Adoption Process

Adoption Process

How does the adoption process work?

The first step in the adoption process is to visit PARL at 34 Elbow Street and get to know the animals we have available. You do not need an appointment, and we encourage you to visit us often. PARL’s goal is to assist you in finding your best match for a lifelong companion.

When you arrive, you’ll sign PARL’s visitor log, and staff will direct you to PARL’s cat rooms, critter cages, or dog kennels (depending on your preference.) We encourage you to spend time outside with the dogs, or petting our cats and small animals. Please ask questions -- that's why we're here.

At our shelter we never know what kinds of animals will be surrendered in any given day, so our adoptable animals can change daily. If you don't find what you are looking for the first time, please come see us again! Chances are that we will have some new furry friends available for adoption, and one of them might be purr-fect for you!

Ready to adopt your new forever friend?

It’s a big step, but we are here to help you!

“Forever Home & Forever Loved” is our ultimate goal for each and every animal here at PARL. Our adoption process is designed to assist in making the best possible match for you and our pets. We place thousands of animals in loving homes every year and are proud to say most adoptions result in lifelong, loving relationships.
We hope to now do the same for you!

Some things to think about when choosing a new pet:

  • How much time do you have to play with/exercise and train your new pet?
  • How much time will your pet spend home alone?
  • What is your (and your neighbor’s) tolerance for noise, such as barking?
  • Does your new pet need to live happily in a busy, active household or with children or older adults?
  • What is your tolerance level for minor destruction, such as chewing, scratching furniture, knocking items off shelves, and/or housetraining accidents?

Having the answers to these types of questions can help us help you find your perfect match.

“Be Prepared” Pre-Adoption Checklist…

  • Need to be at least 18 years old
  • Current photo identification
  • Have a verifiable address (If your ID doesn’t have your current address, please bring in a bill or statement with it listed).
  • Own your home? Please bring proof of ownership (mortgage statement, mortgage interest statement, water bill, or deed).
  • Are you renting? Please bring a copy of your lease agreement and your property manager’s telephone number. We will verify that the type of the animal you wish to adopt is allowed.
  • Own pets? Please bring your pets' current vaccination/healthcare records and the name & phone number of your veterinarian.
  • Meet & Greets For All! Bring in all family members and/or roommates that will be living with your new pet. If adopting a new dog, bring in any current dogs for an introduction.

Found your purr-fect match?

Here’s what happens next…

  • Get to Know Each Other – Once you find a pet that you are considering to adopt, a staff member will meet with you and discuss the pet’s history and background, tell you a little about its personality and then give you a chance to spend some time together.
  • It’s time for us to get to know you a little better! You will be asked to fill out an adoption application. This will assist us in making that perfect match. It will include questions concerning where you live, your family members and previous and current pets you own.
  • Making it Official! Confident you made the right choice? Then once your application is approved, we will process your adoption paperwork and you will get an adoption packet that includes training tips, records of the pet's history and vaccinations, and other helpful paperwork. In most cases, you can take your new pet home with you the same day you come in.
  • If you have chosen a dog or a puppy, there is a mandatory overnight waiting period during which staff will review multiple applications to ensure the best dog and family match.
  • If you have chosen a cat, kitten or critter, you may be able to take your new pet home right away if she or he is already spayed or neutered.

Congratulations on your decision to adopt a new best friend! We hope you find the perfect companion you are looking for.

Adoption Fees

DOGS

6 months and older $200 / Under 6 months $350

Dog and Puppy Adoptions include:

  • Spay/Neuter Surgery
  • Distemper Vaccination (good for one year)
  • Bordatella Vaccination (good for six months)
  • Rabies Vaccination (good for one or three years)
  • Heartworm Test and preventative
  • Deworming
  • Flea-Tick preventive
  • Microchip ($20 additional fee)
  • Free office visit at participating Veterinary Office
  • Lifetime Behavioral Support (by phone or email)
  • Subscription to PARL’s e-news & updates and PARL's printed publication “The Repawter”

    • CATS

    6 months and older $90 / Under 6 months $150

    Cat and Kitten Adoptions include:

  • Spay/Neuter Surgery
  • Distemper Vaccination (good for one year)
  • Rabies Vaccination (good for one year)
  • Deworming
  • Flea-Tick preventive
  • Microchip ($20 additional fee)
  • Free office visit at participating Veterinary Office
  • Lifetime Behavioral Support (by phone or email)
  • Subscription to PARL’s e-news & updates and PARL's printed publication “The Repawter”

    • RABBITS - $45

    Rabbit Adoptions include:

  • Spay/Neuter Surgery
  • Lifetime Behavioral Support (by phone or email)
  • Subscription to PARL’s e-news & updates and PARL's printed publication “The Repawter”

    • OTHER SMALL ANIMALS - PRICES VARY

    Guinea pigs, Rats, Mice, Gerbils and Hamsters - $25
    Ferrets - $65 (includes rabies vaccine) $10 state permit fee also required
    Birds - Prices vary greatly based on the size, breed, and care requirements. Please contact the
    shelter with any questions related to bird adoption fees.