Adoption Procedures

Everything we do is for the best interests of our animals in our care. Our adoption process is aimed at matching you, your family and your current pets with our animals for adoption.

An adoption counselor (or volunteer) will introduce you to our animals in a private meeting room. We will share information about the animal's history and needs, behavior assessment and any volunteer / staff comments.

When you find the right pet for you and your family, the adoption counselor will assist you in completing the proper paperwork. This process includes signing an adoption contract, reviewing medical history (provided by WPHS) and providing proper pet care information. This process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

What you will need in order to adopt:

• A valid PA state ID with your current address.
• If you rent, a copy of the lease stating they permit pets at the residence. Your landlord's name and phone number should be listed on the lease.
• All members of the household should meet the animal before adopting. All members under the age of 10 are required to meet the animal.
• If you are interested in adopting a dog and have other dog(s) living in your household, it is required that all dogs meet each other at the shelter.
• Certain animals require a completed application and a pre-adoption home visit.
• Adoption fee is accepted in cash or credit/debit card. Checks, American Express and Discover are not accepted as payment.
• All adopters must be 21 years of age or older.

Holds - no holds will be accepted over the phone - everyone must have had interaction with the animal.

A $15.00 meet and greet hold may be placed on an animal for meet and greet with other dogs in the home only. This deposit holds an animal for a maximum of 24 hours. This deposit can be applied to the adoption fee.

A $25.00 meet the family deposit may be placed on an animal if we are requiring that other members of the family meet the animal. This deposit is non-refundable but can be applied to the adoption fee.

Adoptions are approved for the first qualified home.