Adoption Fees

When you adopt a pet from the Animal Welfare Society, you make a huge impact! You give an animal a lifetime of love and happiness and a place to call home.

At AWS, pets do not simply wait around the animal shelter for their families to come. While they are here, they receive substantial and loving care from our staff and volunteers. Their daily care includes nutritious meals, safe and cozy accommodations and plenty of enrichment, training and exercise.

Pets for adoption also receive any necessary medical care at our own Community Veterinary Clinic, including wellness exams and spay or neuter surgeries, medications as needed, vaccinations and preventatives. Your pet’s adoption fee reflects this care as we intend to send your pet home as happy and healthy as possible.

Your pet’s adoption packet also includes resources and information to provide you with everything you’ll need to know to welcome Fido or Fluffy as a member of the family and make his or her transition to your home a smooth one.

Once adopted, all dogs are required to leave on a leash and collar. You can bring a leash and collar from home or you can purchase them in our Adoption Center. Starter kits with food, supplies and toys are also available to buy.

Dog & Puppy Adoption Fees
Dog adoption fees vary and typically range from $125 – $500+ depending on size, age, and breed type.  Each dogs’s adoption fee can be viewed on his/her adoption page. Dog adoption fees include:

  • Spay or Neuter Surgery and Wellness Exam conducted before adoption
  • Rabies Vaccine (12 weeks and older)
  • Distemper and Kennel Cough Vaccines
  • Internal and External Parasite Control (including a dose of flea and tick preventative)
  • Heartworm Testing (6 months and older) and Preventative (all ages)
  • Coupon for a Complimentary Wellness Exam at the AWS Community Veterinary Clinic (expires eight weeks after adoption date)
  • Microchip (registered to you at the time of adoption)


Cat & Kitten Adoption Fees
Cat adoption fees vary and typically range from $35 – $350+ depending on age, sociability and breed type. Each cat’s adoption fee can be viewed on his/her adoption page. Cat adoption fees include:

  • Spay or Neuter Surgery and Wellness Exam conducted before adoption
  • Rabies Vaccine (for felines over 12 weeks)
  • Distemper Vaccine
  • Feline Leukemia Testing (as necessary)
  • Internal and External Parasite Control (including a dose of flea and tick preventative)
  • Coupon for a Complimentary Wellness Exam at the AWS Community Veterinary Clinic (expires eight weeks after adoption date)
  • Microchip (registered to you at the time of adoption)
  • Collar and Tag

Rabbit Adoption Fees
Rabbit adoption fees are $85+, depending on age, sociability and breed type. Each rabbit’s adoption fee can be viewed on his/her adoption page. Rabbit adoption fees include:

  • Spay or Neuter Surgery* and Wellness Exam conducted before adoption
  • Grooming and Nail Trim, as needed
  • External Parasite Control (including a dose of flea preventative)

*For baby rabbits, the surgery will be scheduled after adoption when the rabbit is old enough (usually between 3-6 months depending on gender, development and size) and will take place at the AWS Community Veterinary Clinic.

Small Animal Adoption Fees
Small animal adoption fees vary particularly by species and are typically as follows:

  • Rats $16 each/$28 per pair
  • Mice $10 each/$16 per pair
  • Hamsters $16 each/$28 per pair
  • Gerbils $16 each/$28 per pair
  • Guinea Pigs $35
  • Chinchillas $150 each/$250 per pair
  • Ferrets $150 each/$250 per pair
  • Sugar Gliders $150 – $300

Bird Adoption Fees
Bird adoption fees vary and are typically determined by age, size, temperament and species and are typically as follows:

  • Zebra Finches $18
  • Society Finches $25
  • Canary $150
  • Parakeets/Budgie $24/$40 per pair
  • Cockatiel $150
  • Conure $250

Reptile Adoption Fees
Reptile adoption fees vary and are typically determined by age,  temperament and species and are typically as follows:

  • Bearded Dragon $60
  • Leopard Gecko $30
  • Chameleon $80
  • Snakes $60 – $120

Fees for other exotic animals and large birds vary by breed.

For more information, contact us by e-mail or call (207) 985-3244.