Adoptions

Dog Adoptions $125

  • Includes Spay or Neuter
  • Rabies Vaccine
  • Distemper Parvo Vaccine
  • Bordetella Vaccine
  • Flea and Tick Prevention
  • Dewormer
  • Heartworm Test (if over 6 months old)
  • Wellness visit with a local veterinarian

Cat Adoptions $65

  • Includes Spay or Neuter
  • Rabies Vaccine
  • FIV-FeLV Combo Test
  • FVRC-P Vaccine
  • Flea Prevention
  • Dewormer
  • Wellness visit to a local veterinarian

A “well pet” visit, with a local veterinarian, is included in the adoption fee.

We encourage all adopters to use this visit to establish a relationship with one of the participating vets. The veterinarian may recommend some vaccinations not included in the shelter’s basic vetting such as lepto and lyme vaccines for dogs and a leukemia vaccine for cats. 

After You’ve Adopted your Pet

  • Choose one of the participating veterinarians from the list provided and schedule a “well pet” visit. This visit must be completed within 10 days of adoption, after which the waived office fee expires.

  • Be sure to take the Adoption Contract and Kennel Card to the well pet visit. This paperwork is considered your proof of adoption and what the veterinarians honor.

  • Your adoption fee covers the cost of spay/neutering, which we try to have completed before the animal leaves the shelter for adoption. If your pet is not altered before leaving the shelter because it is too young, your adoption contract gives you 90 days in which to have kittens/puppies spayed or neutered.

Before You Bring Your Pet Home

  • Gather Needed Supplies – leash, collar, ID tag, crate or gates (if needed), bed, bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, waste bags, enzymatic cleaner. 

  • Dog-proof your house by looking for and removing hazardous items and valuable items that the dog could chew. 

  • Set up your house for your new pets arrival. Determine where the animal’s crate, bed, and bowls will be placed. Decide where food, treats, and supplies will be stored. Determine the house rules for your new pet and make sure all family members know what they are.

The First Day

Bring a carrier if you plan to adopt a cat!

  • Determine ahead of time where the dog will ride on the way home. It’s best to have two people If possible; one to drive and the other to pay attention to the dog. Bring towels just in case the dog gets car sick.
  • Bring the dog straight home – try not to run errands on the way.
  • No welcome-home parties. Limit/discourage visitors for the first few days so that your new dog isn’t overwhelmed.
  • When you arrive home let the dog sniff around the yard or outdoor area near your home on a leash. Bring your dog to your designated potty spot and reward the dog with a treat for going there.
  • Introduce your dog to your family members outside, one at a time. Keep it calm and low-key. Let the dog be the one to approach, sniff and drive the interaction. Offering a treat can help the dog to associate family members with good things (food). No hugging, kissing, picking up, staring at, or patting on the top of the head during the initial introduction – these things can be scary for some dogs.
  • Bring your dog into the house on a leash and give it a tour of the house. Try keeping the mood calm and relaxed and redirect any chewing or grabbing of objects with a “leave-it” and offering an appropriate toy.
  • If you have a resident cat(s), keep the cat secure until you know how the dog will react to it. Use doors, gates, and leashes to prevent contact initially. Don’t give the dog the opportunity to chase the cat. Make sure the cat has escape options. Keep initial encounters brief. Manage all interactions.

 

Relationship Building 101

Have patience with your new dog’s behavior, level of training, and the time it takes to establish a bond with you. Give your new dog time and space to adjust. Commit time the first few days to get to know your dog’s habits and personality. Establish a routine for the dog and balance interactions and down-time. This time is a period of trust-building, so don’t scare or yell at the dog or try to force close contact. Watch your dog’s postures and expressions. Learn to read your dog. It may even take up to several months for you to get to know your dog’s true nature; and don’t forget, your new dog is trying to do the same with you! 
Finally, remember to manage your dog ‘s environment so that you set him up to succeed. Be proactive, not reactive. In other words, prevent inappropriate behavior from happening, and then you won’t have to correct It. 

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE YOUR NEW PET TO THE PARK OR AROUND OTHER ANIMALS UNTIL IT IS FULLY VACCINATED!

Our Return Policy

  • To qualify for a refund, you must have taken your adopted pet to the “well pet” visit (included in adoption fee) within the required 10-day time period.

  • The vet must provide documentation that your pet is seriously ill. If you are unable to afford to treat the animal or if you choose to return the animal to the shelter, the shelter will either refund your money or allow you to choose another animal.
  • If you provide proper documentation from the vet, the shelter staff will decide whether to refund your money or allow you to adopt another animal. 

If you have questions, please calls us at (304)-696-5551
Monday-Saturday: 10:00am – 3:330pm