Prep YourselfHow to Adopt Checklist:
- Fill out our 1-page Application
- Make sure pets in home are vaccinated
- State law requires rabies vaccinations
- Bring Kids and Dogs that live in the home.
- We require that children under the age of 14 meet the pet ( for dogs 6 months or older)
- We require a staff- lead introduction between dogs, to make sure they are compatible.
- Bring a secure way to transport new pet home
Please Allow for Time! Adopters must spend at least 20 minutes with the pet before any adoption paperwork will be processed.
Adoptions stop 30 minutes before closing.
Children Introductions We know not all children are taught the same when it comes to interacting with pets. Because of this, we use broad recommendation levels to help create more placement opportunities while still setting clear expectations for adopters.
The recommendation levels are based on what the pet has experienced in the past. They do not mean a pet cannot do well with younger or older children.
For example, if a dog previously lived with a 7-year-old child and did well, they may be listed as “Older Kids.” Stray animals are often listed as “Unknown” because we do not know if they have previously lived with children.
Ultimately, adopters decide if a pet feels like the right fit for their family. We then do supervised introductions to help make sure both the children and the pet are comfortable together.
Recommendation Levels
• All Kids (all ages)
• Younger Kids (5 and under)
• Older Kids (6–13)
• No Kids
• Unknown
Supervised Dog Meetings
For dogs 6 months and older, all children ages 13 and under who live full-time in the home must attend the meet-and-greet. Our staff will supervise the visit for safety.
Youth ages 14+ are encouraged to attend, but not required.
Children are not required to meet puppies under 5 months of age.
If you are looking to adopt a dog , you will be required to bring any dogs currently residing in your home for a dog introduction.
Steps
1. Come visit the shelter, Bring your dog with you.
2. Leave your dog in your vehicle while you visit available dogs
3. Tell your adoption counselor you are ready for a dog introduction.
* Staff will handle the adoptable dog. You will handle your pet.
* Please no retractable leashes
*Staff will walk you through the introduction.
4. If the introduction goes well, we will finish the adoption. SFAHS reserves the right to deny adoptions if the introduction does not go well.
We do not perform cat introductions. Staff can guide you through how to introduce cats into a household.
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Pets are available for viewing:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 11 am - 6pm
Thursday : Closed
Sunday: 11 am- 4 pm
All Adoptions stop 30 minutes before close.
Off Campus Animals Some pets are in foster homes, off-site training programs, or housed at pet stores.
These pets will have it indicated on their profiles to set up an adoption appointment.
Adoption Fees Adoption fees help cover a portion of the care each animal receives, including spay/neuter, vaccines, microchips, veterinary care, food, and daily support.
It costs far more to care for an animal than the adoption fee itself, but those fees help us continue rescuing and caring for pets in need while preparing them for their next home.
Adoption fees can vary based on an animal’s age, breed, medical care, behavioral needs, or special programs
General Adoption Fees for Dogs: $70-475 : Typically $170
General Adoption Fees for Puppies: $425-540
General Adoption Fees for Cats: $45-200 : Typically : $60
General Adoption Fees for Kittens : $100-270
Critters adoption fees vary based on species. $15-100+