Women's Animal Center
Our Mission
With compassion and caring as our foundation, Women's Animal Center saves the lives of animals and improves the health of pets through sheltering and adoptions, veterinary services, community programs, educational resources and advocacy. Founded in 1869 as America's First Animal Shelter™, we honor the legacy of our founders and ensure that animals are treated humanely and with kindness.
Adoption Policy
Thank you for your interest in adopting a shelter pet!
WHERE TO BEGIN
Being the process by viewing the adoptable animals on our website and plan to visit the Adoption Center in person. Once you have found an animal you would like to meet, you may complete/submit an online adoption application here - https://womensanimalcenter.org/our-animal-shelter/adoption-process-fees/adoption-application-printable-version, or visit the shelter in person to see our shelter pets currently available for adoption and complete the adoption application available on site.
ADOPTION CENTER HOURS
The Adoption Center is open to the public for walk-in visits. Hours of operation:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - 12:00pm - 6:30pm
Friday and Saturday - 11:00am - 3:00pm
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR ADOPTION APPOINTMENT
If you are interested in a dog, please plan to bring the following with you:
- If you are renting a house or apartment, we require a copy of the documentation (such as a lease) from the property owner, stating that you are permitted to own a dog. You must provide this documentation before you meet a dog.
- If you have children who are 12 years or younger, we require that they participate in the meet-and-greets with dogs to ensure that the animal in whom you're interested in adopting is suitable for your household.
- Likewise, if there is an existing pet dog(s) in the household, they are also required to participate in the meet-and-greets to ensure compatibility, and to decrease the likelihood of an animal being returned to the shelter.
- We have leashes available for purchase, but you are also welcome to bring your own. We use no-pull style collars and harnesses at WAC, and recommend those to all dog adopters.
If you are interested in adopting a cat, rabbit, or another small domestic animal, you are welcome to bring your own pet carrier to take your pet home. We also have lightly used crates and hard-shell pet carriers available for purchase. You likewise have the option of transporting your new pet in one of our disposable cardboard carriers.
ADOPTION PROCESS
- Upon arriving at the shelter for your appointment, you will complete an Adoption Application and meet with one of our adoption counselors. The counselor will review your application and discuss your personal situation and past pet history.
- If you and the animal in whom you're interested in adopting make a good match on paper, then you'll get to spend some time together to ensure compatibility before a decision is made.
- When the adoption is approved, your new pet will undergo a final health evaluation. WAC is committed to reducing pet overpopulation, and require that all cats and dogs be spayed or neutered before they leave our shelter. In the majority of cases, your new pet will already have been spayed or neutered before you meet them.
- We offer special pricing for optional services at the time of adoption, including a combination test for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus for cats as well as heartworm tests for dogs. Each of these tests are optional and cost $35.00 in addition to the adoption fee.
- You will receive brief counseling to guide you in transitioning your pet into their new home and providing them proper care.
- You will complete final paperwork and pay the applicable adoption fee.
- If your pet has already been spayed or neutered, he or she will come home with you on the day of your adoption.
ADOPTION FEES
Fees include spaying or neutering, vaccinations, flea and tick treatment, microchip, and free and discounted services in the Women's Animal Center Veterinary Hospital. These are our standard adoption fees and are not representative of special promotions or adoption events.
Cat (9 months + older) - $80.00
Kitten - $125.00
MVP Cat* - $150.00
Dog (1 year + older) - $175.00
MVP Dog* - $300.00
Puppy - $350.00
Rabbit (spayed female/neutered male) - $115.00
Chinchilla - $75.00
Ferret - $55.00
Hamster or Guinea Pig - $45.00
Macaw - $200.00
Cockatiel - $45.00
Parakeet - $35.00
*MVP animals are those typically considered more desirable to the average adopter for reasons that may be related to breed, age or general appearance. A higher adoption fee is attached to their MVP status.
AFTER THE ADOPTION
Your relationship with WAC does not stop with the adoption of your pet. We are here for you and your new family member through a lifetime of care and companionship. All WAC adopters receive:
- Free and discounted services in our veterinary hospital
- Discounts on our dog training classes
- Access to our dog and cat behavior resources
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day hours Monday Closed Tuesday 12:00pm - 6:30pm Wednesday 12:00pm - 6:30pm Thursday 12:00pm - 6:30pm Friday 11:00am - 3:00pm Saturday 11:00am - 3:00pm Sunday Closed
