General Adoption Information

Public Viewing Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday:  2 pm to 7 pm

Saturday and Sunday:  12 pm to 5 pm

The shelter is closed for public viewing hours Tuesdays and legal holidays.

If you are interested in adopting a companion animal from CCHS, please be sure to read our Adoption Policies and Adoption Procedure.

Please Note:  If you are coming to visit with a dog and wish to take them outside, you must be wearing close-toe shoes (for your own safety).

Dogs and cats are the most common pets found at our shelter, but we often have many small mammals (such as hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets) and a few exotics (iguanas, snakes, birds) available as well.

Adoption Fees

  • Puppies (under 6 months):  $175 and up
  • Dogs (6 months & older):  $115 and up
  • Kittens (under 5 months):  $125 and up
  • Cats (5 months to 10 years):  $75 and up
  • Cats (10 years & older):  $40 and up
  • Rabbits:  $40
  • Guinea Pigs:  $25
  • Other small mammals, exotics, and birds: Prices range from $5 to $80.
  • Highly exotic animals:  Prices to be set by Shelter Management 

Why Do We Charge an Adoption Fee?

Adoption fees help cover the cost of caring for animals during their stay at the shelter. Expenses include food, utilities, equipment, staffing, animal vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, and other veterinary care.

What Comes With a CCHS Adoption?

  • Initial health exam by CCHS medical staff
  • Initial vaccines upon intake at CCHS (excludes Feline Leukemia)
  • Rabies vaccination (in some cases; see below)
  • Screening and treatment for internal and external parasites while at CCHS
  • Screening for heartworms (dogs) and feline leukemia (cats)
  • Microchip and registration
  • Free "First Visit" (post-adoption) to a local veterinarian, at participating clinics
  • Discount coupons for pet supplies purchased at Prairieland Feeds

Will My New Dog or Cat be Vaccinated against Rabies?

It Depends!  Rabies vaccination is required by law and CCHS will vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies when it is safe and appropriate to do so under the standards of veterinary practice.  If we are not able to vaccinate against rabies prior to adoption, the responsibility for a rabies vaccination will fall on the new pet owner. 

  • Adult dogs and cats that have been at the shelter long enough to receive a full series of vaccines and boosters (usually, over 2 weeks) will already be vaccinated against Rabies at the time of adoption.
  • Adult dogs and cats that move up for adoption quickly might be ready to go home with you before the time was right for us to administer a Rabies vaccine. 
  • If we have reliable veterinary records from a prior owner, the animal might not be due for a rabies vaccine until some point in the future.     
  • Kittens and puppies cannot be vaccinated against Rabies until they are at least 16 weeks old, yet they can be adopted as young as 8 weeks old.  If you are adopting a puppy or kitten under 16 weeks of age, he/she will not be vaccinated against Rabies at the time of adoption.

Adoption Opportunities!

Adopting More Than One Adult Cat: A generous donor has established the Ms. Garbo Fund  to cover the second adoption fee when an approved adopter decides to adopt a second adult cat. Ask an Adoptions staff member for more information.

Seniors for Seniors:  The adoption fee will be waived for approved senior-citizen adopters of any cat or dog over 10 years of age. Seniors are eligible at 60 years of age and up.

"Special Adoptions"

Dogs designated as "Special Adoptions" must be enrolled in a dog-training class or scheduled for an appropriate canine behavior consultation as a condition of adoption. All of the following dogs are designated as special adoptions: 

  1. Dogs under 1-year of age
  2. Dogs that the CCHS staff has determined will have an increased chance of success if they are provided with structured guidance and/or training.

Animals in Foster Care

Some animals need a little more TLC than others. Read about our "Home to Home" foster adoptions.