Adoption Policy and Fees

ADOPTIONS

No prior appointment is necessary to adopt an animal at the Jefferson County Animal Shelter. Please come by the shelter during normal business hours to view and meet our available animals in person. The adoption fees cover the animals spay/neuter procedure, rabies vaccination, and all vaccinations to date. If the animal is too young or has not had their spay/neuter procedure or rabies vaccination completed at the time of adoption, then a voucher will be issued to the adopter for use at one of the local veterinarian clinics to cover that cost. All other procedures, vaccinations, etc. that the adopter wishes to have completed after the adoption will be the responsibility of the adopter.

The Jefferson County Animal Shelter accepts cash, card, or check for adoption fees.

Dog Adoption fees: $200
Puppies (5 months and younger): $225

Cat Adoption fees: $100
Kittens (5 months and younger): $125

HERO adoption fees: (These animals will be marked with the title Hero Pet)

Dogs $300

Cats $200

By adopting a HERO pet your adoption fee helps care for shelter residents who are a little older or may need extra time to find their perfect family. The additional funds help with things such as vaccines, surgeries, and training.

Adoption fees can also vary based on Animal Sponsorships. A sponsorship allows anyone from the public to donate money towards a specific shelter resident to help reduce the adoption fee.

FOSTER TO ADOPT

Sometimes an adopter wants to make sure that introducing a new member to the family will be a good fit for everyone involved prior to finalizing the adoption. The Jefferson County Animal Shelter (JCAS) does offer a "Foster To Adopt" program for those who are interested in adopting a shelter resident. The program is available to Jefferson County residents only. It is a 30-day agreement between the JCAS and the potential adopter allowing them to take the animal home and see how he/she adjusts to the adopter's home and other household residents (both two and four legged). At the end of the 30 day agreement, or any time during that period, the foster parent has the option to either finalize the adoption or return the animal to the shelter.

RENTER REQUIREMENTS

All potential adopters who rent their housing unit or lease the land their home is located on MUST bring a copy of their lease/rental agreement with them at the time of the adoption. The lease/rental agreement must be in the name of the potential adopter and clearly state that the renter is allowed to have pets. Without the proper paperwork the adoption will not be allowed. NOTE: Some local property management groups have advised JCAS not to adopt animals to their residents.