Our Adoption Philosophy

Pepper was adopted into a loving home in December 2005. Photo by volunteer Darwin Wiggett.

The animals that enter our doors all have their stories, if only they could talk! Many are strays, a result of perhaps another unwanted litter from yet another reproducing female. Others are abandoned or discarded as though a commodity rather than a breathing life. Some are surrendered by their owners for various reasons such as lack of time to spend with them, allergies, old age or bad behavior. All too often the pet is just no longer a priority. Whether these animals are pure-breeds, mixed breeds, young or old, trained or not, they are all counting on us to find them a loving and forever home!

Our adoption program and screening process has been designed to ensure that the best possible match will be made in every adoption. The staff are able to develop relationships with every animal in our care through daily socializing and obedience training sessions. Familiar with the personalities, known history, habits, and individual needs of each animal, our staff are the most knowledgeable and informed people to help match you with the appropriate pet for your lifestyle. If the screening procedures seem strict, please keep in mind that although the staff have each animals best interest in mind, they are also seeking results that are favorable to the adopter and individual expectations.

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Adoption Procedures

When a potential adopter comes into the shelter and sees an animal of interest to them, one of our adoption staff will provide them with the maximum information available for that animal. People are then asked to take the time to complete an "adoption survey", a questionnaire designed to help us match individuals and families with a companion pet that will suit their lifestyle and meet their expectations. Assuming the questionnaire results are favorable for that particular animal they are then permitted time and space to interact with the animal and get to know it better. While this is taking place the staff will talk to the adopter about his or her desire to adopt and may ask questions about:

• Past experiences with animals
• Lifestyle, work schedules, expectations of a companion animal
• Housing situation - own or rent, size of yard, etc.

In the case of dog adoptions, all adult members (and preferably all children) of the household must meet the animal and agree upon the choice of pet. For dog adoptions we request that existing family dogs be brought in to meet the potential newcomer to ensure that they too will be compatible.

Considering the long term commitment and responsibility involved in adopting a pet, and in order to ensure a proper match, we do not adopt out animals as gifts. The animal must be adopted by the adult who will be responsible for it's future care as it's legal owner. Gift certificates may be purchased, keeping in mind that the potential adopter will still be required to meet the screening process criteria for the individual pet they are considering adopting.

To avoid impulse adoptions and to foster a successful match we do not often allow same-day adoptions for dogs, but will approve them in some circumstances. We encourage, and sometimes insist, that people visit the animal a few times and interact more than once before making a final decision. We will hold an animal for a serious adopter up until the same time the next business day without a deposit being required. This is to permit them the time to make this important decision. A non-refundable cash or cheque deposit would be required to hold the animal for a further length of time, if the extended hold is approved by the adoption staff.

If you would like to adopt an animal that you already have placed a hold on, please review our Hours of Operation for Adoptions. Please also call our adoption staff to make an appointment for your adoption.

Adopting a pet is a big commitment that carries great responsibility and often lifestyle adjustments, a decision that requires certainty! Once it has been determined that the match is a good one, the adoption is finalized. To complete the final paperwork the following information will be required and must be made available to the adoption staff:

• Proof of address and age using identification such as a driver's license. Adopters must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Provide proof from the landlord that pets are permitted in the residence if you are renting (e.g. lease, written permission on letterhead signed by the landlord where applicable). Potential adopters who own their own accommodations may be required to provide proof of home ownership.
• Adoption fee payment made by cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, cheque, or money order.

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Christmas Adoption Policy

Adoptions proceed as normal during the holiday season. Please note that the normal screening process and adoption procedures are still in place, including no same day adoptions for dogs and no animals being adopted as gifts.

The Cochrane & Area Humane Society will be closed for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, December 27th and New Years Day.

Click here for useful tips on how to keep your pet safe during the Christmas season.

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CAHS Adoption Fees

At the Cochrane & Area Humane Society we make every attempt to adopt out the healthiest animals possible. We will have covered the costs of any required surgeries or treatments, ie: mandatory dental work, and this additional health care is all included in the adoption fee.

Cat Adoption Pricing for 2008:

The adoption fee for cats 4 months and older is $150.

The adoption fee for kittens under 4 months is $190.

