Adoption Process and Fees

We want to make the best match possible!

An important adoption goal is to match the right animal with the right home. The shelter staff will work with you and counsel you about specific animals during your visit to identify the cat, dog, or small critter that will work best for your family and household. Keep in mind that adopting an animal is potentially a 10 to 15 year commitment, so be patient and move forward with an adoption only when you are fully prepared.

If you are interested in adopting from Second Chance, all of your pets must be spayed/neutered and up-to-date with their vaccines, renters must have permission from their landlords to have pets, and you need to provide us with permission to contact your veterinary clinic.

Please keep in mind that we have a closed kennel, and we cannot always accommodate unscheduled potential adopters. It’s best to submit a Dog Adoption Application, then contact our Kennel Supervisor for an appointment to visit with our dogs.

Here are some helpful adoption guidelines and information:
  1. With the exception of most small critters, animals adopted from SCAC are spay/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated with age-appropriate vaccines, and treated for parasites. Cats and dogs over 7 years of age have also had senior health profiles completed, and these results are shared with you and copied for your veterinarian.
  2. To expedite the adoption process, complete a Cat Adoption Application or a Dog Adoption Application (and the Release Authorization if you have other pets or rent your home) before your visit. You can also complete these forms during your visit but may not be able to adopt an animal that day.
  3. With a pre-approved feline adoption application, you can adopt a cat the same day as your visit.
  4. Our policy is to only allow 2 feline adoptions during an adoption visit. If you wish to adopt a 3rd cat, we will ask that you wait 2-3 weeks before visiting us for any additional cat adoptions.
  5. Canine adoptions usually take 2-3 days since we require additional visits with other household members and/or household dogs.
  6. After an adoption is completed, the animals must go home that same day. Because we are not a boarding facility, SCAC does not hold animals beyond the adoption date.
  7. All medical records and existing treatment plans will be copied for you and your veterinarian.
  8. All adoption fees are tax deductible (since the cost of our care far exceeds the fees we charge) and due upon completion of the adoption. Keep your receipt for tax purposes.
  9.  Since SCAC is a private organization, we do reserve the right to deny any adoption application for any reason.

Special Adoption Programs

Ask about the following programs during your visit:
  • STAY! Program for Canines
  • Seniors-for-Seniors
  • Working Cats
  • Return-to-Owner
  • Spay-the-Mom Program
  • Fee-waived Adoption Sponsorships
Adoption Fees for Felines:
  • Kittens (8 weeks to 6 months): $100.00
  • Adults (7 months to 7 years): $70.00
  • Seniors (7 years and up): $40.00
  • Working Cats: $30
Adoption Fees for Canines:
  • Puppies (8 weeks to 6 months): $220.00
  • Adults (7 months to 7 years): $150.00
  • Seniors (7 years and up): $75.00
Adoption Fees for Small Critters
  • Ferrets: $75.00 (includes rabies vaccine)
  • Rabbits: $50.00 (includes spay/neuter)
  • Guinea Pigs: $50.00
  • Mice, Rats, Hamsters, Gerbils: $20.00