Adoption 101 🎓
What to consider before you adopt.
There’s no question: adopting a pet is a big decision. And at the end of the day, the best home for a pet is a loving one. But while treats and cuddles are immensely important for a pet’s well-being, they can’t replace the necessities of life.
Can you care for your pet’s food, exercise, and veterinary needs? Are you financially prepared for pet ownership? Are you ready to make sacrifices on your pet’s behalf? These are all important questions to ask yourself before you take your new best friend home.
Our Step-by-Step Process
1. View adoptable pets online or in person.
Take a look and find a pet that’s perfect for your lifestyle—from energetic young puppies to calm, cuddly cats.
2. Fill out our adoption application.
Once you’ve looked through our adoptable pets, we require you to come in and meet the pet in person. To save time during your visit, fill out the adoption application below.
3. Bring home your best friend!
After you’ve met and applied for the pet you’re interested in, our adoption counselors will walk you through the process of bringing your new best friend home.
Adoption Fees
These fees are comprehensive—they cover the cost of the pet’s spay/neuter surgery, microchip and registration, age-appropriate vaccines and tests, deworming, flea treatment, and heartworm preventative (dogs).
Adult Dogs 🐕🦺
$ 200
Per MonthPuppies 🐶
$ 250
Per MonthAdult Cats 🐈
$ 100
Per MonthKittens 🐱
$ 150
Per MonthYour Commitment
A lot more goes into an adoption than just the one-time fee to bring your pet home. You should be prepared to provide food, shelter, grooming, and veterinary care (including regular vaccinations/preventive visits) for the life of your pet. Although our adoption fees are comprehensive, the ongoing costs of pet ownership can add up.
And the commitment is much more than financial. You have to devote time and energy to make sure your pet is loved and cared for. Are you ready to add another member to your family?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to adopt a pet from AAHS?
You can see our adoption fees list above on this page.
What does the adoption fee cover?
The adoption fee covers the cost of the pet’s spay/neuter surgery, microchip and registration, age-appropriate vaccines, and deworming/flea treatment. We also provide goodies that includes a coupon book to PetSmart, a free month of pet insurance, and free physical vet exam.
Are all of your adoptable pets on your website?
Not necessarily. We try to process adoptions fairly quickly, so some pets may not end up on our website prior to meeting their perfect match at our adoption center. We encourage you to visit our adoption center to meet all of our adoptable pets.
Many of our pets are also in foster homes. Please contact us to ensure the pet you’re interested in is at our adoption center.
I have children and/or other pets at home. Can I still adopt?
It depends. We do our best to place pets in homes that best meet their needs. Some pets thrive with children and other pets, and others don’t. We have so many deserving pets in our care that need homes—you’re bound to find your perfect match!
I found an animal. Will AAHS take this animal in?
No. Under state law it is illegal for 501c3 non profits to take in found, abandoned, or stray pets.
If you find a stray you should contact county animal control and they’ll take care of the animal until a rescue can legally take them or the animal’s owner finds them.
I’m interested in adopting but I’m not sure if I’m ready. Can I foster an animal first?
Absolutely! Our foster program is a wonderful way to help pets in need and determine if you’re ready for a long-term commitment like adoption. Check out our fostering page for more information.
I found a pet that I love, but I can’t adopt quite yet. Will you hold the pet for me?
We do not hold pets. Our goal is to find each pet a loving and lasting home in the shortest amount of time possible. Don’t worry! When the time is right, you’ll find the perfect pet for you.
Where is your adoption center?
Our adoption center is located at 1030 Mitchell Bridge Road in Athens, GA. Our hours are Monday-Saturday 9am – 6pm. Get Directions.
