Adopting an Animal

Adoption Costs as of 9/1/06
Cats and kittens under 7 years old
 $125.00
Cats over 7 years old
 $50.00
Dogs and Puppies under 1 year old
$325.00
Dogs up to 7 years old
 $225.00
Dogs over 7 years old
 $100.00
Birds
Price varies

 

What Does My Adoption Fee Include?

  • All animals are spayed or neutered at 12 weeks of age before leaving the shelter ~ average cost $150-$300

  • All dogs are Microchipped with PetWatch 24 microchips

  • All cats leaving the shelter are feline Leukemia/FIV tested ~ average cost $50-$60

  • All dogs leaving the shelter have been Heartworm tested ~ average cost $25-$50

  • All animals will be vaccinated up to date according to their age. Including Rabies and Distemper ~ average cost $30-$50

  • All animals have had fecal testing to determine parasite presence ~ average cost $15-$25

  • All animals are given general de-wormer and/or specific parasite control ~ average cost $10-$25 per treatment

  • Dogs will receive a leash collar and ID tag ~ average cost $25

  • Cats will receive cat carrier ~ average cost $10

  • All animals will receive one free PHYSICAL with a VCA Animal Hospital located throughout New England ~ average cost $50-$75

**These fees are non-refundable as they help cover the operating costs of the shelter.

Please remember that this is a life-long commitment and not to be taken lightly. We check vet references and, if you are not a homeowner, we need to call your landlord, so that we can be certain that pets are allowed in your apartment. Please bring the contact information for your vet and/or landlord when you come to adopt an animal.

If you have any uncertainties about adopting an animal, please speak to our adoption staff. Pets returned to the shelter can only think "what did I do wrong?" They do not know that your children have allergies or that you work too many hours.

The Rescue League is invested in making the adoption a successful experience. You are therefore encouraged to bring questions and concerns to the attention of the adoption staff who will make every attempt to make a good match. When you see an animal you are interested in, we have viewing rooms you may use to spend individual time with the animal. In this way you can more closely observe the animal and how it interacts with you.

All of our adopted animals come with a free health exam at a VCA Animal Hospital. The VCA veterinarian will also talk to you about heartworm prevention, flea control, the right diet, and general pet care to help you make sure you have a healthy animal. It is recommended that all new pets have a fecal exam. Please bring a stool sample with you on your first visit (this, however, is not included in your free health exam).

The veterinarians at VCA make it their goal to establish a long and happy relationship with you and your new companion. Please call the nearest VCA (1-800-VCA-PETS) for an appointment when you arrive home with your new friend.

Please note that if you have questions or concerns regarding your new companion you may call the Rescue League or look through our training tips section for dogs or cats to find advice on a variety of problems. Remember that, whether you get a puppy/kitten or a full grown dog/cat, you will probably need to put some time into training your new friend to adjust him/her to your living situation. We have tried to include some of the most common issues people are faced with in our training tips section to help you.

Please be aware that the shelter reserves the right to deny adoption to anyone for any reason at any time. Your safety and the safety, happiness and well-being of all of our shelter animals are our top priority.

 

Adoption Information

Adoption Hours:
Monday-Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m

(508) 853-0030