LCHS Adoption FAQs
I want to adopt a pet, where do I start?
I have filled out the adoption application, what next?
How Does the Adoption Process Work?
I have adopted my pet from LCHS, what's next?
I want to adopt a pet, where do I start?
Congratulations on your decision to adopt a shelter dog or cat. We ask that you take a moment and read through our Adoption Process. If you still have questions and would like to talk with someone please contact the shelter at (740) 323-2100.
Puppies under six months: $150 (includes $15 license) plus $100 spay/neuter deposit (will be refunded)*
Kittens under six months: $85 plus $100 spay/neuter deposit (will be refunded)*
Dogs over six months: $135 (includes $15 license)
Cats over six months: $85
** Prices are above unless otherwise noted.
*Puppies and Kittens require a spay/neuter deposit if they are under six months of age and have not been spayed/neutered. If you choose to use your vet, new owners must furnish proof of completed vaccines and spay/neuter within the specified time and the deposit will be refunded. Failure to complete the vetting requirements for juveniles will result in loss of deposit and LCHS will reclaim the animal. If you choose to use our vet, we will work with you to schedule the spay/neuter appointment and refund your deposit once complete.
The adoption fee includes all vaccinations and spay/neuter. In addition, all pets are now microchipped and come with ShelterCare Pet Insurance, a gift from the humane society.
Did you know that if you paid for these services yourself, the cost would exceed $400 for a puppy or kitten and $300 for an adult animal?
When you adopt, please do so in good faith that this is the pet you want. We ask that you do not use the adoption process to ‘try out’ the animal, but rather that you work with your Adoption Coordinator to ensure a good placement.
I have filled out the adoption application, what next?
Once the approval process is complete, you may pick up your animal at the shelter or from the foster program. Adopters are expected to take custody within 48 hours. Requests for delayed custody will be approved on a case by case basis.
Some adoption approvals are conditional, meaning that you can pick up your new pet after certain conditions have been met. The most common of these are ensuring pets already in residence are current on vaccines or waiting for your chosen pet to fully recuperate following spay or neuter. In other cases, we may approve you to adopt, but may ask that you consider a different pet.
The approval process can take place in a day, or may take longer, depending on availability of your references. If you have not received a response on your application within 48 hours, contact the Shelter at (740) 323-2100 or email info@lchspets.org to report the problem.
How Does the Adoption Process Work?
1.) Complete and submit an application. It’s important you fill out the application completely—incomplete applications are the number one reason for delays in the process. Applications are available at the shelter or online: Adoption Application.
2.) Once you’ve submitted your application, we will contact the references you’ve listed. Please be sure this information is accurate and that you included the correct phone number. It's also a good idea to contact your vet to let them know to expect our call and to release info about the care of your pets. Privacy laws have changed and some vets require your approval prior to releasing this info.
3.) If an Adoption Coordinator is available, you will be interviewed when you submit your application, at other times, an Adoption Coordinator will follow up to conduct the interview. The interview helps us match pets to new families.
4.) In some cases, LCHS may request to accomplish the interview during a home visit to your house. There are many reasons why this may happen and should not be cause for concern on the part of the adopter. You may also request a home visit to see how the pet will interact with pets already in residence prior to adopting. LCHS will make every effort to accommodate these requests.
5.) Once the approval process is complete, you may pick up your animal at the shelter or from the foster program. Adopters are expected to take custody within 48 hours. Requests for delayed custody will be approved on a case by case basis.
Some adoption approvals are conditional, meaning that you can pick up your new pet after certain conditions have been met. The most common of these are ensuring pets already in residence are current on vaccines or waiting for your chosen pet to fully recuperate following spay or neuter. In other cases, we may approve you to adopt, but may ask that you consider a different pet.
The approval process can take place in a day, or may take longer, depending on availability of your references. If you have not received a response on your application within 48 hours, contact the Shelter at (740) 323-2100 or email homewardbound@windstream.net to report the problem.
I have adopted my pet from LCHS, what's next?
Though we make every effort to ensure our animals are healthy, we recommend you schedule a check up with your own vet at your earliest convenience.
LCHS will also conduct phone or email follow up to see how everything’s going. Please be prepared to answer a few brief welfare questions when the time comes.
If you’ve adopted a puppy or kitten, please ensure you schedule the necessary appointments to complete your vaccination and spay/neuter requirements in a timely manner.
Some new pets settle right in to their new home, others may take more time to adjust—up to several months. Don’t suffer in silence if you have concerns—help is available! We can usually offer solutions or resources that address adjustment, bonding and behavioral issues that will allow you to live harmoniously with your new pet.
Occasionally, despite best efforts and intentions, things just don’t work out. If you must return the pet and do so within 30 days, your adoption fee will be refunded or you may choose a different pet. Pets who have been in their home longer than 30 days will be addressed on a case by case basis. Two instances of return will require a follow up interview before an additional placement can take place, and three re-turns may disqualify you from further adoption opportunity.
In all cases, you must coordinate return with the shelter or foster program. You may experience a brief wait until shelter or foster space is available before returning your pet.