If you are considering adding a pet to your family, the animal shelter is the place to start. It's a busy place full of cats, dogs, and other animals barking and playing with volunteers and prospective owners. Our shelter employees have a wealth of information and experience to offer you about selecting the right pet. Our adoption process is designed to find a good home for our pets and a good pet for your home.

Adoption Process
Our application collects information about you, your pet experience and what you expect from a pet. If you find a pet in the shelter you would like to take home, we'll check with your landlord (unless you own your home) and arrange for your pet to be neutered prior to adoption. We will have an adoption counselor go over house training, basic equipment you'll need and what to expect in the first few days.

Benefits of Adopting
If you are ready to take the leap of adoption, not only will you save a life, you'll enhance your own. People with pets live longer and recover from illness faster than people who choose not to keep pets. Research suggests that kids with pets handle family tragedy, such as divorce, better, too and may have fewer allergies. Adopting a pet is a great way to expand your family.

What Should I Bring to Pick Up My Pet?
Please bring a collar and leash for dogs and a carrier for cats and small animals. It's also a good idea to buy an engraved tag for cats and dogs with your name and number. You will need other pet supplies from the store of your choice,such as food and bedding. How much you spend is your choice. For small animals, the initial cost can be high for special cages, lighting and food. Initial costs for cats and dogs can be as low as a leash or litter pan. All pets need to have a visit with the vet, where costs are variable. Many Veterinarians in Frederick County give a discount to new pets adopted from the shelter at the first visit and accept our voucher for the first rabies vaccine.