ADOPT / ADOPTION PROCESS
Adoption Process
At the Northumberland Humane Society, we believe a successful adoption begins with the right match.
Our Animal Care team takes the time to understand each animal and help you find a companion who is a good fit for your family and lifestyle.
We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Before You Apply
Adopting an animal is an exciting decision and a lifelong commitment. Before you apply, take some time to consider the needs of the animal, your household and whether you’re ready to provide the time, care and resources they will need throughout their life.
Consider Your Household & Commitment
Your home: If you rent, make sure pets are permitted by your landlord or rental agreement.
Your household: Everyone in your home should be comfortable welcoming a new pet. If you already have animals, consider their personalities, needs and how they may adjust to a new companion.
Your time: Animals need more than food and shelter. Training, exercise, enrichment, companionship and time to adjust are all part of helping a new pet settle successfully into your home.
Your budget: Pet ownership is an ongoing financial commitment. Consider food, routine veterinary care, vaccinations, licensing where applicable, grooming, training, supplies and unexpected medical expenses.
Your circumstances: Think beyond today. Work schedules, travel, housing changes and other life circumstances can affect your ability to care for an animal over their lifetime.
- Applicant requirements: Minimum age is 19 years. There are no residency requirements.
Prepare Before You Start
- Tell us about your home: Be prepared to provide contact information and details about your household, living arrangements, lifestyle and any pets currently in your home.
- Family members: Not every member of your household is required to meet an animal before adoption. Depending on the animal and circumstances, our team may recommend that other family members participate in the process.
- Introducing dogs: If you already have a dog, we strongly encourage a meet-and-greet with a prospective new dog. This gives our team an opportunity to observe their interaction and help determine whether they may be a good match.
- Book a meet-and-greet: Shelter meet-and-greets are by appointment so our team can dedicate time to you and the animal you're interested in.
- Applying for another animal: A new application is generally required if you would like to be considered for a different animal. If you have a recent, active application with us, our team may be able to work from the information already provided depending on the circumstances.
Every animal is different.
Our adoption team may recommend additional steps based on an animal's individual needs, history and personality. These steps are intended to give both the animal and the prospective family the best opportunity for a successful, lifelong match.
How Adoption Works
Every adoption is guided by the wellbeing of the animal and the goal of finding the right fit. Our team will get to know you, consider the individual needs and personality of the animal, and guide you through the process with care and attention.
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Browse Available Animals
Explore the dogs, cats, and small animals currently looking for loving homes. Each profile includes personality, age, and any special needs.
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Submit an Application or Inquiry
Found an animal who might be the right match? Complete an adoption application to tell us a little about yourself, your household, lifestyle, and what you're looking for in a companion. Your application helps our Animal Care team begin determining whether the animal's individual needs and personality may be a good fit for your home.
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NHS Reviews Your Information
Our Animal Care team carefully reviews your application with the individual animal’s needs, personality and wellbeing in mind. We consider your household, lifestyle, experience and what you’re looking for in a companion to help determine whether you and the animal may be a good match.
Some animals receive many applications, so this process can take time. Our priority is not to make the quickest decision, but to make the best possible match for both the animal and the prospective family.
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Meet the Animal
If your application looks like a potential match, our team will contact you to arrange an appointment to meet the animal. This is an opportunity to spend time together, ask questions, and get a feel for whether the connection is right for both of you.
Depending on the animal and circumstances, additional visits may be recommended. If you have a resident dog, we strongly encourage a dog-to-dog meet-and-greet to help everyone start off on the right paw.
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Talk With Our Animal Care Team
Our Animal Care team knows the animals in our care and will help you understand what life with a particular animal may look like. We'll talk openly about their personality, behaviour, energy level, care needs and history, where known, as well as anything that may be important in finding the right home.
Some animals may need an adopter with particular experience, knowledge or skills. We'll discuss any relevant behaviour, training or care considerations with you, along with known medical conditions, medications, special diets or ongoing veterinary needs.
This is a conversation, and we encourage you to ask questions. We want you to understand both the joys and responsibilities of welcoming that animal into your family and to feel informed and prepared for the journey ahead.
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Complete Approval & Agreement
Once approved, review and sign the adoption agreement and receive your animal's records.
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Finalize You Adoption & Plan Pickup
Once your adoption is approved, it’s time to finalize the details and bring your new companion home!
Payment: Payment is due upon pickup. No online or advance payment is required ahead of time.
What to Bring: Please bring a secure carrier (for cats/small animals) or a proper leash and collar (for dogs), along with a valid government-issued photo ID.
Your Records: When you arrive, you will review and sign your official adoption agreement and receive your animal’s complete medical records, history, and care instructions.
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Bring Your New Companion Home
Once the adoption is finalized, it’s time to welcome your newest family member home.
We’ll make sure you leave with the information you need about your animal’s care, medical history, routines and any recommendations that may help with the transition.
Every animal adjusts at their own pace, so settling into a new home may take time, patience and understanding. Our Animal Care team is here to answer questions and offer guidance as you and your new companion begin your life together.
A successful adoption doesn’t end when you leave the shelter — it’s the beginning of your second-chance story.
