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Adoption FAQ

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What does the adoption process involve?

Completion of an adoption application & contract. The adoption application is not available online. You must come to the shelter to meet the animal before completing an application. Exceptions are made on a case by case basis for those who live far.
A letter of permission from your landlord (preferably on letterhead) & a copy of your lease OR proof of ownership of your home (mortgage or water bill)
Spending time with your prospective pet (including the entire household - children, spouses and dogs) and reading pet care information
24-48 hour process unless the animal is on hold for a particular reason
The first approved applicant for a particular animal gets to the adopt the animal. That is, it is first come first serve, but you have to be qualified to adopt that animal. The adoption process is a 24-48 hour process - no one will take the animal home the same day that they apply for one.
Once approved, you may pick up your new pet the following day or when the animal can be released. This will give you time to prepare for the animal and to really think about your decision.
We continue to show the animal and take applications until the animal leaves the shelter to go to his new home just in case the first application falls through. We do this to ensure the adoption of the animal - people have changed their minds in the past.
You may be qualified to adopt an animal but not the animal that you applied for at that time. Not every home is well suited for every animal. We do our best to make a great match.
Applications are kept on file for 6 months if your adoption falls through for any reason.

What is the age requirement to adopt an animal?

21 years of age

What does the adoption include?

neuter/spay
rabies vaccination, distemper, deworming & physical examination
puppies and kittens under the age of 4 months may return to the shelter for the remainder of their puppy and kitten shots
heartworm test (dogs over 6 months of age) & first heartworm pill
feline leukemia test (cats)
microchip

Do you perform behavioral evaluations?: Yes. All stray dogs are held for the stray time of 7 days to give the owner time to claim their pets. If unclaimed, a behavioral evaluation is performed on friendly dogs. This also helps us determine if the animal should be placed in a home with children and other pets. We can by no means guarantee the behavior of an animal once he/she is in their new home. Once they pass the behavioral evaluation, they are spayed/neutered and given a medical examination before being placed for adoption.

If the animal is healthy and of adoptable temperament, we do our best to find a new home without deadlines, whether through our shelter, other humane organizations or rescue group.

Do you adopt out of state?: Thanks to petfinder.com we are getting lots of responses from people out of state. It is important to call the shelter as soon as possible if you are planning to visit a particular dog. Directions can be found on our website. I want to adopt a dog and already have one.

Do I need to bring my dog into the shelter?: Yes, it is necessary to introduce the dogs to make sure that they will get along. Kennel Cough Alert! We often have kennel cough in the shelter so make sure that your dog is vaccinated. Kennel cough is a common upper respiratory viral infection. It is highly contagious to other dogs and is encountered wherever there are other dogs. If you have another dog at home they can contract kennel cough even if they have been vaccinated against it. Your dog may also contract it if he comes to the shelter. It is an airborne infection contagious to dogs and, in rare cases, to immunodeficient humans.

What is the cost of pet adoptions?

Dogs: $125
Cats: $75
Ferrets: $40
Rabbits & other small animals: $25
Birds: Prices vary according to breed

What are my options besides adoption?: If you are positive that you are ready for a Rex, Fluffy and/or Bugs the rabbit, you may be wondering: Should I buy a pet from a pet store, dog breeder or adopt one from a shelter? To help with your decision, check out the truth about about puppy mills.

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cityofboston.gov - Official Web Site of the City of Boston - Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

Adoption FAQ

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