Adopt a Dog or Cat
The Adoption Process is Simple
Complete the Adoption Application and be on your way to adopting the perfect pet for your household.
Submit Your Application
Many of the animals we rescue have been neglected or abused. We want to make sure that their new homes are capable of giving them the love they need.
Animals Are Fully Vetted
All our animals are spayed/neutered, socialized with people and other animals, vaccinated, dewormed, Heartworm/FeLV/FIV tested and microchipped. Your pet will be ready to go!
Pair Pets with Parents
We’ll review your application, ask any follow up questions, and find you a match. Our counselors find the right pet for your family. We match you according to space, time, family situation, size, temperament, and age.
Typical Steps for Dog or Cat Adoption
- Potential parents complete the adoption application form.
- Once processed, you will be contacted by an application specialist who can answer any questions you might have about the adoption process.
- Plan your visit! The shelter is open 7-days a week with an approved application. It is highly recommended that you make an appointment prior to visiting. You will be able to work one-on-one with an adoption counselor to help you find the perfect fit for your family! Be sure to check individual profiles for “available soon” or “foster care” if there is an animal in particular you would like to meet.
- Once your entire family and any other dogs in the family have met with your new pet, it’s time to make it official! Our adoption counselors will take you step-by-step through the finalizing paperwork! A photo ID will be required.
- Congratulations! It is time to take home your new pet and make him or her a part of your family forever!
“Adopting Winnie was a great experience at the animal house shelter. The staff was very patient and informative as we considered adding another family member, and they were very helpful when it came time for her to meet our other dog, Elvis. I would highly recommend Animal House Shelter to anyone looking to adopt.”
Adoption FAQ
How old do I have to be to adopt?
What are the requirements to adopt?
- Before applying to adopt, ensure all family members are in agreement with adopting a new pet. We do not do surprises/gifts.
- You must complete an adoption application online.
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- You must receive a phone call or email from our application specialist that your application is approved.
- The shelter is currently open by appointment only with an approved application. Contact the shelter to make an appointment.
- All members of the household must be present, including any other dogs you may currently own, in order to do a final adoption (cats do not have to come to the shelter – we will cat test here because we know how stressful it is on the cats to be transported). As well as a photo ID will be needed.
- Dogs that you currently own must be current on distemper and rabies vaccinations prior to visiting the shelter for any adoption. And cats must be current on their distemper vaccine.
What breeds of dogs do you rescue and/or have at the shelter?
I don't see the breed or type of dog I am looking for on your website
Can you tell me about a specific animal's history?
We do not have a history on most of the animals up for adoption since we rescue them Animal Control and they are usually labeled as strays. The staff can only tell you their behavior since they have been with us. We do not know the specific breeds of each dog or cat, or the exact ages. Because they are rescued, we have to guess as to what they MAY be a mix of and what age they appear to be.
Can I walk through the back to see all the dogs and pick the one I am interested in?
We try to keep the environment for the animals in our care, as healthy, stress free and comfortable as possible during their stay with us. Due to the stress it would cause, walk-through viewing of the dogs is NOT allowed at the shelter. All of our adoptable dogs can be viewed on our website. There are computers in the shelter lobby to view each dog’s profiles if you do not have access to a computer. We are happy to bring the dogs you are interested up to the meet-and-greet areas of the shelter so that you can meet them and spend as much time as you would like visiting with as many as you want to see!
Where are the cats housed at the shelter?
Our cats live in a room where they can roam free together. This helps the cats to socialize with each other and affords more human contact. Adopters can stop by anytime during our visiting hours and spend as long as you would like in the cat room getting to know each kitty! All cats are current on vaccinations, microchipped, FeLV/FIV tested and spayed/neutered. Cats can be the most loving companions and require very little in every day care. They just want to be loved.
What types of payment do you accept?
All adoption donations MUST be in cash, money order, traveler’s check, cashier’s check, debit card or by VISA, DISCOVER, or MASTERCARD credit card only. NO PERSONAL CHECKS, PLEASE.
