1. Meet the Animals and an Adoption Counselor
2. Complete an Adopter Information Form and a Meet Your Match Survey.
3. Confirm a good match* and complete adoption paperwork
4. Take your new friend HOME!
Once a match* has been made it may take up to an hour to complete an adoption. Please consider this when coming to adopt.
*CVHS participates with the ASPCA’s Meet Your Match Program. Learn more about it by clicking here.
Adoption Fees
Cats
Kittens: $150 (Adopt 2 for $250!)
Cats 1-8 years: $125
Cats 9+ years: $100
Buddy Cats: $25 discount on total
The adoption fee includes:
- Spay/neuter
- Rabies vaccination (over 12 weeks)
- 1st distemper vaccination
- 1st deworming
- Flea preventative
- ID tag
- Microchip and registration
- A free 30 day trial of ShelterCare Pet Insurance
- A free adopter bag of Hill’s Science Diet food
- A free veterinary exam from the VVMA!
- (Estimated cost: Over $500!)
Dogs
Puppies: $350 (includes a 6 week training class)
Dogs 1-8 years: $200 (Some dogs will be $300, including a 6 week training class)
Dogs 9+ years: $150
The adoption fee includes:
- Spay/neuter
- Rabies vaccination (over 12 weeks)
- Microchip and registration
- 1st distemper/parvo vaccination
- Bordetella vaccination
- 1st deworming
- Flea preventative
- ID tag
- A free 30 day trial of ShelterCare Pet Insurance
- A free adopter bag of Hill’s Science Diet food
- A free veterinary exam from the VVMA!
- (Estimated cost: Over $600!)
Click here for more information about training classes. Training classes included in adoption fees must begin with next available cycle of classes.
*Adoption fees for dogs may vary as health and behavioral needs vary.
For example, some additional dog adoptions may include a reduced-price training class if the dog needs a little something extra to help him or her get settled.
**Adopters from outside Central Vermont may seek refunds to the additional amount after showing evidence that the dog has attended a class elsewhere. Questions? Ask your Adoption Counselor!
Small Animals and Birds
Adoption Fee is by donation for:
Ferrets/Chinchillas
Rabbits
Guinea Pigs
Gerbils/Hamsters/Mice/Rats
Birds
Includes free veterinary exam from the VVMA! Rabbit adopters receive vouchers from CVHS for $50 refund on spay or neuter (if not already spayed/neutered). Small animals do not qualify for a 30 day free trial of ShelterCare Pet Insurance.
Prepare to Pick Up Your New Pet
DOGS
All dogs adopted from CVHS must be wearing an appropriate leash and collar when they leave the shelter.
Adopters may bring their own leash and collar or they may purchase a set from CVHS. Ill-fitting collars, electric fence collars, citronella collars, and choke or other chains will not be considered appropriate.
Premier Martingale Collars $5
Premier Leashes $5
Lupine Collars $15
Lupine Leashes $15
*Easy Walk Harness $15
*Gentle Leader $15
*Adopters purchasing Gentle Leaders or Easy Walk Harnesses must also have an
appropriate collar as the harnesses are not designed to be worn at all times.
Other available collars and leashes will be priced by Adoption Counselors.
CATS/SMALL ANIMALS
All cats and small animals adopted from CVHS must be contained in an appropriate carrier when they leave the shelter. Adopters may provide hard or soft carriers, or cardboard carriers designed for animals. Regular cardboard boxes or other containers will not be considered appropriate.
Cardboard Cat Carriers $5
Cat Collars and Harnesses are also available
