Founded in 2007, Paws for Life Rescue (PFL) is a 501(c)3, tax-exempt, non-profit animal welfare organization run by a group of hardworking, dedicated volunteers.

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Paws for Life is a 5-star certified, all-breed dog and cat rescue, located in southeast Michigan. Also a top-rated nonprofit, PFL has the highest rating, platinum status, from GuideStar.

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PFL rescues homeless, neglected, abused and abandoned dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from overflowing shelters in southeast Michigan.

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PFL does not believe that time or money are acceptable reasons to end a life, ever. PFL uses a network of loving foster care homes where animals stay until their forever homes are found. PFL’s goal is to find the best match possible for the homeless pets in our care.

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PFL operates under the philosophies of Do No Harm, the Five Freedoms, force-free and fear-free, no breed discrimination - every animal is an individual, and no barriers, no roadblocks to finding every pet a home.

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Our organization focuses on humane legislation and education initiatives to permanently improve the lives, safety and future of companion animals in Michigan and surrounding areas.

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PFL has no paid staff and receives no government support. Every penny donated goes directly to the animals in our care, paying vet bills and purchasing needed supplies.

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In addition to rescue, PFL devotes resources to numerous local and national humane campaigns, such as Save Them All, End Dogfighting, Community Cat TNR and Eliminating Puppy Mills, as well as participation in community and national Disaster Animal Response Teams.

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Paws for Life is also a proud member of Michigan Pet Alliance, the state's only association for animal welfare organizations, people who care about pets and pet owners.

ADOPTION FEES:

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Adult Cats: $75 for one or $110 for two adult cats

This includes testing, deworming, heartworm, flea and tick prevention, rabies vaccine, FVRCP vaccine, microchip, spay/neuter and 30 days of free pet insurance.

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Kittens (6 months and younger): $125 for one or $200 for two kittens

This includes testing, deworming, heartworm, flea and tick prevention, rabies vaccine at 12 weeks old, FVRCP vaccine, microchip, spay/neuter, and 30 days of free pet insurance.

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Adult Dogs:$80 for one or $120 for two adult dogs

This includes testing, deworming, heartworm, flea and tick prevention, rabies vaccine, DHLPP vaccine, bordetella vaccine, microchip, spay/neuter, 30 days of free pet insurance and one training session with a professional force-free behavior trainer, if needed.

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Puppies (6 months and younger): $125 for one or $200 for two puppies

This includes testing, deworming, heartworm, flea and tick prevention, rabies vaccine at 12 weeks old, DHLPP vaccine, bordetella vaccine, microchip, spay/neuter and 30 days of free pet insurance.

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Senior Pets for Senior People

Discounted adoption fees available for cats and dogs over 6 years old for adopters over age 65.

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Love for Life Hospice Care Program

Adoption fees are waived.

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ADOPTION PROCESS:

Step 1: Understand Our Adoption Policies

Minimum Age: To adopt a pet from Paws for Life, you must be at least 18 years old and be able and willing to provide a lifelong, loving home to your new pet.

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Pet Care: Dogs and cats must not live outside, with the exception of working barn cats and unsocialized community cats. Cats must not be declawed and dogs must not be debarked. All we ask is that your new pet be treated at all times like a treasured member of the family.

Adjustment Period: Every animal needs adjustment time to get to know their new environment, new routine and new people before they start to show their true personalities. We require a mandatory, minimum, two-week adjustment period before the adoption can be finalized and ownership transferred.

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Step 2: Apply to Adopt and Let's Chat

Complete the short application, either online or at one of our adoption events. If you don't have a specific animal in mind, you can describe what you’re looking for and our volunteer adoption coordinators will recommend which pets they feel are the best match to your household and to your expectations of a pet.​

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Step 3: Get Matched

Once we receive your application, you’ll receive a phone call from a volunteer adoptions counselor to answer your questions and to discuss your household and your expectations for a new pet. Counselors may recommend pets that will be a better fit for you.

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Step 4: Meet-n-Greet

After you and Paws for Life decide which pets you want to meet, we will schedule a meet-and-greet at your home, at the foster's home or at an upcoming adoption event. We prefer that all members of your household are available and present for the meet-n-greet. It’s important that the adults in the home agree that the chosen pet is the right pet for them.

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Step 5: Welcome Home Your New Family Member

The day your new pet comes home is the first day of the mandatory, minimum, two-week adjustment period. The first two weeks are usually the most stressful – for both humans and pets.

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Everyone is learning about each other and your new pet’s entire world just turned upside-down. They have to adjust to new people, new home, new routine, new expectations, new everything. On average, it takes 14 days for a cat or dog to truly settle in and start to be themselves. Some pets adjust faster than others. Please be patient and give them time.