Adoption Fees
At the Cochrane & Area Humane Society we make every attempt to adopt out the healthiest animals possible. We will have covered the costs of any required surgeries or treatments, ie: mandatory dental work, and this additional health care is all included in the adoption fee.
Cat Adoption Pricing
The adoption fee for cats 6 months to 6 years is $165
The adoption fee for kittens under 6 months is $210
The adoption fee for senior cats 7 years and older is $125
The adoption fee for a second cat from the CAHS, aged over six months, when adopted at the same time or within 30 days of the first cat of any age, is $110
The adoption fee for a second kitten from the CAHS, aged under six months, when adopted at the same time as another kitten, is $165.
There is a reduced adoption fee for cats deemed as “special needs” by our Veterinarian Department. These are very lovely pets that have pre-existing health issues that will still allow them to have a good quality of life, that may or may not affect their length of life or their regular care. The fee is $50.
There is a reduced adoption fee for cats deemed as “shelter wallflowers” by our Behaviour Department. The fee is $125. These are cats that are more shy, requiring additional socialization or those with behaviours that can be worked through with time & patience. Our “shelter wallflowers” seek calm, gentle homes where they would have the opportunity to blossom into wonderful companions.
There is a reduced fee for cats deemed as “inseparable”. These are adult or senior cats that are highly bonded and have always lived their lives together. The fee is $200 for the pair.
If you are a senior 65 years of age or over and are adopting a CAHS cat 7 years old or older, the adoption fee is $75
Barn Buddies
Our barn buddies program has a reduced adoption fee for companion cats that are deemed suitable for barn, stable, shop or secure out building environments. The fee is $65. There is also a reduced adoption fee for non-companion (feral) barn, stable, shop or secure out buildings cats. The fee is $25 which covers basic administrative costs. Barn Buddies require appropriate shelter, food and fresh water daily, veterinary care as required and though these cats do not live within households, they are nevertheless to be valued and loved members of the family. The individual or family adopting a barn buddy will still undergo the usual screening policy and must meet regular adoption criteria.
The adoption fee includes, but is not limited to:
- First set of vaccinations
- First parasite control treatment and in most cases the second
- Health exam at the shelter completed by a licensed Animal Health Technologist
- Complimentary health exam after adoption at a participating veterinary clinic
- Spay / neuter surgery and tattoo or in some cases, a microchip
- PetLynx™ Identification and Recovery System registration
- Pet Plan Insurance Offer
- Help with questions pertaining to the adoption of your new pet with follow up behavior counseling available when necessary.
Cat Sales
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society offers reduced adoption fees for senior cats, barn or outbuilding cats, cats with special health needs, cats with special socialization needs, a bonded inseparable pair, and for an adult cat within 30 days of when an adopter has adopted a cat from us and for a kitten adopted at the same time as another kitten. The Cochrane & Area Humane Society does not offer cats for free or have sales events where cats are adopted at reduced prices because:
- we believe cats are valued family members and should not be put ‘on sale’ like a commodity.
- we strive to find life-long homes for every animal that enters our facility and as such, adopters need to be able to afford the cost of caring for a cat. The adoption fee is simply the first financial step to responsible pet ownership, followed by ongoing care and medical costs. We do not want free or sale cats returned because adopters cannot afford to keep them.
- we put extensive resources into the animals that enter our facility. This includes medical and behaviour rehabilitation. Many animals remain in our care for months, either in the shelter or in foster homes. The cost of caring for these animals can be quite high and that cost is partially covered by adoption fees. It is extremely important to us that we are able to continue to offer hope to these animals that may not have the same opportunity anywhere else.
Dog Adoption Pricing
The adoption fee for dogs 6 months to 6 years is $250
The adoption fee for puppies under 6 months is $325
The adoption fee for senior dogs aged 7 years and older is $175
There is a reduced adoption fee for dogs deemed as “special needs” by our Veterinarian Department. These are very lovely pets that have pre existing health issues that will still allow them to have a good quality of life, that may or may not affect their length of life or their regular care. The fee is $125.
