Our Adoption Process
Step 1
Browse Our Adoptable Pets Online
Start by exploring our Adoptable Cats and Adoptable Dogs online. Please note, we are an appointment-only facility and do not have regular visiting hours. However, we warmly invite you to check our Open House Schedule for upcoming events. These are wonderful opportunities to visit the shelter, meet our adoptable pets in person, and learn more about the adoption process from our team.
Step 2
Submit an Adoption Application
It’s time to apply! Fill out an application for Cats or Dogs. You can specify a particular animal you're interested in, but please note that availability cannot be guaranteed. Please remember, unless it’s during an Open House, an approved application is required before we can schedule a meet & greet with the animals.
Adoption Requirements:
✓ You must be 18 years or older.
✓ All members of your household must meet the pet you’re interested in. This includes any children who live with you.
✓ If you have other dogs at home, we’ll arrange for a meet & greet with the pet you're applying for.
✓ Proof of pet-friendly housing is required. You can provide a lease, contact information for your landlord, or other proof.
✓ If you've had pets before, we'll reach out to your veterinarian for a reference. Please inform your vet in advance to approve the release of information.
✓ A couple personal references will also be required to verify your ability to care for a pet.
Step 3
Meet & Greet
Once your application is approved, we’ll schedule a one-on-one meeting for a cat or dog at The Animal Haven. Depending on the pet and your household situation, a few visits may be required to ensure it’s the perfect match for everyone!
Step 4
Selection Process
Finding the right match is important—for both you and the animal. Depending on the animal’s needs and your household situation, we may schedule one or more visits to ensure a good fit. Once a match is made, we’ll make sure your new companion is up to date on all vaccinations and medical care. From there, we'll work with you to schedule a day to pickup your new pet and welcome them home!
Step 5
Bring Your New Pet Home!
On pick-up day, be sure to bring a cat carrier (with blankets, if possible) for your new feline friend and a leash and harness for your new dog. We’ll also ask for the adoption fee, which can be paid by cash in-person or by credit card via our Secure Online Processor.
Adoption Fees:
- Cats & Kittens:
- Kittens (up to 1 year): $275
- Two Kittens: $500
- Adult Cats (1 to 8 years old): $225
- Two Adult Cats: $400
- Senior Cats (9+ years old): $200
- Two Senior Cats: $360
- Dogs & Puppies:
- Puppies (up to 1 year): $550
- Adult Dogs (1 to 6 years old): $450
- Senior Dogs (7+ years old): $350
For more details on adoption fees and the wonderful benefits that come with adopting, visit our Adoption Fees & Benefits page.
Step 6
Share Your Success Story!
We absolutely love hearing updates about our animals and their new families! Please share photos and stories of your adopted pet’s adventures with us via email or tag us on Instagram at @the.animal.haven.ct.Your updates brighten our day and help us celebrate all the wonderful forever homes we’ve helped create!
"Hocus is now Teddy. He is the only pet in the house and is doing great! Very food motivated, would probably eat the entire 5 lb bag if he had the chance, but he gets plenty of treats to go along with his regular meals and is now a healthy 14 ½ pounds. Lots of energy and very playful, but also enjoys snuggling up and watching soap operas."
"Logan’s new name is Chewy!!! He mostly responds to Chew Chew haha!! He doesn’t really like to be picked up, but he loves cuddles with his brother Peanut!! And sometimes I slide in. lol He is doing really great! Chewy goes where Peanut goes. They love each other and can’t be without each other. I adore them both. He is eating very well!! Sometimes way too much; needs to go on a diet haha."
"We named SpongeBob Naruto because we are anime fans and it fits so perfectly! He is mischievous and so so sweet. A complete and total love bug! He loves to lay on momma’s lap and sleep and purrs away. He and Khaleesi (our older cat) are completely bonded! They spend their days lounging in our huge windows watching birds, playing, and grooming each other (when they aren’t napping together)! He was the perfect fit for our little family. No issues at all with eating or health. … We love our boy!"