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Kent County Animal Shelter

740 Fuller Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Our Mission

The Kent County Animal Shelter shall:
• Provide temporary care and shelter for lost, unwanted and abused animals.
• Seek placement of appropriate animals into responsible homes.
• Implement programs promoting safety and responsibility among pet owners and children
in the community.
• Strive to reduce pet overpopulation.
• Create and maintain community outreach and support programs to help keep families
and pets together.

Our fundamental philosophy is "Saving lives. Connecting families. Serving community."

Adoption Policy

Adopting an animal from the Kent County Animal Shelter is a rewarding experience! Some animals may be ready to go home with you the day of adoption and others may need to stay a few days to allow us time to get them spayed or neutered. Our skilled counselors are here to help guide you through the adoption process.

At KCAS, staff care deeply about the placement of our adoptable animals into loving homes where they can thrive.
Our adoption process focuses on helping families find the best match for their lifestyle and home. We support potential adopters through the process and may also be able to assist with the transition after the adoption is complete.


Persons wishing to adopt an animal fill out a survey and work with our trained counselors to determine what the best match for their family and lifestyle may be.

-Adoption Survey-
Surveys can be submitted to the animal shelter in person, via email or by fax. Allowing us to have your adoption survey on file will expedite the adoption process. Complete an adoption survey by clicking on the links provided below.
Email completed applications or fax to (616) 632-7324.
Dog Adoption Application:

https://www.accesskent.com/Health/AnimalControl/pdfs/dog_adoption_survey.pdf

Cat Adoption Application:

https://www.accesskent.com/Health/AnimalControl/pdfs/cat_adoption_survey.pdf

-Neutering Requirement-
By law, all animals adopted from an animal shelter must be spayed or neutered. Therefore, all adopted animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving the Kent County Animal Shelter.

-Adoption Costs-
The fee for adopting a dog from the Animal Shelter is $130.00, kittens under four months of age are $40, and cats over four months of age are $5. You must pay the applicable license fee if you are adopting a dog. Spay/neuter fees are included in both dog and cat adoptions.

The adoption fees represent the actual costs incurred by the Kent County Animal Shelter over the average time dogs or cats are there prior to placement. The fee also covers the cost of a comprehensive health screening for your pet, which includes several vaccinations.

In order to assure that your new pet is as healthy as can be when coming into your home, your adoption fee helps cover the cost of the following:

-Dogs-
We administer the first of a series of vaccines. You will need to see your personal veterinarian to obtain boosters.
-Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus: Only for dogs 8 weeks and older
-1 Year Bordetella: only for dogs 8 weeks and older
-1 Year Rabies: only for dogs 16 weeks and older
-Heartworm Test for dogs 8 months and older
-Deworming if necessary
-Minor medications and treatments as needed

-Cats-
We administer the first of a series of vaccines. You will need to see your personal veterinarian to obtain boosters.
-Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia (RCPC): only for cats 8 weeks and older
-1 Year Rabies: only for cats 16 weeks and older
-Feline Leukemia test
-Deworming if necessary
-Minor medications and treatments as needed

***Guarantees***
-Because the background of animals in the Kent County Animal Shelter is largely unknown, there is no way of knowing how well they will adjust to their new home. Kent County Animal Shelter will provide exchanges for adoption at its sole discretion. Adoption refunds will not be granted.

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Adoption Application

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