When are adoption hours?
We have adoption hours 7 days a week, 11am-7pm Monday – Friday, and Sunday. Saturday adoption hours are 9am-7pm. Appointments are highly recommended. You will need to have an approved application on file with us. We are open every single day of the year, even on holidays!
Is there a careful screening process for potential adopters?
Our trained counselors make sure that the right pet is matched up with your family. Our extensive application helps to ensure the right fit.
Will I love my new pet?
Yes! And they’ll love you. You’ve helped them go from being abused, neglected, or scheduled to die, and given them a new life. If a situation arises where things are not working out with your new pet, please call the shelter right away. We will do everything we can to help solve any concerns you have.
Who should come with me to the shelter when I'm ready to adopt?
All members of the household must be present, including any other dogs you may currently own, in order to do a final adoption (cats do not have to come to the shelter. We will cat test here because we know how stressful it is on the cats to be transported).
Do you offer a military discount?
We would like to extend our gratitude to the men and women who have served or are currently serving our country in the US armed forces by offering a 50% discount on adoption donations for those who active or reserve members of our armed forces and a 25% discount on adoption donations for veterans.
Please provide documentation and/or identification when completing adoption papers to ensure discount is applied.
What if I own a pet(s) already?
Can I put the animal on hold until I'm ready to adopt?
What is the cost to adopt an animal from AHS?
Our Adoption Donations for dogs & puppies ranges from $100-$700 (each individual profile will state the adoption donation). Many older dogs have reduced adoption donations, which are listed on their individual profiles. Our Adoption Donations for cats & kittens ranges from $75-$350 (each individual profile will state the adoption donation). Many older cats have reduced adoption donations, which are listed on their individual profiles. We do have a “Senior to Senior” discount: – people 65 years of age or older, with an approved application, adopt a pet 8 years of age or older, the adoption donation is waived!
Will the animal I adopt be microchipped?
We microchip, spay/neuter, heartworm test or FeLV/FIV test and give all required vaccinations to all animals. They are also all on Heartgard Plus & Frontline Plus every month while in our care. You are also offered pet insurance through ShelterCare.com.
Do the animals at the shelter already have their vaccines and preventative medication?
All of our dogs are up to date on vaccines, given dewormer, microchipped, heartworm tested or FeLV/FIV tested, spayed/neutered, kept on Heartgard Plus & Frontline Plus monthly.
If I am adopting a cat or kitten, do I need to bring something to transport them home in?
We do require that when you adopt one of our cats/kittens that they are taken home in an appropriate carrier. You can bring in your own carrier or we can supply you with a cardboard carrier for $10.
What type of food are the dogs eating while at the shelter?
We feed all the dogs Nature’s Select food. If you purchase a bag of Nature’s Select food at the time of adoption, they will donate a bag of food back to the shelter for our dogs.
I am interested in adopting two dogs or cats
How can I be sure the animal I am interested in is available at the shelter when I visit?
Not all of the animals are available for viewing or adoption right away, so make sure you look at their individual profiles on the website.
- If there isn’t a date on their profile, they are available now
- If they have “available soon” on their profile, please fill out an adoption application. Once approved, you can contact the shelter for information on when the animal will be available for adoption.
- If their profile says “I’m in foster care,” then an appointment has to be made after your application is approved
What is the definition of a no-kill animal shelter?
“No adoptable animal should be euthanized if it can be adopted into a suitable home. Adoptable animals include only those animals eight weeks of age or older that, at or subsequent to the time the animal is impounded or otherwise taken into possession, have manifested no sign of a behavioral or temperamental defect that could pose a health or safety risk or otherwise make the animal unsuitable for placement as a pet, and have manifested no sign of disease, injury, or congenital or hereditary condition that adversely affects the health of the animal or that is likely to adversely affect the animal’s health in the future.”