees
Health Conditions: Pugs with specific medical needs may have reduced fees to help them find homes that can provide the care they deserve.
Special Needs: Pugs with disabilities or chronic conditions might have waived or significantly reduced fees, as their ultimate goal is finding a family that will cherish them unconditionally.

Adoption fees can be paid with cash, Venmo, Paypal (with 2% transaction fee), Cashapp, money order, or bank/cashier’s check. No personal checks are allowed.

No matter the age, every pug deserves a home filled with love, belly rubs, and cozy naps. Could your perfect pug companion be waiting for you? 🐾 Start your adoption journey today!