Adoptions
Open hours: During open hours, you may VIEW pets or fill out an application (or you may email us to request an application). 'Meet and greets' are scheduled after/if you're determined to be a good match for the pet.
The right match: We're looking for the most appropriate home for each pet, not the quickest one, so we do NOT work on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hearing back from us if you've applied: We always try our best to get back to applicants, but we do hope you understand that we sometimes receive so many applications for the same animal that it becomes impossible to get back to everyone. Please know we are very grateful for your interest and that our busy staff and volunteers are trying our best to respond--while we are also busy caring for our animals.
Interested in adopting? Next steps:
1. Find a pet: You may view pets online at the blue button below OR during open hours (Wednesdays 1:30 - 6 or Saturdays 10 - 2). We kindly ask you to read the full profile to see if a pet is a good fit.
2. No general applications: Please apply for a specific animal in our care. We do not accept applications for 'any dog' or 'any cat.' Instead, please tell us the animal's name in your application.
3. Apply for a pet: You may apply during our open hours or ask for an application by emailing us at adopt@scituateanimalshelter.org We'll send a questionnaire to ensure that the pet is ideal for you as well as an Animal Adoption Application.
4. Meet the pet: After submitting an application, we'll reach out if you and the pet are a match and will schedule a time for you to meet in person. Generally, we ask that you be ready to take the pet with you that day to minimize his/her time in the shelter.
5.If you already own a dog: After your application has been approved, we require dogs to meet at our Shelter under the supervision of our staff. We suggest that all adoptions start with a 7-day trial period to ensure compatibility.
FEES:
To provide excellent care for our pets, we must charge fees as follows. We accept credit cards for these fees.
Cats: $225
Kittens: $275
Senior Cats $125
Adult dog: $360 *
Senior dog: $250
Puppy: $450*
Rabbits: $100
Guinea Pigs: $30
* A $100 training deposit may be required for some dogs & will be reimbursed upon proof of completion of a positive reinforce-ment training class.
**Fees are often reduced or waived completely for seniors & those with serious health conditions.
Surrendering a pet to us
We know surrendering a pet is a difficult decision, yet it can sometimes can be the best choice for the welfare of your pets and you. We want to help. We ask that you first explore other possible solutions.
Behavioral issues: Many pets end up in shelters for behavioral issues that could be improved with training or medical intervention. For a report on common dog behavior issues and solutions, please click here: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues For a report on common cat behavior issues and solutions, click here:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues
Moving: Difficulty renting with a pet is one of the most common reasons for pet surrender. To search for a pet-friendly apartment by zip code, click https://www.peoplewithpets.com/pet-friendly-apartments/
Trouble affording your pet: There are organizations, like ours, which provide food and wellness services to those facing financial hardship, and low cost spay neuter surgery for community pets. To see a complete list of resources available to pet owners facing hardship, please click below.