Adopt a Pug

After submitting your adoption application, one of our volunteers will contact you as soon as possible. Appalachian Pug Rescue is entirely volunteer-run, and we appreciate your patience as we carefully review each application.

Our adoption process is designed to ensure the best possible match for both the pug and their future family.

Step 1: Complete Application & Pay Fee
The first step in adopting a pug from Appalachian Pug Rescue is completing an adoption application. This allows us to learn more about your household, pet experience, and readiness to welcome a rescued pug into your home.

A $25 non-refundable application fee is required at the time of submission and is applied directly to the APR Medical Fund.

Venmo: @appalachianpugrescue 
Paypal:  appalachianpugrescue@gmail.com
CashApp:  $appalachianpugrescue
Zelle:  864-395-1490

Step 2: Vet Check
A veterinary reference check confirms that all current pets in the 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 helps ensure a safe and healthy environment for a newly adopted pug..

Step 3: Background Check
A background check is conducted to help confirm an applicant’s ability to responsibly care for a dog and meet their long-term needs.

Step 4: Home Details Verification
Using tools such as Google Earth, we verify home details provided in the application to ensure the environment is appropriate for a pug, including outdoor areas, fencing (if applicable), and overall safety..

Step 5: Interview with the Director
A 20–30 minute interview is conducted with the rescue’s director to:

• Clarify any details from the application
• Discuss the needs of the specific pug
• Answer questions about the adoption process

Step 6: Reference Checks
Personal references listed on the application are contacted to confirm a history of responsible pet ownership and the ability to provide a stable, loving home.

Step 7: Home Visit
A home visit, either in person (preferred) or virtual, is conducted to confirm that the living environment matches the application and is safe and suitable for the pug being considered.

Step 8: Meet and Greet (If Applicable)
For some pugs, a meet-and-greet may be required to assess compatibility with the adopter and any existing pets. The rescue does not transport dogs for adoption, so adopters must arrange travel if a meeting is needed.

Our goal is not simply to place pugs quickly, but to place them well — creating thoughtful, lifelong matches whenever possible.