Bringing a pet home will involve a lifestyle change, and a noticable one at that. Considering that this pet may be a part of your family for approximately the next 10 to 20 years, the decision to adopt a companion animal should be well thought out... not an impulsive decision.

We want the smoothest transition and positive outcome for both the animal and the adoptive family, so we have the following guidelines for CCHA adoptions:

• You must be 18 years of age or older to adopt an animal.

• All family members are in agreement about the adoption.
• You are not adopting the animal for someone else or as a gift.
• All animals leaving the shelter must be spayed or neutered. Adopters must sign a legally binding contract stating that spaying or neutering will be done within the timeframe set forth by the CCHA. Failure to have the pet spayed or neutered can result in confiscation of the pet and possible prosecution by the CCHA.

• The animal you adopt will not be given away or sold. If, at any time, you can no longer care for your pet and cannot find a suitable home, you must return the pet to the CCHA.

• The CCHA reserves the right to refuse any adoption.

• Not bringing a new pet into your home if you have just moved, are in the process of moving, or planning to move in the near future.
• Not adopting dogs that will be left tied to a doghouse or kept in an outside kennel all the time. These animals lack proper attention and do not become good pets.

You are welcome to visit the shelter anytime during regular adoption hours to view the animals available for adoption. If you are looking for a particular type or breed of animal, please keep in mind that the shelter normally has between 100 and 200 animals available at any given time. Feel free to call or email the shelter to see what's currently available, and you can also check out our pets for adoption area of the web site.

Plan to allow one to two hours to complete the adoption process. It may take longer, depending on how many animals you wish to get acquainted with, your previous experience with pet care, and the number of other visitors at the shelter. The busiest times at the shelter are on Friday and Saturday.

Once you have found an animal (or animals) that you are interested in adopting, a staff member will encourage everyone in the household to interact with the animal before the adoption decision is finalized.

To begin the adoption process, all adopters must complete a Potential Adopter Questionnaire. This form is available at the shelter or you can view, print and fill out this form. Bring the form in with you and give it to a staff member.