How to Adopt
Adoption Planning      Adoption Process      Adoption Requirements      Adoption Fees      Adoption Form      Am I Ready?
Adoption Planning: What type of dog or cat is best for you
First ask yourself: "Why do I want a dog or cat right now?" Take the "Am I Ready?" quiz and be honest! We are as interested in your happiness as we are in the pet's.

You may also want to check out the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) Web page Want to Adopt a Pet? WAIT JUST A MINUTE! for a discussion of the concerns and considerations when adopting a pet.

Determine which breed of dog or cat best fits your needs and lifestyle. The following resources will help you figure out compatible breeds:
Adoption Process: Acquiring your new best friend
Look at the pictures and descriptions of the animals carefully. Read about their sizes and temperaments, then look at our adoption requirements.
Click here to see adoptable dogs.         Click here to see adoptable cats.

Fill out the adoption application. You can submit electronically, by mail, or call it in to: (919)-542-5757.
Click here to bring up the adoption application.

We will forward your application to the foster home and the foster home will review the application and contact you.

We will ask you to visit the pet at its foster home or at one of our frequent "Adoption Days" held in the community.
Click here to see our schedule of events.

Take your time in making the decision. We are careful about the kinds of homes we want for our pets and we hope you will be equally selective in thinking about the animal you choose!
Adoption Requirements: What you give to and get from your new best friend
What you give What you get
A 10-20 year commitment from you. This is a long time, so think hard before making this choice. Unconditional love. You become everything for your pet.
Veterinary care. Your pet must stay current on all vaccinations, have annual check-ups, and get emergency care if necessary. A best friend to play with and spend time with, who will always go along with what you want to do.
Good quality food and fresh water daily. You need to be take care both in what you feed your pet, and how much you feed your pet. Too much or too little food can pose risks. A fun way to exercise, especially with a dog who will love to walk with you and play with you.
Daily quality play or exercise time. Dogs need walked and played with, and cats need warm laps and play time. A friend who will never judge you or question your decisions.
Prevention from heartworms, fleas, and other parasites. A bright light at the end of every day, eager to greet you no matter how long or how hard you have worked.
Humane training. You and your dog can both benefit from obedience classes. If you encounter behavior problems, consult your vet and/or a qualified animal trainer. A fun way to socialize with other pet guardians, who are the greatest people on earth. Take your dog to the park or obedience classes, or just talk about your cat with fellow cat-lovers.
Abiding by community leash laws and licensing. Pets should not roam freely outside of a fenced yard, as this poses dangers both to themselves and others. You also need to be a good neighbor and pick up after your dog. A source of love and hope that can be shared with the elderly at rest homes, or the sick at hospitals - if you receive appropriate training and clearance.
Primarily indoor homes with fenced yards or a commitment to leash walks for dogs. Cats need indoor homes, and dogs need at least warm, dry, and comfortable shelter against the elements. A companion who will alert you to unscheduled visitors by barking, growling, running to the door, or even running AWAY from the door (for some kitties!).
Adoption Fees: A small price to pay for your new best friend
Dog Running
The adoption fee for a dog is $175, or $275 if the dog has not been spayed or neutered. The sterilization fee of $100 will be refunded to you promptly upon our receiving proof of the spay or neuter from your veterinarian.

This fee pays for: heartworm check, heartworm prevention, all current innoculations, deworming, spay/neuter, and microchip.

Cat Running
The adoption fee for a cat is $95, or $145 if the cat has not been spayed or neutered. The sterilization fee of $50 will be refunded to you with proof from your vet of spaying/neutering.

This fee pays for: feline leukemia check, all current innoculations, deworming, spay/neuter, and microchip.

Click here for a discussion of animal rescue adoption fees.