Animal Welfare Society

Additional adoption info

Adoption Process
Our population changes on a daily basis as new pets come in and resident pets are adopted. For a real-time listing of pets available for adoption, visit our dog, cat or small animal adoption pages. While we do post photos of animals going up for adoption a few days in advance, we clearly indicate with their photo online the date he/she will be available for adoption. Animals cannot be reserved or put on hold for any reason. Adoption appointments can only be made one day in advance. We ask that you do not call until the day of, or for highly-sought after animals, one day in advance.

Our adoption counselors spend time with the animals each day, so they are always happy to share information and stories. Don’t be shy – please ask any and all questions that come to mind, before, during and after the adoption process. We are here to help and will gladly answer all of your questions. The best way to ask your questions is to call daily after 9 am.

1. Think Ahead
It is helpful to know for certain that pets are welcomed where you live before you adopt. Think about applicable local ordinances, homeowner’s and/or renter’s insurance policies, rental agreements, parental consent, approval from roommate(s), etc. We encourage adopters to make sure they have the right set up, inside and out, for the pet they would like to bring home. Some pets need a fenced in yard, other pets do best as the only pet, etc. Each animal’s housing needs are unique, as are the rules or regulations that might govern your home and the jurisdiction in which you live.

2. Adoption Questionnaire
This simple and straightforward questionnaire is our preliminary way of getting to know you. By answering questions about your expectations, interests, experiences, lifestyle and family dynamics, our adoption counselors can be best prepared to provide information about the pets you may be interested in and help you find the best match for you and your family.

You can download and complete the adoption questionnaire in advance (and email it to us) or bring it with you to your adoption appointment. You can also check in when you first arrive and get a questionnaire if you aren’t able to print it out in advance. We ask that you return to your car to fill it out.



3. Adoption Appointment
Because we have only a limited number of adoption appointments each day and we would like our pets to go home as quickly as possible, we ask that you only make an appointment if you are seriously interested in adopting. It is helpful if you have a specific animal in mind (especially for dogs). however, we understand that visiting with potential new pets is a critical part of the adoption process. It gives you the opportunity to get to know their unique personalities and needs. There will be sufficient time to visit with multiple animals, as available, during your appointment.

When you arrive for your appointment, please come to the Adoption Center to check in, turn in your adoption questionnaire or gather one to complete.

While it is not mandatory, we encourage you to get the whole family on board. Though we may ask only one member of the family to join us in the Adoption pod to complete the adoption (due to social distancing requirements), there is space for the whole family to visit with and meet the potential new pet(s). In addition, we have an extensive property, including several exercise pens and a courtyard, where you as a family can spend quality time together and get to know your new pet. With dogs for adoption, you can even take a walk together, perhaps along one of our many trails. For fellow canine family members, dog-to-dog introductions are handled on a case-by-case basis. We will work with you to determine if an introduction is in the best interest of your resident dog and your prospective new dog. You do not have to bring your resident dog with you when you stop by to meet available dogs. A meet-and-greet can be arranged once the adoption process is started.

4. Adoption Fees
Adoption fees are listed on each individual animal’s web profile and on a card on/near their kennel or space in the Adoption Center. Our adoption fees include the extensive care each and every animal receives at AWS, including shelter, daily enrichment and veterinary care. Learn more about AWS adoption fees and the benefits they include. Fees vary from species to species and depend on the animal’s age, breed and size.

Are you a veteran? Ask about our veterans discount. Are you a senior? You qualify for our Seniors for Seniors program. We offer discounted adoption fees on senior animals for adopters who are 65 or older. Through this program, senior cats (ages 10+) have a $10 adoption fee. Senior dogs (ages 8+) have a fee of $25.

5. Taking your Pet Home
Because we cannot place holds on any pets, if you do find the perfect addition to your family during your adoption appointment, we ask that you plan to take your new pet home with you then. We sell carriers, leashes and collars in our Adoption Center, or you can bring your own.

If you make an appointment and find out the pet you’ve met with isn’t right for you, or you need more time to think about it, you are not obligated to take the pet home. However, keep in mind that we are unable to place a hold, especially if it’s a highly-sought after pet, like a kitten or a puppy.