Adopt a Cat or Dog

Now that you've fallen in love, it's time to consider your commitment. A new pet will bring many changes into your life. See the checklist below to make sure that you are ready. (Download a PDF for your convenience)​

• Why do you want a new pet?
  You should not adopt a pet without much thought and consideration. Take your time thinking it through. Never adopt on impulse. 

• All aboard? 
  Are all the members of your family on board to welcome a new pet?

• Is it in the budget?
  Over your pet's lifetime, the cost of ownership can be high. We advise that you budget $1,500 to $2,000 in expenses per year.

• Are you allergic?
  Consider potential allergies of all family members.

• Special challenges?
  Housebreaking your pet can take time, patience, and compassion. You might also experience damage to furniture and property. Are you sure you can accept this? Additionally, medical issues are also common during the life of your pet. Make sure you have time and resources to tackle these issues.

• Are there pet ownership rules where you live?
  Many rental properties and condo/co-ops have special requirements. Inquire about size, breed, and training restrictions. Are there additional deposits for pet owners? Be sure to get the policy in writing. Also, if you own your own home, check your homeowner's insurance for any breed restrictions. 

• Which is the right pet for your home?
  For instance, a howling beagle might not be right for your apartment complex. If you have birds or other roaming small critters, in all likelihood, a cat is not the right choice for your home. 

• Do you have the right lifestyle?
  Are you about to move? Do you travel for work? Will a promotion or new job change your availability? Make sure these matters are settled before you adopt. 

• Are you about to have a baby?
  This might not be the best time to integrate a new pet into your home.

• What do you do when you travel?
  Can you take your pet along? Do you have friends or family nearby who can pet sit? Are there reliable kennels or pet sitting services? Research your options before you adopt.

• Is your home pet proof?
  Make sure your home is safe for your new pet. Identify and securely store poisonous chemicals and detergents. Small objects can prove hazardous; secure desk supplies (including paper clips and rubber bands). Assure all food is properly stored and inaccessible (for instance, chocolate and raisins can prove deadly for dogs). Even children's toys with small parts can be dangerous. Many plants are poisonous; for example, poinsettias, spider plants, and lilies can be deadly.

• What local laws and regulations should you follow?
  Be an ambassador for responsible pet ownership. Follow all rabies, licensing, and leash laws. Be sure to clean up after your dog and make sure all your pets have a proper identification tag.

Now that you have taken everything into consideration, you are ready to adopt. Come to The Animal Haven to meet potential new companions. Our staff can help you make the right choice. They can also review all of your pet's needs, from house training to health issues, behaviors, and grooming requirements.

The adoption process can be time consuming and will most likely take more than one visit to the shelter. But this time is time well spent to assure you and your pet enjoy a happy life together.

The shelter's adoption applications can be accessed here:

• Dog Adoption Application
• Cat Adoption Application

We appreciate your patience and cooperation in bringing your family and your new pet together.

The Animal Haven is dedicated to promoting safe, responsible pet ownership. Carefully consider the commitment you are making to assure that your new pet will receive the love and care he or she needs for his or her entire life.​

• Allow at least 30 days. It takes time to make your new pet feel like part of the family. Joining a new home may be disorienting and will impact your pet's behavior. But you can help him or her overcome the shock of this change with patience and love.

• Bonding with your dog: Allow time for your dog to grow accustomed to you and to his or her new home. Even adult dogs who know some commands will benefit from additional training; this also will further enhance the bonding process.

• Getting to know your cat: Cats are slow to accept change, and new environments can be confusing. Even slight changes may cause stress. It may take days or weeks, but with love and patience, your kitty will soon adapt to his or her forever home.

• What if my new pet gets sick? We do our best to insure that our pets are in good health. However, a change of environment may cause stress, which can lead to sickness, particularly with cats. This is a good time to introduce your pet to your local veterinarian.

By adopting a new pet from The Animal Haven, you will gain a loving companion and make room at the shelter for another animal in need. Our staff will help you find the right pet. By taking your lifestyle and requirements into consideration, our staff can help you choose the pet with the right breed and temperament to complete your family. 

Adoption fees

Canines

Puppies (up to one-year old) - $300
Dogs - $225

Felines

Kittens (up to one-year old) - $225
2 kittens - $400
Adult cat - $180
2 adult cats - $320

Basic benefits for adopting a dog or cat from The Animal Haven:

• Consultation with our staff to select the right companion for your home. 

• We insure that all pets are spayed and neutered.

• All pets are provided with flea and tick treatment, and deworming.

• We provide basic vaccinations, including rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats over 3-months old and distemper vaccinations.

• We provides complete medical evaluations and treatment for illnesses/injuries during the animal's stay at the shelter.

• If necessary, we provide our animals with extensive medical treatment.

Dog adoptions also include:

• Bordetella vaccination; and

• Heartworm test and Heartgard treatment for all dogs 9 months or older.

Cat adoptions also include:

• Testing for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline AIDS (FIV).

Comparable costs for these services:

• basic veterinary exam: $65 - $80

• basic vaccinations: $85 - $150

• tests and diagnostics for common canine/feline diseases: $70 - $350 and possibly more

• flea/tick treatment: $20 per month

• spay/neuter: dogs $400; cats $265

Total:

• Dogs: $640 - $1000

• Cats: $505 - $865