There is a reduced fee for dogs deemed as “inseparable”. These are adult or senior dogs that are highly bonded and have always lived their lives together. The fee is $300 for the pair.
The adoptions fee includes, but is not limited to:
- First set of vaccinations
- First parasite control treatment and in most cases the second
- Health exam at the shelter completed by a licensed Animal Health Technologist
- Complimentary health exam after adoption at a participating veterinary clinic
- Spay / neuter surgery and tattoo or in some cases, a microchip
- PetLynx™ Identification and Recovery System registration
- Pet Plan Insurance Offer
- Help with questions pertaining to the adoption of your new pet and follow up behavior counseling is available if it becomes necessary
- Puppies can attend Puppy Play and Socialization Dates free of charge
Rabbit Adoption Pricing
The adoption fee for rabbits is $50 and includes, but is not limited to:
- Health exam at the shelter completed by a licensed Animal Health Technologist
- Complimentary health exam after adoption at a participating veterinary clinic
- Spay / neuter surgery and tattoo or in some cases, a microchip
- Information on how to care for your adopted rabbit
- For an additional $25 you can purchase a PetLynx™ Identification and Recovery System registration
Guinea Pig Adoption Pricing
The adoption fee for guinea pigs is $20.
Rodent Adoption Pricing
The adoption fee for rodents, birds and fish is by donation.
Non-Refundable Deposits
Animals may be placed on hold with payment of a non-refundable deposit. The non-refundable deposit must be made by cash or cheque only.
The deposit amounts are:
- Cats - $60
- Dogs - $80
- Rabbits - $10
If the animal is adopted the deposit will be applied toward the adoption fee.
Cost Benefits of Adopting a Pet
Why not get a FREE cat/dog rather than ADOPTING a shelter animal?
Let us provide you with a cost comparison to help you make the decision…
Cost Comparison of FREE & ADOPTED Cat/Kitten
| Free Cat/Kitten | Adopted Cat/Kitten | ||
Initial Fee |
FREE |
Initial Fee |
$65 - $210 |
| Total cost of FREE Cat/Kitten | $295 - $525 | Total cost of Adopted Cat/Kitten | $65 - $210 |
Cost Comparison of FREE & ADOPTED Dog/Puppy
| Free Dog/Puppy | Adopted Dog/Puppy | ||
Initial Fee |
FREE |
Initial Fee |
$250 - $325 |
| Total cost of FREE Dog/Puppy | $395 - $605 | Total cost of Adopted Dog/Puppy | $250 - $325 |
Click here for a printable version of this comparison to share with friends.
The PetLynx™ System
PetLynx™ provides a place for you the pet owner to store all of your pet's important information - information that will ensure your animal is returned to you safe and sound if lost.
If a pet becomes lost, the PetLynx™ Lost & Found will help you to find your pet again. It will even help you print posters to put up in your area. And if someone else finds your pet before you do, they can also use the PetLynx™ Lost and Found to find you!!
You can also use PetLynx™ to store all of your animal's health information, likes/dislikes, vaccination records and much more. In an emergency, this information is readily available and is often critical for the very best in veterinary care. It also allows those in the animal rescue business to help your pet if they find them lost or in distress and gives them the information they need to quickly return your pet to you.
As a responsible pet owner the benefits of PetLynx™ are obvious. Get your pet registered today and ensure your pet is identified and protected no matter where you and your new best friend live or travel to.
Protect your Pet with Pet Plan Insurance
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society has partnered with the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and Pet Plan Insurance to bring you the best healthcare coverage for your pet in Canada!
Cats and dogs adopted from the Cochrane & Area Humane Society receive an introductory period of Pet Plan Insurance. This insurance will be activated through a registration with PetLynx™. You will receive more information from Pet Plan about purchasing lifetime coverage after the introductory period ends.