the adoption process

You may be surprised to find that adopting a pet is a more involved process than you expected. It is important to understand that the process is the same for everyone and it is not intended to frustrate potential adopters. Everything we do is in the best interest of the pets in our care and their prospective new families. The Humane Society's aim is to find the best possible match between the adopter and the new pet.

The adoption fees help offset the cost of the vaccinations, flea preventative and other parasite treatments, food, medication, and daily care that the Humane Society provides for the pets. Spays / Neuters are required for all intact animals under Pennsylvania State Law

We ask that you please keep a few things in mind when considering adopting an animal from our shelter. Filling out an application does not guarantee any adoption; it is the first step in determining whether the Humane Society will sponsor your adoption. Your application will aid the adoption counselors in deciding if the animal is a good fit for you. Please be aware if you are ready to adopt, we ask that you be prepared to take the animal home the same day. We do not put any animals on hold, nor do we accept deposits for the animal. The first approved applicant gets priority.

When you adopt a pet from a shelter, you are adopting an animal with a history. It may be a bright history, and it may not have been. An animal adoption is a lifetime commitment. Please be patient and cooperate with us to make the best adoption decision for everyone involved.

Please Note: The Humane Society of NWPA reserves the right to deny any adoption application with or without disclosure of cause.

These are the basic steps for most adoptions:
(some may require additional information)

• Adoption staff will ask you to complete a questionnaire and review it with you to guide you in selecting a pet that suits your home, lifestyle and schedule.

• Home address information is verified, and verification of landlord permission is necessary if you rent.

• We wish to protect the health of any pets you currently own, to the best of our ability, so we will need to verify their vaccination history.

• Proof of identity such as a valid driver's license is required.

• After you have been approved for adoption, you will be required to sign an adoption contract.

• You will be asked to pay an adoption fee; a spay/neuter deposit is also required for unaltered pets as mandated by state law.

Senior Citizen Discounts:

Adoption fees are discounted by $50.00 for senior citizens 60 years of age and older in the following instances:

• Altered cats 6 months of age or older
• Altered dogs 3 years of age or older

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Canine Adoptions

For Puppies (less than 6 months of age):

• Altered puppies: $150.00*

For Dogs (young or adult if 6 months of age and older):

• Altered dogs: $125.00*

*It is the Humane Society's practice for ALL dogs to be spayed/neutered before they are available for adoption.

Also included with all Canine Adoptions:

• Temperament Evaluation
• Fecal Exam
• Advantage™ Flea Preventative
• General Health Exam
• Distemper (DHPPCV) & Kennel Cough (Bordetella) vaccines
• De-worming
• Bathing & Grooming when necessary
• Initial free exam from participating veterinarians
• Counseling & advice for and about your pet throughout its lifetime

Check out our adoptable pets!

Dog Licenses

We highly recommend that new dog owners obtain a license upon the adoption of a new dog. Residents of Erie County (not within the city limits) can purchase their dog licenses at the Humane Society.

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Feline Adoptions

For Kittens (less than 6 months of age):

• Altered kittens: $80.00*

For Cats (young or adult if 6 months of age and older):

• Altered cats: $80.00*

*It is the Humane Society's practice for all kittens & cats of appropriate weight and development to be spayed/neutered before they are available for adoption.

Also included with all cat adoptions:

• Temperament Evaluation
• Fecal Exam
• Advantage™ Flea Preventative
• General Health Exam
• Distemper (FVRCP) vaccine
• De-worming
• FeLV / FIV / Heartworm testing
• Bathing & Grooming when necessary
• Initial free exam from participating veterinarians
• Counseling & advice for and about your pet throughout its lifetime

Check out our adoptable pets!