Adoption Information
Helping Paws understands the importance of choosing the right pet for your family and we think we are the perfect place to start your search. We have many wonderful animals that are looking for their forever homes. Happy endings and “second chances” happen all the time here at Helping Paws and we would love for you and your family to be a part of it!
All adoptable pets are listed on our website, however, the best way to find a new furry companion is by visiting us in person — after all you might just meet your new best friend!
Before you begin the process of adopting a new animal companion, take some time to think about the commitment you are making and ask yourself if this is the right time for you to adopt. Helping Paws is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior while at Helping Paws, and provide resources as needed. Our experienced staff and directors are available to help you find the perfect companion and have a great sense for matching up the right pet with the right family.
Finding a great match can take time so we want you to relax around the animals and let them get to know you too. Remember, adopting a dog or cat is a long term commitment and we want you and your family to make sure you are ready for it.
Adoption not only gives a deserving pet a loving home, it also helps to save the lives of many other pets in our shelter and beyond.
Adoption Fees
| $450.00 | Puppy – 8 weeks up to 6 months of age* |
| $400.00 | Puppy – 6 months up to 1 year of age* |
| $350.00 | Adult Dog – 1 year through 7 years |
| $250.00 | Senior Dog – 8 years and older** |
| $175.00 | Kittens – up to 6 months (2 for $310.00) |
| $145.00 | Teenager – 6 months to 1 year (2 for $250.00) |
| $125.00 | Adult Cat – 1 year through 7 years (2 for $210.00) |
| $50.00 | Senior Cat – 8 years and older** |
*A $50.00 rebate for puppies will be issued upon proof of obedience completion within 6 months of adoption
**Eligible for our Senior to Senior program where the adoption fee is waived for those who qualify
What Adoption Fees Include
All Helping Paws adoptable pets are examined by a veterinarian. They are also spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations for their age, microchipped, de-wormed, applied flea preventative and get free pet health insurance for 30 days. All dogs are heartworm tested and started on heartworm preventative. All cats and kittens are tested for FeLV (feline leukemia) and for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). Adopters will also receive a bag of food for their new dog or cat, and a collar and leash (dogs only).
Helping Paws Animal Shelter is a non-profit organization that relies entirely on private donations and its own fund raising abilities to operate. The fees collected from our adoptions help to offset some of the costs involved in providing care for the animals and preparing them for placement into new homes.
Senior to Senior Program: The adoption fee is waived for any approved senior citizen who is 65 years of age or older and adopting a dog or cat that is 8 years of age or older.
Requirements
Before falling in love with one of our pets, please make sure that you are:
- At least 21 years of age with a valid state-issued photo ID. If current address does not match ID, you must provide copies of three bills verifying your current address
- Able and willing to spend the time and money necessary to provide necessary training, medical treatment, and proper care for the animal over the course of their life
Adoption Procedures
- When you arrive, sign in and ask to talk to someone about seeing available animals. A staff member or director can take you through our kennels or cat rooms. Please take the time to observe and notice all our pets. All of the pets deserve loving homes and our goal is to match up the right pet with the right family.
- If there is an animal you are interested in interacting with, ask the staff member or director you are with to meet with them in one of our quiet “meet & greet” rooms.
- If after socializing with an animal you are interested in adopting, ask to complete our Pre-Adopt form. Once completed, a HP Director will review your completed application with you and get clarification on anything if needed. We do not do same day adoptions.
- The Pre-Adopt form is then reviewed thoroughly and a decision will be made and communicated to you after all information is gathered. This ‘waiting period’ will also allow the adopter time to reflect upon the responsibility associated with adopting an animal and ensure that it is a commitment they are willing to make.