Adoption Packages and Policies

Adoptions are processed Tue-Fri 12-6:30 p.m. and Sat 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Dogs & Puppies
$125.00* (Plus a $9.00 Kent County Dog License Fee)  

Your Adoption Fee Includes:

• A Brief Physical Exam Done by our Staff Veterinarian

• A Negative Test for Heartworm Disease
  (if 6 months or older)

• A First Series of Vaccines Including:

  • DHLPP
    (Distemper Combo)

  • Bordetella
    (Kennel Cough) Vaccine

  • Rabies
    (if older than 14 weeks of age)

• Spay/Neuter Surgery

• Treatment for Internal Parasites

• Initial Dose of  Advantage® Flea Preventative

• Initial Dose of Interceptor® Heartworm and Parasite Preventative

• Microchipping

*Fee may be higher for certain purebred pets.

Cats & Kittens
$95.00*

Your Adoption Fee Includes:

• A Brief Physical Exam Done by our Staff Veterinarian

• A Negative Test for Feline Leukemia

• A Negative Test for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
  (if over 6 months of age)

• A First Series of Vaccines Including

  • FVRCP
    (Distemper Combo)

  • Rabies
    (if older than 14 weeks of age)

• Spay/Neuter Surgery

• Treatment for Internal Parasites

• Initial Dose of Frontline® or Advantage® Flea Preventative

• Microchipping 

If you adopt a second cat within 14 days of the first cat, the second cat is FREE.

*Fee may be higher for certain purebred pets.

Any animal that has been at the Society for more than 60 days is available at a discounted price, $75 for dogs and $50 for cats.   Certain older animals are also available for the discounted prices.  Please look for displays on the cages noting these special animals!

The Humane Society also offers a reduced adoption discount to seniors, $75 for dogs and $50 for cats. 

Since the adoption fees cover a nominal portion of the cost of housing and care, there is no discount for services not required for the specific animal or inappropriate because of the animal's age.

Veterinary Services Beyond the Scope of the Adoption Package

The Society does not perform veterinary services beyond the scope of the Adoption Package. The Society strongly encourages adopters to quickly establish a relationship with an independent veterinarian for care of their adopted animal and the performance of optional veterinary services.

Return/Exchange Policy

The Humane Society of Kent County strives to find permanent homes for its animals by matching the right pet with your family at the time of adoption.  We understand, however, that there are certain circumstances in which the pet you brought home is just not working out.  Our return/exchange policy for an adopter to return a pet within fourteen days of adoption if the pet suffers from a severe illness or exhibits extreme behavior problems.  However, if at anytime you can no longer keep your adopted pet, we expect that you will return the animal to us, so that we can find the right home for him/her.

The return/exchange policy is as follows:

1. If the adopted animal gets sick or a behavior problem is discovered within 14 days from the day after the date of adoption, HSKC will offer to EXCHANGE ONLY.  The exchange must be made within the 14 day period.  Problems may include digging, biting, behavior problems, or destructive habits.

2. If you decide not to make an exchange, your fee will be considered a donation and you will receive a receipt.

3. The Adopter is responsible for all vet costs.  No exceptions.  No vet costs are the responsibility of the Humane Society of Kent County.  We do offer one month free Sheltercare Insurance (adoption packet has all the details);  I do understand that it will take 4 days for activation.

   • PLEASE NOTE:  Animals are living creatures and as such cannot come with a guarantee of perfect health or behavior.  Occasionally a condition or medical problem may exist that needs vet care, which is not obvious to the Humane Society while the animal is at the shelter.  If something is discovered by your vet, and we were not aware of the problem or condition while the animal was at the shelter, we are not responsible for treatment costs.

4. If the animal is diagnosed with a fatal illness or dies within 14 days from the day after the date of adoption the Humane Society will issue a REFUND OR EXCHANGE during this period only.  The adopter must furnish to the Humane Society a signed statement on veterinarian letterhead from the vet stating that the animal has died or is suffering from a fatal illness and is not expected to recover.

5. If you adopt an animal that has a pre-existing condition(s) such as heartworms, upper respiratory (cats & dogs, etc) we are not responsible for any costs incurred for treatment of the pre-existing condition(s).

If an animal has a pre-existing condition(s) that the Humane Society is aware of at the time of adoptions, the adopter will be informed of the pre-existing condition(s) at the time of adoption.

Shelter Animal Health

Many of the animals taken in by the Society have never previously been examined by a veterinarian and come in with medical conditions requiring treatment. Inevitably, despite the best efforts of shelter workers, viruses can spread and may go home with adopted animals.  If you already have cats or dogs at home, make sure that they are up to date on all of their shots and in generally good health before introducing a new companion animal.

Adoption Policies

The Society's adoption policies are designed so that the Society's animals are placed in suitable homes and so that adopters take home a companion animal that will be cherished for its remaining natural lifespan.  The Society has adopted many thousands of animals into good homes and has developed these policies and guidelines as a result of successful experiences.

Housing Restrictions

The Society will not adopt to those living in quarters where animals are not allowed.  The Society conforms to household pet limitations imposed by local zoning ordinances. Click here for a list of limitations imposed by cities, villages, or townships of Kent County. (Adobe PDF document) 

Adopter Age Restrictions

Adopters must be responsible individuals at least 18 years old.

Companion Animals Only

The Society is committed to adopting animals only as companions. 

Gift Restriction

The Society strongly discourages adopting animals as a gift. Ideally, all family members should be a part of the adoption process.

Puppy vs. Mature Animal

The age at which a dog is placed in a home depends on the maximum number of consecutive hours it will be left unattended.  One of the main reasons people abandon a dog is because "it cannot be housetrained." Animals can be housetrained if given appropriate time and supervision.  Puppies left alone during the crucial early weeks and months can grow into unsocialized, untrained, and unhousebroken pets that are often surrendered. For tips on housetraining and feeding of puppies, click here (Adobe PDF document). The Society's staff and animal behaviorist will gladly assist you with the training tips and the special needs of younger animals.

Sterilization

This is the Society's number-one policy because failure to sterilize animals is the leading cause of overpopulation, abandonment, and euthanasia of millions of wonderful animals.  All Humane Society adopted animals must be sterilized. The Society delivers the animal already sterilized by the Society's in-house veterinarian.  The Society also strongly recommends that all animals of the same species and opposite sex in the adopter's home be sterilized.

Vaccinations & License (Dogs)

All adopted animals must be current on their vaccinations upon delivery, unless age prohibited. Unless age prohibited, the Society delivers animals current on shots as part of the adoption fee. Adopters are responsible for the cost of vaccinating animals too young for the Society to perform vaccinations before delivery.  All pets already in the home should be current on all shots.  Dogs must have a valid license as required by local ordinances, subject to age limitations. The license fee is collected from the adopter and sent to the County with the documentation.

Return of the Animal

If adopters cannot keep their animal, they are strongly encouraged to return it to The Humane Society.  The Society strives to match adopters with an animal that will be a life-long companion. However, the Society realizes that circumstances can arise that prevent continued animal ownership. The Society's Return/Exchange Policy recognizes that sometimes things just don't work out as anticipated when the animal goes home. If family conditions change and a long-term companion animal cannot be kept, all pet owners are encouraged to let The Humane Society's experienced professionals evaluate the situation and do what is best for the animal.