Adoption Fees
Adoption fees help support the care each animal receives while at the Northumberland Humane Society and prepare them for their next chapter.
Fees are subject to change, and exceptions may apply depending on the individual animal or circumstances. Current adoption fees are listed below.
Dogs
Puppies (0 to 6 months): $700.
Dogs (7 months to 7 years): $550.
Senior dogs (7+ years): $300.
Cats
Kittens (0 to 6 months): $250.
Cats (7 months to 7 years): $200.
Senior cats (7+ years): $100.
Small Animals
Rabbits (unfixed): $25.
Guinea pigs: $25.
Rats and hamsters: $15.
What Your Adoption Fee Supports
Every adoption represents a significant investment in an animal’s health, wellbeing and future. From the moment an animal enters our care, our team works to understand and meet their individual needs—providing safe shelter, nutritious food, veterinary care, vaccinations, enrichment, socialization and, when needed, additional medical or behavioural support.
By the time an animal is ready for adoption, they have received much more than a place to stay. They've been cared for, comforted and prepared for the best possible start in their new home.
Your adoption fee helps support that care and allows NHS to continue providing the same compassion and second chances to the animals who come through our doors next.
Health Assessment
Every animal receives a health assessment to identify their individual care needs and help prepare them for adoption.
Vaccinations
Age-appropriate vaccinations are provided to help protect your new companion's health.
Spay & Neuter
Animals are spayed or neutered before adoption whenever possible. When an animal’s age or medical needs require a different approach, appropriate arrangements will be made as part of the adoption process.
Microchipping
Permanent identification provides added peace of mind and helps increase the chances of being reunited should your pet ever become lost.
Behaviour & Care Support
Our Animal Care team gets to know each animal and provides appropriate enrichment, socialization and support while they're with us.
We'll also share what we've learned to help you understand your new companion and support a successful transition home.
Individual Medical Care
Some animals arrive needing treatment beyond routine care. From medications and diagnostic testing to surgery or ongoing veterinary support, we work to address known medical needs and help each animal move toward a healthier future.
Considerations by Animal Type
Every animal is an individual, and their needs can vary by species, age, personality and experience. Housing, exercise, training, enrichment, handling and care may all look different from one animal to another.
Our Animal Care team will help you understand what your prospective companion needs to feel safe, healthy and happy in their new home.
Adopting a Dog
Dogs vary greatly in size, energy level, temperament and training needs. Consider how a dog’s exercise, enrichment and care needs will fit with your daily routine, home and lifestyle. Some dogs may need an experienced adopter or have specific considerations around children, other animals or their living environment.
If you already have a dog, we strongly encourage a dog-to-dog meet-and-greet as part of the matching process. Our Animal Care team will share what we've learned about each dog and help you understand what they may need to thrive in your home.
Adopting a Cat
Every cat has their own personality and preferences. Some settle quickly into a busy household, while others may need a quieter environment, additional time to adjust or a home without other animals.
Consider how you will provide a safe indoor environment, opportunities for play and enrichment, appropriate scratching areas, veterinary care and plenty of time to settle in. Our team will share what we know about the cat's personality, history, medical needs and experience with people or other animals to help you determine whether your home may be the right fit.
Adopting a Small Animal
Small animals have unique needs that can be very different from those of dogs and cats. Depending on the species, they may require specialized housing, nutrition, handling, enrichment, companionship and veterinary care.
Before adopting, take time to understand the animal's expected lifespan and daily care requirements, as well as the space, equipment and ongoing costs involved. Our Animal Care team can help you understand the specific needs of the animal you're considering.
Support After Adoption
Adoption is the beginning of the relationship, not the end. Bringing a new companion home is exciting, but every animal needs time to adjust to new people, routines and surroundings. Our Animal Care team is here to help you start that transition with the information and guidance we've gathered while your pet has been in our care.
Going Home Prepared
At adoption, we'll share available information about your new companion, including their health and medical history, vaccinations and treatments, routines, behaviour and personality, and any known medical, dietary, training or care needs.
We'll also discuss recommendations that may help make the transition into your home as comfortable and successful as possible.
Questions After Adoption
It's normal to have questions once you get home. An animal may behave differently as they become comfortable in a new environment and their personality begins to emerge.
If you have questions or concerns about your new companion's adjustment, behaviour or care, please reach out to our Animal Care team. If we don't have the answer, we'll do our best to help connect you with an appropriate resource.
Give Them Time to Settle In
A new home is a big change. Some animals settle in quickly, while others need days or weeks to feel safe and comfortable. Patience, consistency, routine and realistic expectations can make an enormous difference during this transition. Lots of love is a key ingredient.
If Things Aren't Working Out
If you're struggling after an adoption or are concerned that the match may not be working, please contact NHS as early as possible. We would much rather have a conversation and understand what's happening than have you struggle on your own.
Contact our Animal Care Team:
905-885-4131
Ready to begin?
Every adoption begins with a connection—and creates another second chance. Meet the animals currently in our care and, when someone catches your heart, submit an application or give us a call. Our Animal Care team will help you explore whether you're the right match for each other.