Animal Shelter Adoption Fee Happy

ADOPTION COSTS – Effective 06/01/2024

  • Message from the Director about Adoption Cost:  We are a non profit organization, the costs listed here are associated with the expenses we incur to continue operations.  They are not arbitrary, and they are not generating profit.  This is what it costs to transport, provide medical services and care for these animals until they are placed into a new home. 
  • Compared to the cost of a new cell phone, the costs to adopt a companion that will be a part of your family for the next decade are extremely modest.  If  you think the Adoption Costs are high, then it might not be the right time for you to bring a new companion into your home, as the average annual costs of caring for an animal are much higher.
  • View the information after the Costs List (below) to see everything that is included, and a comparison of what it would cost to have all of these services performed outside of the shelter.
  • Adoption costs NOW include transport fees (Our shelter currently pays $150+ PER animal for transport cost alone)
  • Costs are subject to change without notice.
  • We accept MasterCard / Visa and Cash (we do not accept checks). It is not against the law to offer a cash discount.
Puppies / Adult Dogs Adoption Cost
Puppies – under 1 year $643.75 Credit Card
$625 Cash Discount
Adult Dog – Over 1 year $200 -$575 (each profile will have specific Adoption Costs)
Value of what your adoption cost covers listed below  
   
Kittens / Adult Cats Adoption Cost
Kittens – 1 year $463.50 Credit Card
$450  Cash Discount
Young Adult Cat –1 year – 2 years $412 Credit Card
$400 Cash Discount
Adult Cat – 2 years to 5 years $360.50 Credit Card
$350 Cash Discount
Mature – 5 years to 8 years $257.50 Credit Card
$250 Cash Discount
Over 9 years old $154.50 Credit Card
$150 Cash Discount
   
Seniors for Seniors  no adoption fee for qualifying pets over 9 years of age, and adopter is 55+ years all medical work done for their age – spayed/neutered, chipped. Animals that have come to us through transport program/s not eligible  – Donations welcome
 

Value of what your adoption cost covers

  
Dog Puppy Adoption Cost Includes Average Value
Spayed or neutered Prior to adoption $400+ (weight based)
Transport Cost $150
Multiple Sets of Combo Vaccinations $75
Rabies Vaccine if animal is older than 13 weeks of age OR as determined by our veterinarian. $25
Fecal test and de-worming $50
6+ months of age SNAP tested for Heartworm $50
One month Flea/tick medication applied $25
Micro-chipped and registered to adopter $75
Post adoption check with one of our VCA Partner Hospitals in NE $75
Leash and collar $25
Personalized engraved ID TAG $15
Starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet Food $10
   
Total Puppy/Dog Value (These are conservative numbers, call your local Animal Hospital and check) $950+
   
Cat Kitten Adoption Costs Includes Average Value
Spayed or Neutered Prior to Adoption $300+
Transport Cost $50-$100
Multiple Sets of Combo Vaccinations $75
Rabies Vaccine if animal is older than 13 weeks of age OR as determined by our veterinarian. $25
Fecal test and de-worming $50
SNAP combo Tested NEGATIVE for Feline Leukemia (FIV) AND Feline AIDS $75
One month Flea/Tick medication applied $25
Micro-chipped and registered to adopter $75
Post adoption check with one of our VCA Partner Hospitals in NE $75
Cardboard Cat Carrier $10
Starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet Food $10
   
Total Kitten/Cat Value (These are conservative numbers, call your local Animal Hospital and check) $725+


Small Animal Adoption Fees

Rabbits and Guinea Pigs, we generally have at least 1 of them waiting for adoption! Adoption fees range from a donation to $150 (most of which will be spayed or neutered and vet checked) – we will also send you home with whatever cage they were surrendered with along with some food/bedding and supplies!

Adoption Fee also covers any pets (for dogs/cats/puppies/kittens) that come to our shelter via transport (whether they are flying or driving) – which averages $150-$200 PER animal.

All adoption fees are subject to change without notice. The shelter reserves the right to charge more or less for purebreds, puppies, special medical conditions, etc. The shelter reserves the right to deny an adoption to anyone for any reason at any time.

You can be a Responsible Caregiver…

  • License your pet according to your local laws and have him/her wear an ID tag at all times, showing your name, address and phone number.
  • Make your sure pet is an indoor pet only! Your cat or dog should live inside where its safe.
  • Keep your dog or cat on a leash or under your control whenever you take him/her outside for exercise. This will protect your pet from injuries caused by cars, other animals or theft.
  • Spay or neuter your pet. This will help him/her healthier and will reduce the problem of dog/cat overpopulation.
  • Give your pet a nutritious diet, including constant access to clean water.
  • Provide your pet with plenty of exercise.
  • Be sure your pet receives proper vet care and keep up with the necessary vaccination.
  • Train your pet patiently and give him or her lots of praise and attention.
  • Groom your pet often to keep their coat and skin soft and shiny.
  • Have realistic expectations about your pet. Nobody is perfect. Make a commitment to work through behavior and health problems that arise. Don’t just get rid of your pet!
  • Visit your local animal shelter when its time to bring a new pet into your family.

The Cost of Pet Ownership

Have you really considered the cost of pet ownership? Listed below are things you should consider before adopting a pet. Please read carefully and decide if you are ready for the commitment and responsibility of owning and properly caring for a pet! Having and loving a pet is not a right, but a privilege! The following items reflect the average costs of properly caring for a 40-50 lb. dog. Larger dogs cost a bit more, small dogs cost a bit less. This list was created by the ASPCA

Cost of Animal Ownership