Adoption of Pets

Adoption Procedures

We don't sell pets - we adopt them into loving families! Adoptions arranged at the Sitka Animal Shelter are by appointment only.

We are dedicated to finding the best homes possible for our dogs and cats and other companion animals. The animals in our care often came to us because of neglect, abandonment or by owners that find they can no longer care for the animal for a number of reasons. But because they were lucky enough to find themselves at the Shelter, these animals have a second chance. They've already had a difficult start, so we owe it to them to screen their new families very carefully--and we take our screening process seriously. We want these animal's adoptive homes to be safe, loving , and permanent!

We go to great lengths to assure a good match between an animal and the new family environment. We want the animals and your families to be safe and happy. Our adoption policies reflect this commitment.

Our adoption screening process includes:

completing a thorough application
providing proof of address
written permission from landlords

The following information is from the American Humane Association

You May Be The Perfect Dog Owner

It takes a lot to be a good dog owner.

If you don't know how perfect a dog owner you are, read about some of the "perfect dog owner indicators" below, and judge for yourself!

You may be the perfect dog owner if you..

think chewing on books and furniture is a sign of intelligence
think 15 years of caring for a pet does not seem like a lifetime
don't mind sharing your house with someone who sheds, tracks dirt occasionally, and possibly drools
look forward to big wet kisses when you come home each day
don't mind sharing your house with someone who will never clean up after themselves
want to take care of someone every day
don't mind a playmate who likes to chase balls and drag off shoes
would like to spend your extra money on pet food, toys, veterinarian care, chew bones, and more chew bones
can't imagine leaving your devoted pet behind when you move
want to keep a noisy ID tag on your roommate so he can get back to you when he gets away from you
enjoy unconditional love and constant companionship, even if you just want some time alone

You May Be The Purrfect Cat Owner

Maybe its you!

Some may think a cat is independent and doesn't really need much care, that's just not true.

Here are some indications you may be the perfect cat owner, you decide.

You may the the perfect cat owner if you. .

think scratching everything within reach is a sign of intelligence
look forward to having your ankles rubbed by an affectionate, hairy animal after each shower
don't mind sharing your house with someone who sheds, tracks kitty litter and throws up hairball's
don't mind a housemates who will randomly and regularly entertain you with outrageous and silly antics
look forward to having an opinionated and selfish roommate
want to take care of someone every day, and never get a thank-you
want your lap warmed whenever you sit down (at their whim, not yours)
would like to spend your extra money on pet food, toys, veterinary car, kitty litter, and more kitty litter
want to be welcomed with a soft purr of appreciation
cant imagine leaving your devoted pet behind when you move
want to keep your loving companion inside at all times, because they don't realize the dangers outside
enjoy unconditional love and constant companionship

Adopting an animal is a long-term commitment that should not be made hastily, so take your time in making the decision to adopt. Carefully consider the time, money, and energy it takes to care for a four-legged family member who won't understand if you're just not in the mood.

Consider adopting an older animal, instead of a puppy or kitten or caring for a pet with special needs or possibly taking two playmates together. We have dozens of great companion animals needing good homes. Some of the dogs have completed our shelter’s training program, making them even better pets. We want to insure the animal will fit in with your family setting, so often times animals are allowed to go home with prospective new family members for a "trial adoption" as long as it has been spayed or neutered first.

ALL DOGS, PUPPIES, CATS and KITTENS ARE SPAYED OR NEUTERED BEFORE THEY GO TO THEIR NEW HOMES.

Our adoption fee is $65.00 for an intact dog (one that has NOT been spayed or neutered), once an application is approved. This fee includes the spay/neuter, a rabies vaccination, and a coupon to redeem for a current dog license.

The fee for a dog that is altered (previously spayed/neutered) is $26.00 (includes a rabies vaccination and a coupon for a current dog license.)

The fee for an intact cat/kitten is $35.00 (includes the spay/neuter and a rabies vaccination.)

The fee for a previously altered cat/kitten is $15.00 (includes a rabies vaccination.)

Please be aware that we do not necessarily approve every adoption application we receive. If we believe for any reason that the animal is not a good match for an applicant, we reserve the right to not approve the adoption. Please click here to view the animals that are currently available for adoption. Animal adoption visits are by appointment only.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."

Sitka Animal Shelter: (907) 747-3567

nancyb@sitkapd.com