The adoption fee for a second cat from the CAHS, aged one year or more, when adopted at the same time or within 30 days of the first cat of any age, is $100

If you are a senior 65 years of age or over and are adopting a CAHS cat 7 years old or older, the adoption fee is $75

Cat Adoption Pricing for 2009:

The adoption fee for cats 4 months and older is $165

The adoption fee for kittens under 4 months is $210

The adoption fee for a second cat from the CAHS, aged one year or more, when adopted at the same time or within 30 days of the first cat of any age, is $110

The adoption fee for cats that are deemed adoptable “barn” or “out building” cats is $50

If you are a senior 65 years of age or over and are adopting a CAHS cat 7 years old or older, the adoption fee is $75

This fee includes, but is not limited to:

• First set of vaccinations
• First parasite control treatment and in most cases the second
• Health exam at the shelter completed by a licensed Animal Health Technologist
• Complimentary health exam after adoption at a participating veterinary clinic
• Spay / neuter surgery and tattoo or in some cases, a microchip
• PetLynx™ Identification and Recovery System registration
• Pet Plan Insurance Offer
• Help with questions pertaining to the adoption of your new pet with follow up behavior counseling available when necessary
• For those cats deemed adoptable as outdoor cats only, for reasons pertaining to their behavior, there will be a reduced adoption fee. The adoption fee for these cats will be $25.00 to cover basic administrative costs. The individual or family adopting will still undergo the usual screening policy and must meet regular adoption criteria. There will also be a $25 charge for the Petlynx fee that is mandatory with every adoption.

Dog Adoption Pricing for 2008:

The adoption fee for dogs 4 months and older is $225.

The adoption fee for puppies under 4 months is $295.

Dog Adoption Pricing for 2009:

The adoption fee for dogs 4 months and older is $250

The adoption fee for puppies under 4 months is $325

This fee includes, but is not limited to:

• First set of vaccinations
• First parasite control treatment and in most cases the second
• Health exam at the shelter completed by a licensed Animal Health Technologist
• Complimentary health exam after adoption at a participating veterinary clinic
• Spay / neuter surgery and tattoo or in some cases, a microchip
• PetLynx™ Identification and Recovery System registration
• Pet Plan Insurance Offer
• Help with questions pertaining to the adoption of your new pet and follow up behavior counseling is available if it becomes necessary

The adoption fee for rabbits is $40 and includes, but is not limited to:

• Health exam at the shelter completed by a licensed Animal Health Technologist
• Complimentary health exam after adoption at a participating veterinary clinic
• Spay / neuter surgery and tattoo or in some cases, a microchip
• Information on how to care for your adopted rabbit
• For an additional $25 you can purchase a PetLynx™ Identification and Recovery System registration

The adoption fee for guinea pigs is $15.

The adoption fee for rodents, birds and fish is by donation.

2008 Non-Refundable Deposits

Animals may be placed on hold with payment of a non-refundable deposit. The non-refundable deposit must be made by cash or cheque only. The deposit amounts are:

• Cats - $60
• Dogs - $80
• Rabbits - $10

If the animal is adopted the deposit will be applied toward the adoption fee.

Cost Benefits of Adopting a Pet

Why not get a FREE cat/dog rather than ADOPTING a shelter animal?

Let us provide you with a cost comparison to help you make the decision….

Cost Comparison of FREE & ADOPTED cat/kitten

Cost Comparison of FREE & ADOPTED dog/puppy

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The PetLynx™ System

PetLynx™ provides a place for you the pet owner to store all of your pet's important information - information that will ensure your animal is returned to you safe and sound if lost.

If a pet becomes lost, the PetLynx™ Lost & Found will help you to find your pet again. It will even help you print posters to put up in your area. And if someone else finds your pet before you do, they can also use the PetLynx™ Lost and Found to find you!!

You can also use PetLynx™ to store all of your animal's health information, likes/dislikes, vaccination records and much more. In an emergency, this information is readily available and is often critical for the very best in veterinary care. It also allows those in the animal rescue business to help your pet if they find them lost or in distress and gives them the information they need to quickly return your pet to you.

As a responsible pet owner the benefits of PetLynx™ are obvious. Get your pet registered today and ensure your pet is identified and protected no matter where you and your new best friend live or travel to.

Protect your Pet with Pet Plan Insurance

The Cochrane & Area Humane Society has partnered with the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and Pet Plan Insurance to bring you the best healthcare coverage for your pet in Canada!

Cats and dogs adopted from the Cochrane & Area Humane Society receive an introductory period of Pet Plan Insurance. This insurance will be activated through a registration with PetLynx™. You will receive more information from Pet Plan about purchasing lifetime coverage after the introductory period ends.