Adoption Procedure

Thank you for choosing to adopt a pet and giving a much deserving animal a second chance at a lifetime home. We try to make this a pleasurable experience for everyone. When you are thinking of adding a four-legged member to your family, we hope you’ll think of checking out the pets we have for adoption. We normally have kittens and cats, puppies and dogs, in all sizes, shapes, and colors.

We want very much to make a good match for both your family and our available pets. Most dogs will live 12 years or longer, and cats can easily live close to 20 years and more. We want you to be happy with your selection for the lifetime of your pet, so we try to make sure the chosen pet fits with your lifestyle and your family. Active families usually don’t want a couch potato dog, and some families are looking for the kitty that loves to be in your lap. Working together, we have better chances of your new pet’s adoption being the lasting commitment you and we both want it to be.

We ask anyone considering adoption from the SPCA Eastern Shore to come to our shelter to see our available animals. We do not finalize adoptions over the phone. Once you have submitted an application and it has been approved, you will need to schedule a “meet and greet” visit to see and interact with the pet you are looking at adopting. The adoption counselor showing the pet can answer many questions about the personality and habits of the pet. If both you and we think the pet is right for you after this “meet and greet” visit, the adoption can then be finalized, and you will be able to take your pet home as soon as the next day. That gives us the time to do the required paperwork to finalize the adoption and implant the microchip. We also like to give dogs a bath prior to going home.

Our adoption fee for dogs and puppies is $150.00. For adult cats the fee is $75.00 and for kittens $120.00. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, any tests that have been done, vaccines, wormings, flea and heartworm prevention, as well as a microchip ID implanted in the pet. We accept credit cards, cash, or personal check. We are required to get a copy of picture identification with birthday (usually a driver’s license). When you come to pick up your new pet, we will provide you with information on the microchip and the vaccination record and, with your permission, take a family photo for our bulletin board and to share on our Facebook page.

As an adoptive parent of one of the pets we’ve cared for, sometimes for many months, you are part of our extended family. We will always be just a phone call away to discuss any questions or concerns you may have, especially in the beginning of this new relationship. We want to help make the adjustment period as smooth as possible for you