The Adoption Process
What to expect before taking home your new friend
We Do In-Person Adoption
Thank you for your interest in adopting! Your decision is helping to save lives and give a
homeless pet the best chance at a healthy & happy life!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fees
Puppies
$150
Dogs
$100
Kittens
$80
Cats
$50
Work Cats*
$40
Zoo Critters
Varies by species
ID Tag
$5
Please contact us to be added to the list for cats appropriate for barns, shops, etc.
pricing specials
- Seniors for Seniors – Waived adoption fee generously funded by Cat Moody & our “Cat’s Classics” Program.
- Kats 4 Kids – Waived adoption fee for cats & kittens when children pledge to care for and love their new pet for life.
- 2 for 1 – Keep kittens with a littermate and pay 1 adoption fee for 2
- Pets for Vets – Waived Adoption Fees for retired Military Veterans
what’s included?
- Spaying/neutering
- Current vaccinations
- Deworming
- Flea/tick treatment(s) (conditions apply)
- Microchipping
- A free “starter” bag of Science Diet dry food
- Happy Adoption Day Photo
- Free access to our behavior team for follow- up training and counseling
- A free wellness exam at one of our local Veterinary Partners within 60 days of adoption.