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Adoption Fees:

Adoption fees are used to partially offset the substantial costs incurred in the housing, rescue, and/or medical treatment of the animals.

Dogs: $69
Cats: $49
Special-Needs Pets: $29

Animal Shelters Have the Best Pets!

Please remember when searching for a new pet, the animals in our shelter have already been given an examination by a veterinarian, given shots, many dogs have had behavior lessons, and many animals have already been spayed or neutered. In addition, by adopting a shelter pet, a family can make a difference for the one they adopt and for another one on our waiting list who needs a home. And it's absolutely true - animal shelters have the best pets!

Adoption Process

Please note that the Central Dakota Humane Society reserves the right to refuse adoption of animals to anyone.

If you are considering the responsibility of adopting a pet, and if you see a dog or cat that you are interested in adopting, you will be asked to take some time to get acquainted with the prospective pet. Dog adoptions require TWO visits prior to beginning the adoption process in order to walk, play with, and/or generally interact with the animal to ensure that the dog you choose is the right dog for your family. (See Choosing the Right Dog.) Sorry, no exceptions. Remember, you're adopting a new family member that you need to meet and get to know.
You will then be asked to complete a Pre-Adoption Application. Pre-Adoption Applications are reviewed by CDHS staff to determine if approval for adoption is in the best interests of both the pet and you as the prospective guardian and may take up to five days for review and a decision.
If approved, you will be required to read and sign an Adoption Contract. CDHS requires that all animals be spayed or neutered prior to adoption. If not already spayed or neutered, this expense is the adopter's responsibility. You will then be given copies of the documents you have signed, a receipt, literature, and your new pet.
CDHS does not adopt out pets on a first-come, first-served basis or "hold" pets for adoptions that have not yet been approved. We strive for permanent adoptions and attempt to place animals in homes best suited for them.
Adopters must be at least 18 years of age and independent (i.e. not living at home with parents, etc.).

Free to a Good Home?

There is no such thing as a "free to a good home" pet, as shown below. Consider adopting from the Central Dakota Humane Society where there is someone for everyone!

"Free to a Good Home" Dog

Veterinarian Examination, $40
Distemper Vaccination, $28
Rabies Vaccination, $18
Deworming, $9
Flea Treatment, $20
Nail Trim, $7
Collar, $8
Spay/Neuter, $110-$180

Total Cost, $310

CDHS Dog

Veterinarian Examination, $0
Distemper Vaccination, $0
Rabies Vaccination, $0
Deworming, $0
Flea Treatment, $0
Nail Trim, $0
Collar, $0
Spay/Neuter, *$0

Total Cost, $69 Adoption Fee

*Many shelter animals are already spayed or neutered. If not, CDHS has a spay/neuter assistance program.