Adoption Process

Step 1: Fill out adoption application.
This application gives us information on the prospective adopter’s home environment, other pets, adoption history, veterinary references and needs. The application will be reviewed and/or approved by the volunteer/staff adoption counselor. This assures a good match of adopter to animal. The application will be approved or denied based on the lifestyle, home environment, family members, and other issues relating to the needs of the animal. Our goal is to make a safe, long-lasting placement which ensures the animal will be given the care it needs.

Step 2: Select an animal
Selecting an animal should be based on matching the needs of the adopters with the needs of the animal. It is important to review the kennel card carefully to identify potential problems, desired characteristics the family is looking for or any information about the special care and needs of that animal.

Step 3: Sign an adoption contract
The adopter must sign this statement agreeing that they will provide a certain degree of care, meet all guidelines for adoption and abide by local and state animal laws. It is state law that the animal must be spayed or neutered. Once the contract is signed, the adopter will pay the adoption fees, spay/neuter deposit and licensing fee. The adopter will be required to sign a sterilization contract with a voucher that must be returned to the shelter with the veterinarian’s signature confirming the procedure. The new adopter has 30 days to get the animal sterilized. The animal will not be officially considered property of the adopter until the sterilization confirmation is completed and returned to the shelter. Once the animal has been sterilized, the adopter will be considered property of the adopter.

Step 4: Animal is prepared for adoption
Once paperwork is completed, a kennel staff or volunteer will go get the animal and take it to treatment for vaccinations. All vaccinations are listed on the contract. All adopted dogs will be given a temporary leash, collar and id tag with the name and phone number of the new owners. Cats will be given a temporary cat carrier. The owners will also be given a New Parent Adoption Packet, which includes a voucher for a free Healthy Pet Wellness Exam at any of the participating veterinarians in the area, a New Pet Owner Guide booklet, instructions for getting license (after animal gets its rabies vaccine) and a bag of Science Diet dog or cat food.