Adoption Process

Humane Society Adoptions

The mission of our adoption program is to match our wonderful animals with great people. Our staff and volunteers are here to help you in whatever way we can!

Finding the Humane Society and your next Forever Friend!

Click here for directions.

Adoption Basics

Our adoption fee includes each of the following:

• spay/neuter surgery

• first vaccinations

• rabies vaccine if the animal is old enough

• deworming medication

• flea control

• feline leukemia and FIV test for cats

• heartworm test for dogs

• microchip and registration

The adoption fees vary based on an animal’s species, breed, and training – beginning at $70 for an adult cat, $100 for kittens, $100 for an adult dog and $150 for puppies.  The adoption fee for rabbits is $40 and includes the House Rabbit Handbook.  Pocket Pet adoption fees vary widely based on species.  Our adoptions fees are an incredible value as the services we provide for the adopted animal would cost $250 to $500 if provided by a private veterinarian.

In order to provide top quality care for the animals at the Humane Society, we have instituted variable pricing in order to help subsidize the cost of keeping animals at our shelter as long as it takes them to find a home. The Capital Area Humane Society is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of the community to enable us to care for thousands of abused, abandoned and unwanted animals throughout the year.

The Adoption Application

Take a clipboard from the display near the adoptions office.  Once you’ve found an animal you are interested in, speak to an adoptions counselor.

What we’ll need from you:

• Photo ID

• Proof of current vaccinations for any other companion animals in house

• If you rent, permission from your landlord to have the pet you are considering – either in writing on business letterhead or by phone at a verifiable business phone number

Please note: adoption holds may not be placed via phone or email.  These holds are for people who have already met their potential pet in person and require additional time to complete the application process.

These are the forms you will be asked to fill out:

Cat Adoption Application

Dog Adoption Application

Rabbit Adoption Application

Other (pocket pet or exotic) Adoption Application

You are welcome to print them out and complete them before coming to the shelter or complete them here -- please be aware of the information you will be asked to provide.

The Adoption Process

1. Meet with an Adoption Counselor to go over the application and discuss the animal you are considering. Our counselors will focus on working with you to ensure we find a companion animal who will be a great fit for your family!

2. Review necessary documents and permissions (including support for the decision by other adults in the home, proof of current vaccinations for other companion animals in the home and if necessary, permission from landlord to have a pet. Home ownership will be verified.

3. If everything looks like a great fit, the adoption is nearly complete! Schedule spay/neuter surgery if necessary.  If the animals is already altered, and no additional medical attention is necessary, he or she can go home with you the same day.

4. Ask our Adoption Counselors about other animals in the home (what can we do about dogs meeting other dogs).

Adoption Holds

The Capital Area Humane Society is able to accommodate up to three holds per animals if a family needs more time to decide or if our adoptions staff needs to confirm documents and permissions.

Weekends are busy!!
Saturday, Sunday and Mondays are among our busiest adoption days. Our staff and volunteers will do their best to assist you in a timely fashion; however, the wait to complete an adoption can take several hours during a busy Saturday afternoon.