Adoption Process

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LCHS Adoption Process

Thank You for Choosing To Adopt!

Congratulations on your decision to adopt a shelter dog or cat. Every year, millions of healthy animals in the United States will be euthanized because of a lack of good homes. Your decision to adopt a shelter pet makes you part of the solution to this tragedy, sets an example for others and saves an animal from uncertain fate. Be proud of your decision — we are!

Are You Ready?

Animals are not disposable and require a lifetime commitment. Please give careful consideration to the following:

Dogs and cats can live 15 years or more. Are you prepared to keep and care for an animal for the reminder of its life?

Pets require food, water, shelter, vaccines, yearly exams, monthly preventative care and other veterinary care. Proper care can add up. Are you ready for the additional expenses of caring for a pet? Learn more at https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/dog-adoption/annual-dog-care-costs/

Pets require time, training, patience and adjustments to your lifestyle. Are you ready for the additional responsibility of caring for a pet? Learn more at http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/bringing_new_dog_home.html

Choosing a Pet

It’s important to think carefully about your lifestyle and choose a pet that’s a good match for you and your family. Too often, we “fall in love with a cute face,” only to be disappointed when we realize the animal we have selected is too active, sedate or challenging for our household. To learn about an animal, speak with shelter staff and ask for information about the pet’s history, behavior, routine, and disposition.

How Does the Adoption Process Work?

1. Visit the shelter to meet pets who are ready for adoption. You can also see our adoptable pets at lchspets.org or on Petfinder.com
2. When you arrive at the shelter, a staff member will help you learn more about the animals, introduce you to animals and help you select an animal that is a good match for your family. This information will be captured on an Adoption Questionnaire.

3. For those inquirers who live outside Licking County, you may submit a questionnaire on line.  Please note :

  • The online questionnaire is meant for out-of-county(outside Licking County) inquiries only. Local  inquirers are asked to visit the shelter.
  • In person inquirers will typically get priority. We do not do out-of-state adoptions.
  • Completion of the questionnaire does not guarantee you will be matched with the pet. It is a tool to guide our matching conversations.
  • Puppies will not be held for online inquirers.  If you are interested in a puppy, you must visit the shelter during business hours.

I live outside Licking County and would like to submit an online questionnaire:  Click Here

4. Once you have been matched with your new furry friend, you will meet with an Adoption Counselor who will answer all of your questions, review your new pet’s records and help you complete your adoption contract.

5. If you would like your new pet to meet any current pets prior to adoption, we will schedule a meet & greet for you. You will need to bring your current pet’s immunization records with you to the meet & greet. Vaccine records for meet and greets will only be accepted from a licensed veterinarian’s office.