New Best Friend

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.

• Adopters must be at least 18 years old.

• A valid photo ID is required.

• Adoption paperwork must be completed before an animal may leave.

• All dogs must leave on a properly fitted collar/harness and leash.

• All cats and kittens must leave in a secure carrier.

• Animals will not be released without appropriate transportation arrangements.

Bringing a new pet home is a major change. Animals may need time to adjust to their new environment, family members, routines, and other pets. It is normal for newly adopted animals to experience stress, nervousness, changes in appetite, house-training setbacks, or behavioral changes during the transition period.

DCHS encourages adopters to allow time for decompression, provide consistent routines, and reach out to our team with questions or concerns before making decisions about returning a pet.