Adoption Fees

Dogs

  • $450.00 – Puppy (8 weeks to 6 months)*

  • $400.00 – Puppy (6 months to 1 year)*

  • $350.00 – Adult Dog (1 year to 7 years)

  • $250.00 – Senior Dog (8 years and older)**

What Adoption Fees Include

At Helping Paws, we ensure all adoptable pets are healthy, well-prepared, and ready to transition into their new homes. Our adoption fees cover:

  • Veterinary Examination

  • Spaying or Neutering

  • Age-appropriate Vaccinations

  • Microchipping

  • De-worming

  • Flea Preventative Application

Additional Benefits:

  • All dogs are tested for heartworms and started on heartworm preventative.

  • All cats and kittens are tested for FeLV (Feline Leukemia) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus).

  • Adopters receive:

  • A bag of food for their new dog or cat.

  • A collar and leash (for dogs only).

Adoption Requirements

Before adopting one of our pets, please ensure the following:

  • Age and Identification: You must be at least 21 years old and provide a valid state-issued photo ID. If your current address does not match the address on your ID, you’ll need to provide copies of three bills verifying your current address.

  • Commitment: Be prepared to spend the time, effort, and financial resources needed for training, medical care, and the overall well-being of the animal throughout their lifetime.

Adoption Procedures

  1. Appointment Scheduling

    • All visits are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please contact the shelter at 815-338-4400.

  2. Arrival

    • Upon arrival, check in with our front desk staff by providing your name and appointment time.

    • A kennel staff member will escort you to one of our meet-and-greet rooms, where you can interact with our available animals and ask any questions.

  3. Adoption Application

    • After spending time with the animals, if you decide to move forward with an adoption, you’ll complete our adoption application.

    • An HP Director will review the application with you, addressing any questions or clarifications. Please note that we do not process same-day adoptions.

  4. Application Review

    • Your application will be thoroughly reviewed. This process allows us to ensure the best match between you and the pet.

    • The waiting period also gives you time to reflect on the responsibilities of pet ownership and confirm your readiness for this commitment.

  5. Final Decision

    • Once the review process is complete, you’ll be notified of the decision.

Senior to Senior Program

Helping Paws is proud to offer a Senior to Senior Program, where the adoption fee is waived for approved senior citizens (65 years or older) adopting a dog or cat aged 8 years or older.