Adoption Process
We use an in-person, open adoption process focused on matching pets with loving homes. Your decision helps save lives and gives a pet the best chance at a healthy & happy life.
Open Adoption (In-Person)
At Stafford Animal Shelter, our “Open Adoption” process involves an in-person conversation with an Animal Care Coordinator about your experience, expectations, and desired companion animal.
Before You Visit
We don’t require proof of home ownership, references, fenced yards, financial status, or vet records to adopt. Our goal is to match animals with loving families, considering each animal and situation unique. We aim to shorten animals’ stay in our care, requiring adopters to meet them in person without placing holds.
Finding Your Fit
Before coming to the shelter think about your lifestyle, level of activity, history of pet ownership, work schedules, and living situations. This will help guide your decision on which pet right for you.
Bring the Family
We encourage bringing all family members to meet with a potential new pet. We are willing to do dog-to-dog introductions if requested, but we do not do introductions with cats, kittens, or puppies. We will share resources and help guide you on how to do a safe and successful introduction in a home environment.
The Adoption Process
- Come to our shelter to see which adorable adoptables you like.
- Complete the “Getting to Know You” questionnaire at the front desk.
- Meet with an Animal Care Coordinator and your chosen shelter pet in our family room or outdoor play yards.
- Fill out the adoption contract and make it official.
- Head home with your new “Friend For Life” on the same day! If the pet has not been spayed or neutered yet, you can still take them home through our “Foster 2 Adopt” program, which requires them to be returned on their scheduled surgery day.
Please consider bringing appropriate handling items for the animal that you are adopting: a carrier for a cat or other small animals. A car crate, collar and leash if you are adopting a dog. We do have some small retail items for sale but as a small non-profit, we are not in a position to loan out our kennels and play pens.
Adoption Fees
- Puppies – $150
- Dogs – $100
- Kittens – $80
- Cats – $50
- Work cats* – $40
- Zoo critters – Varies by species
- ID tag – $5
Special Discounts
- Seniors for Seniors: waived adoption fee (generously funded).
- Kats 4 Kids: waived adoption fee when children pledge lifelong care.
- 2 for 1: adopt two littermates, pay one fee.
- Pets for Vets: waived adoption fees for retired Military Veterans.