Fees & Requirements

Are you ready for a new pet? It’s a big commitment! At Valley Humane Society, our goal is to find a permanent home for each dog and cat in our care. VHS adoption counselors are available to assist you in choosing the right cat or dog for your family, but there are many questions to consider before adopting.

The Adoption Process

  • Animals that are available for adoption are posted on our website, AdoptAPet.com, and PetFinder.com.
  • Potential adopters should read the animal’s profile to determine if the pet would be a good fit and review steps on how to apply. Applications are specific to a single animal. Copy and paste the application URL from the animal’s profile or click the button to apply.

Adoption Application

  • Once the application is received by Valley Humane staff, an adoption counselor will call the applicant for a phone interview.
  • After you submit your application, be ready to answer the call from Valley Humane. Animals posted to the website are ready to go home. Adoption appointments are typically scheduled within 24-48 hours of approving an application.
  • Adoption appointments are scheduled at staggered times throughout the day to minimize social interaction between each visiting family.
  • Upon approval, you will be asked to complete additional paperwork. The Adoption Counselor will walk you through our Adoption Agreement. All documents and pertinent medical information will be copied for your files. We will also assemble a take-home packet which includes information on feeding your new pet, check that the animals’ microchip is accurate, and prepare them for travel. Finally, you will be asked to provide the adoption fee. Please allow approximately one hour to complete the adoption process.
  • After a quick snap for our Facebook page (optional, of course!), you’re ready to head home to start enjoying life with your new friend

Additional Requirements

The following requirements apply to all adoptions; you must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age, or 18 years old with a co-adopter age 21+ years at the same residence.
  • Provide legal ID showing your current address to verify age.
  • Understand that VHS reserves the right to deny any adoption for any reason. While it is our goal to find a home for each and every animal in our care, it is also our responsibility to ensure that each animal finds a home that is not only safe and loving, but is right for their particular temperament.

You Made it Home… Now What?

It’s important to us that you and your new pet are happy together. That’s why we’re here to provide support and counseling during the transition to your home. You can contact us for assistance and advice, or search for specific topics in our Resources & Links section. Specifically, if you have recently adopted a dog, please visit this page to learn how to register your pet in compliance with the State of California.

Adoption Fees

  • Adult dogs (5 months & older): $200
  • Puppies: $250
  • Adult cats (5 months & older): $100
  • Kittens: $125
  • Pair of kittens: $200
  • Over 65? See our Seniors for Seniors discount

The cost of preparing an animal for adoption is far greater than we recoup in fees, and that’s not including food, boarding, staff time, or shelter overhead. And yet you get a lot in return! All animals come with the following:

Feline

  • Unconditional Love
  • Veterinary Examination
  • Spay or Neuter Surgery
  • URI/Distemper Vaccine
  • Parasite Removal (as needed)
  • Microchip Implant
  • Cardboard carrier
  • Take-home goody bag

Canine

  • Unconditional Love
  • Veterinary Examination
  • Spay or Neuter Surgery
  • Distemper Vaccine Combo
  • Rabies Vaccine (if aged over 3 months)
  • Parasite Removal (as needed)
  • Microchip Implant
  • Leash
  • Take-home goody bag