The Adoption Process
We’re so happy that you’ve come to A.D.O.P.T. in search of your new pet!
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Submit the Application
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Meet with an Adoption Counselor
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Submit an Adoption Request
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Schedule a time to pick up your new family member
The Adoption Fees
| DOGS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppies | 4 months and under | $525** | |||
| Puppies | 5 months – 1 year | $475** | |||
| Adults | 1 year – 6 years | $350** | |||
| Seniors | 7 years and older | $250** | |||
| CATS | |||||
| Kitten | Under 1 year | $175 | |||
| Pair of Kittens | Under 1 year | $250 | |||
| Adults | 1 – 7 years | $100 | |||
| Pair of Adults | Under 1 year | $150 | |||
| Senior Cat | Over 7 years | $75 | |||
| Pair of Seniors | Over 7 years | $112.50 | |||
| Special Breeds | Any age | $175+ | |||
** This fee includes training classes at our training facility in Naperville.
The Adoption Application
Find below our online adoption applications
Please complete the Dog Adoption Application, Cat Adoption Application, or download the Small Animal Application (Hamsters/Guinea Pigs/Rabbits)
- Applications must be completed and approved prior to meeting an animal.
- Small animal applications can be emailed directly to our Adoptions Team (adoptions@adoptpetshelter.org).
- If you have cat-specific questions, you can email our cat staff: Cat Questions (catquestions@adoptpetshelter.org).
- For dog-specific questions for the dog staff, you can email them here: Dog Questions (dogquestions@adoptpetshelter.org).
- Please plan on visiting the shelter to work with an adoption counselor and pick out an animal first, allow us at least 24-48 hours to process and approve your application, and schedule an appointment to return to the shelter to finalize your adoption.
- Viewing animals is subject to the approval of an application
- All members of the family must be present in order to adopt. We want to make sure it’s a good fit for everyone!
- You must be 21 years or older to adopt. Please bring a valid form of I.D.
- Townhome/Condominium/Lease owners should be familiar with their HOA by-laws, pet policy, including restricted breeds, weight limits, and maximum number of pets allowed. We will verify pet policies with your leasing company or landlord.
- Adopters must be willing to allow an A.D.O.P.T. representative to make a follow-up contact, either in person or by phone.
- If at any time you are unable to keep the pet or offer it proper care, it must be offered back to A.D.O.P.T. before alternate arrangements are made.
- If approved, an applicant must sign a contract to adopt an animal which outlines the responsibilities of the shelter and the adopter. This contract is legally binding.
- Our primary adoption area is within 100 miles of the shelter.
- We reserve the right to refuse any adoption for any reason.
For questions about dogs, email: dogquestions@adoptpetshelter.org
For questions about cats, email: catquestions@adoptpetshelter.org
We’ve compiled some useful information to help you with your new pet:
- House training tips
- Handling sensitivities
- Shy and fearful handling tips
- Training tips
- Resource guarding
- Jumpy mouthy dogs
- Pet ownership; important paperwork and documents
- Safety for pets at home: chemicals, plants and allergens
- Riding in cars and planes with pets
- Big equipment, construction and renovation safety for pets
- Home hacks for disabled pets
- Assistance dog resources for Autism
- VA benefits for service dogs
Adoption FAQs
Answers to Common Questions About Our Adoption Services
Yes! You can fill out an application prior to coming in if you would like to be “pre-approved” when you come to the shelter. We will contact you if your application is approved and schedule you to come in during our open hours.
We will contact you if your application is approved and schedule a time for you to come in during our open hours.
We only hold animals for 24-48 hours after you have met them.
If you are not prepared to adopt within that time frame, we recommend waiting to visit the shelter until you and your family have made a firm decision to bring home a new furry family member.
Yes, all members of the family will need to meet your potential new pet to ensure it’s a good fit for everyone.
You must be 21 years or older to adopt.
Please bring a valid form of I.D. when you visit the shelter.
Yes, if you are planning to adopt a dog and already have one at home, an appointment will be scheduled for them to meet your potential new pet.
Please do not bring your current dog on your first visit unless you have been pre-approved to do so. If you have submitted an application beforehand and are scheduled to come in, a counselor will discuss the next steps with you.
The adoption fee includes a routine veterinarian examination, spay/neuter, microchip, current vaccinations, deworming/parasite preventative, heartworm testing and preventative (for dogs), and testing for feline leukemia and FIV (for cats).
A.D.O.P.T. only runs fecal tests on animals showing symptoms of a parasitic infection. However, each animal is given a preventative dewormer that is approximately 98% effective.
While it is unlikely that your pet has a parasitic infection, you may want to discuss running a simple and inexpensive fecal test with your veterinarian during your pet’s initial check-up if you have concerns.
Need assistance or have specific questions?
Reach out to our team, and we’ll be happy to help.