Adoption Procedures

When a potential adopter comes into the shelter and sees an animal of interest to them, one of our adoption staff will provide them with the maximum information available for that animal. People are then asked to take the time to complete an "adoption survey", a questionnaire designed to help us match individuals and families with a companion pet that will suit their lifestyle and meet their expectations. Assuming the questionnaire results are favorable for that particular animal they are then permitted time and space to interact with the animal and get to know it better. While this is taking place the staff will talk to the adopter about his or her desire to adopt and may ask questions about:

• Past experiences with animals
• Lifestyle, work schedules, expectations of a companion animal
• Housing situation - own or rent, size of yard, etc.

In the case of dog adoptions, all adult members (and preferably all children) of the household must meet the animal and agree upon the choice of pet. For dog adoptions we request that existing family dogs be brought in to meet the potential newcomer to ensure that they too will be compatible.

Considering the long term commitment and responsibility involved in adopting a pet, and in order to ensure a proper match, we do not adopt out animals as gifts. The animal must be adopted by the adult who will be responsible for its future care as its legal owner.

To avoid impulse adoptions and to foster a successful match we do not often allow same-day adoptions for dogs, but will approve them in some circumstances. We encourage, and sometimes insist, that people visit the animal a few times and interact more than once before making a final decision. We will hold an animal for a serious adopter up until the same time the next business day without a deposit being required. This is to permit them the time to make this important decision. A non-refundable cash or cheque deposit would be required to hold the animal for a further length of time, if the extended hold is approved by the adoption staff.

If you would like to adopt an animal that you already have placed a hold on, please review our Hours of Operation for Adoptions. Please also call our adoption staff to make an appointment for your adoption.

Adopting a pet is a big commitment that carries great responsibility and often lifestyle adjustments, a decision that requires certainty! Once it has been determined that the match is a good one, the adoption is finalized. To complete the final paperwork the following information will be required and must be made available to the adoption staff:

• Proof of address and age using identification such as a driver's license. Adopters must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Provide proof from the landlord that pets are permitted in the residence if you are renting (e.g. lease, written permission on letterhead signed by the landlord where applicable). Potential adopters who own their own accommodations may be required to provide proof of home ownership.
• Adoption fee payment made by cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, cheque, or money order.

Christmas Adoption Policy

Adoptions proceed as normal during the holiday season. Please note that the normal screening process and adoption procedures are still in place, including no same day adoptions for dogs and no animals being adopted as gifts.

The Cochrane & Area Humane Society will be closed for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day.

View some useful tips on how to keep your pet safe during the Christmas season.