How much does it cost?
Cats are $70 and dogs are $90, no matter the age, breed, or gender of the animal.
Consider this: If you were to get a pet “free” from the classified ads, your first visit to the vet would cost you more than $100.00 for a cat, and more than $150.00 for a dog–so much for saving some money! Recycling a little life through Animal Services is not only good for you and the animal, it’s good for your pocketbook.
Note: We often have other types of pets available for adoption, such as rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and other small animals. Adoption fees vary, depending upon the animal.
How do I adopt a pet?
Come to the shelter during adoption hours to view our available pets. If you find a pet you are interested in adopting and would like to meet them, head up to the front desk to be added to our waitlist. Once added you will receive a text message alerting you when it is your turn to view one of our pets. If it’s a good match you will then be asked to complete an adoption application. If you do not own your home, be sure you have checked with the property owner or manager for permission to have a pet, as we will call and ask for their approval once you submit your application.
Once your application is approved, you will be asked to complete several other forms including an adoption contract. This process takes approximately 30 minutes. Be prepared to take your pet home that day. Some of our pet’s will be able to leave with you that day while others may need to remain at the shelter for transport to the veterinarian for its spay/neuter surgery.
Will my adopted pet be spayed/neutered?
All cats and dogs adopted from us must be spayed or neutered before going home. The adoption cost covers the surgery, basic immunizations (except for rabies), microchip, worming, and licensing. If your new pet is not currently spayed/neutered, we may place the animal on hold (for a fee) and have you pick it up and complete the adoption once the pet has had its surgery. If you fail to pick up your pet and complete the adoption on the designated date the pet will be made available for general adoption and the hold fee forfeited.
Remember that post-surgical care is very, very important, and can make the difference between a healthy pet and a sad experience. If you believe there is an issued with the surgery site during the first 14 days after adoption we ask that you contact us.
What if the pet is already spayed/neutered?
The cost is the same, but you can take your pet home right away.
Can I use my own vet for the spay/neuter surgery?
No, Animal Services will ensure the surgery is completed prior to adoption being completed and the animal going home.
What if my adopted pet gets sick?
The Shelter tries to place only healthy pets. We provide immunizations and we disinfect every day. Sometimes though, a pet can enter the Shelter carrying a disease and spread it to other animals in our care. We wish it couldn’t happen, but it can, and occasionally does. So, if your adopted pet becomes seriously ill within 14 days after the adoption, you may return the pet and the Shelter will either refund your adoption fee or credit you for the selection of another animal. If you need to return your pet for any reason you must call to make an appointment. We cannot pay for the treatment of the sick animal or reimburse any cost you may have incurred taking an animal to a vet. After 14 days, we cannot accept responsibility for the pet’s illness, but we encourage you to call us anyway.
What if I have questions after we get home?
At the point of adoption, the pet’s care becomes your responsibility. Please check our websites resource page for materials about health care, behavior, and other pet-related problems. If you need additional information or if we can be of help to you and your new friend, please give us a call.
Here is a list of some things to consider before adopting. Ask yourself the following questions, and feel free to discuss these issues with Animal Services staff.
Do you have time for a pet?
Dogs, cats, and other animals require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of the year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn’t realize how much time would be needed to care for them.
Why do you want a pet?
It’s amazing how many people do not ask themselves this simple question. Adopting a pet just because it’s “the thing to do” or the children have been wanting a puppy can be a mistake. A pet is a long commitment – 10, 15, even 20 years.
Is your pet a good fit with your family?
Please bring your entire family to the shelter to meet your new pet and make sure everyone gets along well. That includes not only children (some pets don’t do well with young children) but your canine family members as well.
Can you have a pet where you live?
Pets may not be allowed at many rental communities or they may have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.
Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause?
Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren’t yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?
Pets like a predictable routine and your routine is changing – perhaps because of a new job, a new house, a new member of the family – waiting until you settle down is wise.
Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?
Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active – they require a great deal of exercise to be calm and often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are quite content to lie on a couch all day.
