How to Adopt | Cochrane & Area Humane Society

Adoptions are completed in person on a first-come, first-serve, best-match basis. Appointments are not necessary unless it is indicated that the animal is in foster care or is by appointment only. Review our adoption process below for more information.

1. Adopter Profile:

Found an animal you are interested in adopting? Complete an Adopter Profile to help our staff determine if your lifestyle and expectations match the animal. Adopter Profiles can be emailed to adoption@cochranehumane.ca, or printed out and brought with you.

2. Adoption Counselling:

Meet with our Adoption Counsellor to determine whether the selected animal may be a good fit for your household. Based on your adopter profile, we can provide extra education about the animal’s care or behaviour.

3. Meet & Greet:

Meet the animal you would like to adopt, along with all household members. We may also facilitate a meet-and-greet with any currently owned dogs. Some dogs on our website have specific adoption requirements, such as age restrictions or multiple meets.

4. Adoption Day:

If you and the Adoption Counsellor feel the animal is a good match for your home, we will finalize the adoption. We can place animals on hold until noon the following business day without a deposit, or for two business days with a non-refundable deposit. At this time, we are not placing puppies or kittens on hold, so please come prepared to bring them home that day.

A man laying on the lawn with his adopted dog outside the Cochrane Humane.

Adoption Details

Proof of address with identification (e.g., driver’s license)
All family members who will be living with the animal to ensure the match is suitable for everyone
A leash/collar (for dogs) OR a carrier (for cats/small animals)—these items are all available for purchase in our retail store

The adoption process can take over an hour, so please ensure you set aside enough time to enjoy the experience.
Adoptions Counsellors are available to assist you during our hours of operation.
Adoptions are processed up to half an hour before closing.
Please do not bring your current dog(s) to the shelter unless you have spoken with an Adoption Counsellor about setting up a meet.
Save time by filling out an Adopter Profile and bringing it with you or emailing it to adoption@cochranehumane.ca.
Adoption fees are payable with cash, debit, Visa, or Mastercard.

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

Depending on the type of animal, adoption fees may also include:

First set of vaccinations
First parasite control treatment (deworming)
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
Tattoo and/or microchip identification
Post-adoption information about your pet
Follow-up behaviour counselling as necessary

Cats

Kittens (under 6 months): $230
2nd Kitten: $165 when adopting another kitten at the same time
Adults (6 months to 6 years): $165
2nd Adult: $110 within 30 days of adopting the first cat
Senior (7+ years): $125
Special Needs: $50
Wallflowers: $125
Inseparable Pair: $200
Senior for Senior: $75 if you are 65+ years of age and adopting a senior cat
Barn Buddies: Companion $65; Non-companion $35

Dogs

Puppies (under 6 months): $495
Adults (6 months to 6 years): $375
Seniors (7+ years): $195
Special Needs: $175
Inseparable Pair: $500
Senior Inseparable Pair: $300
Senior for Senior: $145 if you are 65+ years of age and adopting a senior dog

Small Animals

Rabbits: $50
Inseparable Rabbit Pair: $75
Guinea Pigs: $20
Rodents, Birds & Fish: By donation unless otherwise indicated

Wallflower:

These are shy cats who require additional socialization or have behaviours that can be worked through with time and patience. Our wallflowers seek calm, gentle homes where they would have the opportunity to blossom into wonderful companions.

Special Needs:

These pets have pre-existing health issues that, while still allowing good quality of life, may affect their regular care or length of life.

Place an animal on hold with a deposit

You can place an animal on hold for up to two business days by paying a non-refundable deposit of $60 per cat, $80 per dog, or $10 per rabbit. The deposit is applied toward the adoption fee or is considered a donation if you do not proceed with the adoption.

How to adopt with us