Adopt a Dog or Cat

 

Adopt a Pet

When a pet is adopted it allows us to save another life.

I want to adopt a cat or dog

Creating lifelong happiness by finding the right pet for the right home. Our main goal is to make sure that every animal goes to the best possible home, and that you are comfortable with the animal you adopt. The adoption process is designed to create smiles, wags, and purrs. We love helping you find your new best friend and helping them find you.

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.

Start My Application

Typical Steps for Dog or Cat Adoption

  • Potential parents complete the adoption application form.
  • Once processed, you will be contacted by an application specialist that can answer any questions you might have about the adoption process.
  • Plan your visit! The shelter is open by appointment only with an approved application. Once you make an appointment, you will be able to work one on one with an adoption counselor to help you find the perfect fit for you family! Be sure to check individual profiles for availability dates 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/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 on 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.”

Jamie Preira

Adopted Winnie From Animal House Shelter

Adoption FAQ

How old do I have to be to adopt?

We require all adopters be at least 21 years old. 

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?

We rescue all breeds of dogs and cats of all ages.

I don't see the breed or type of dog I am looking for on your website

Keep your eye on our website.  We rescue around 40 new animals every week and post their pictures and information two weeks before they are available to give you a chance to get your application in to us and plan your day to bring the whole family to the shelter.

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. The shelter is open by appointment only with an approved application. We are open every single day of the year, even 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 love our service men and women as much as we love our animals!

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?

Dogs that you currently own must be current on distemper and rabies vaccinations prior to visiting the shelter or any adoption. Cats must be current on their distemper vaccines & FeLV/FIV test.  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). Adopters who currently have pets or have had a pet will also need to provide a vet reference on the adoption application.

Can I put the animal on hold until I'm ready to adopt?

We do not allow anyone to put a pet “on hold”, no exceptions.  The second a dog or cat is adopted, we are saying yes to another one at a high kill facility that may have minutes to hours to live and that is why we never put holds on anyone.

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-$275 (each individual profile will state the adoption donation). Many older cats have reduced adoption donations which are listed on their individual profiles. If you are a Senior Citizen-please call or email to ask about our SENIOR to SENIOR Program- When People 65 years or older, with approved application, adopt a pet 8 years 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 and cats Nature’s Select food.  Kittens are fed Purina Kitten Chow.

I am interested in adopting two dogs or cats

Wonderful!  Most animals love to be with another dog or cat. We love when people adopt two animals together, we can let you know who their “buddy” has been while with us at the shelter.  It is usually best if you’re thinking of adopting two animals that you do that at the same time so they are introduced to your home together and one doesn’t feel the need to become territorial.

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 on their individual profiles on the website.

  • If there isn’t a date on their profile, they are available now
  • If they have a date, they can not be seen or adopted until that date
  • 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.”

Change Your Life and The Life of a Homeless Animal! Choose Adoption!

Like people, animals have distinct personalities that make them unique. At Animal House Shelter, we are proud to say that the dogs and cats are treated like our own. We care enough to be certain they are treated with the comfort and respect that they deserve and we make every effort to ensure that they go to the right, forever, permanent, loving home.

Start My Application

Find Your Next Pet

Browse the cat and dog directories and find the perfect match for your home!

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Find My Cat »

Help Save Lives!

Animal House Shelter relies on donations to help us fulfill our mission of saving as many pets as possible. Donations let us focus on our key goals.

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