Find Your

NEW BEST FRIEND

Every adoption creates space to save another life. Browse adoptable pets and learn more about our adoption process below.

Adoptable Pets

Our Adoption Process

Meet Your Match

Spend time with the animal and talk with us to find the right fit.

Browse Pets

View adoptable animals online or visit the shelter in-person.

Submit an Application

Help us connect you with the right companion.

Complete Adoption

Finalize paperwork, discuss fees, and take your new friend home.

Welcome Home

Our team is here for support and resources every step of the way.

Adoption Fees

Dogs and Puppies - $135
Includes:
Spay/Neuter
Vaccinations
Microchip
Heartworm Test

Cats and Kittens - $80
Includes:
Spay/Neuter
Vaccinations
Microchip
FIV/FeLV Test

Adoption fees help offset only a portion of the medical care and daily support each animal receives while waiting for a home.

Every adoption helps create space and resources to save another life.

Important Things to Know

  • We believe adopters should have honest, transparent information about the pets in our care. While many animals arrive with limited history, we share known medical, behavioral, and temperament information at the time of adoption. Some illnesses or behaviors may not yet be visible due to stress, incubation periods, or changing environments, and ongoing adjustment and decompression should be expected.

  • Some animals may be eligible for a foster-to-adopt arrangement due to age, medical needs, pending procedures, or behavioral observation. Foster-to-adopt placements allow animals to continue receiving necessary care while giving potential adopters time to ensure the fit is right. Availability is determined on a case-by-case basis.

  • Puppies and kittens may occasionally be adopted before spay/neuter surgery due to age or medical considerations. In those cases, adopters must sign a sterilization agreement and comply with all scheduled appointments and follow-up requirements. Juvenile animals are also more medically vulnerable and may require additional veterinary care after adoption.

  • Our goal is lifelong successful placements, but we understand that unexpected situations can occur. If an adoption is not working out, we ask adopters to contact DCHS before rehoming the animal independently. Return policies, timelines, and applicable fees or requirements may vary depending on the situation and the animal involved.

  • Select animals may qualify for a short-term trial adoption period when appropriate. Trial adoptions are intended to help determine compatibility while maintaining clear expectations and communication between the adopter and DCHS. Trial approval is at the discretion of the shelter and may not be available for all animals.

  • We welcome out-of-area adopters when we believe the placement is a good fit for both the animal and adopter. Additional communication, veterinary references, landlord verification, virtual meet-and-greets, or transportation coordination may be required depending on distance and circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • In most cases, yes — as long as the animal is currently on site, available for adoption, and the adoption process, meet-and-greet, and counseling are completed. Our goal is to create safe, successful matches for both pets and families.

  • Most pets are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. In some cases, puppies or kittens may be adopted before surgery due to age or medical considerations. Those adopters will receive a sterilization agreement and scheduled follow-up instructions.

  • We understand that transitions can take time. Slow introductions are important, and our team is happy to offer guidance and resources to help set everyone up for success. If concerns arise after adoption, please contact us so we can discuss support and next steps.

  • Because of limited space and high interest in many animals, we generally do not place extended holds. Short holds may be considered in certain situations, including pending meet-and-greets, approved applications, or medical procedures.

  • Some pets live in foster homes while waiting for adoption. If you are interested in a foster pet, we can help coordinate a meet-and-greet with the foster family once an inquiry or application is submitted.

  • Yes. We welcome adopters who rent their homes. We do ask that adopters ensure pets are permitted under their lease or housing agreement before finalizing an adoption.