First and foremost, we are looking for good, permanent homes for our animals.  Please consider the time and money required to own a pet.

       
• Our adoption program is for individuals and families seeking a pet to live indoors and provide companionship.
• You must be 18 years of age or older to adopt.
• We recommend that all household members meet the animal during the adoption process.  In some cases, we will make this a requirement.
• If you rent or lease your home, we require written or verbal approval from your landlord before you adopt a pet.
• If you currently own animals, making sure your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and care can help expedite the adoption process. 
• All cats, dogs, and rabbits will be spayed or neutered prior to adoption.
• Our adoption contract requires you to take your new pet to a veterinarian within one week of adoption.
• If you're in the process of moving, we recommend you delay adoption of an adult cat or dog until after you're settled in your new home.
• If you are interested in a large dog (over 40 pounds), we recommend a secure fenced-in yard, but it is not required.
• It is the law in Champaign-Urbana and in most outlying townships that dogs be either confined or on a leash at all times.
• It is the law in Champaign County that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. If you have unvaccinated animals at home, your adoption application may be denied.  Important information on rabies and pet cats. 

Applying to Adopt a pet as an Emotional Support Animal

 Some landlords will only allow pets if the animal is a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal (ESA).  If your landlord has this requirement, please read and follow the following guidance:

1.  Please obtain the necessary documentation from your medical/healthcare provider prior to filling out an application to adopt an animal. 

2.  If you do not have ESA documentation from your medical/healthcare provider, we will not begin processing an adoption application, and we will not “hold” an animal for you.

3.  It is best to discuss your intention to obtain an ESA with your landlord prior to beginning the pet adoption process.  Having your documentation in hand when you speak with your landlord is best.

4.  If you have your ESA documentation and submit an adoption application, we will begin to process your application.  One of our first steps is to contact your landlord about your application. 

If your landlord needs time to have your ESA documentation verified before confirming that you can bring a pet home, we will hold your application open for a maximum of 5 business days.  A “business day” is Mon-Fri; we will not count Saturdays or Sundays.

If we do not have the final consent from your landlord after 5 days, we will remove the “hold” on the animal and he/she will be listed as available for adoption.