Adoption Information
More of what you need to know
We work hard to make adopting easy! Learn more about the adoption process and check out the information below for more details.
HSSW is a private nonprofit, operating independently of other shelters and animal welfare groups. HSSW does not receive any federal, state, or government funding. We rely on the support of donors, grants, and our own fundraising in order to provide lifesaving care and shelter to pets in our community.
Adoption fees help offset some of the costs associated with providing the highest quality of care the animals - including shelter, food, medical care, vaccinations, behavioral training programs, enrichment, and much more.
Cats & Kittens
Kittens (under 6 months - 1 year) - $150 - $200
Youth (1 - 2 years) - $100
Adult (3 - 6 years) - $50 - 80
Senior (7+ years) - $25 - $50
Barn Cats/Working Cats - $0
Dogs & Puppies
Puppies (under 6 months - 1 year) - $500 - $600
Youth (1 - 2 years) - $300 - $400
Adult (3 - 6 years) - $100 - $200
Senior (7+ years) - $25 - $50
Small Animals
Rabbits (all ages) - $45 and $70 for bonded pair
Guinea Pigs (all ages) - $25
Adoptable pets at HSSW receive excellent care to ensure they're ready to
Spay or neuter surgery
All pets at HSSW are spayed or neutered before they can be adopted. It's part of our commitment to reducing the population of unwanted pets.
Discounted rates for pet insurance
Thanks to our partnership with Fetch Pet Insurance, adopters can have an extra peace of mind when they adopt. Life with pets is full of surprises — including the occasional injured paw or stomach ache. With Fetch, you’re prepared. Whatever treatment your best friend needs, you have the best pet insurance to help cover the cost.
Microchip ID and national registration
Microchips are registered and updated with current contact information at the time of adoption. This information can be updated at any time by creating an account on the website for the pet's microchip.
Select vaccinations
All pets are vaccinated prior to adoption and a vaccine history will be provided at the time of adoption. Vaccinations must be updated regularly as instructed by your family vet.
Adoptable pets can be found at our Vancouver and Longview campuses. Both campuses are open to view adoptable pets during regular business hours.
When viewing adoptable pets online, please note the campus location in their profile. You may also select the campus you prefer by filtering the campus of your choice by selecting the "Location" filter on adoptable pet listings.
Adoptable pets should meet everyone who will be living in the home prior to adoption. Some pets may have limitations on the ages of children in their new home. This guidance is in place to help meet the emotional and physical needs of the pet are met and also ensure a safe and happy home environment for other people and pets.
If you have a dog at home, our staff and volunteers will facilitate an adoption social with your dog and the dog you intend to adopt. Please do not bring your dog with you into the adoptable animal spaces with you when you visit HSSW.
We do not offer cat-to-cat introductions, rabbit-to-rabbit introductions, or interspecies introductions. Instead, our team will provide helpful guides and information on how to safely introduce your pets in their new home.
Since most pets arrive at HSSW as strays or with limited information about their history, we rely on our observations of their behavior with other animals while they stayed with us. Adoptable pets are assumed to be friendly or amenable to living with other pets unless we have observed behavior suggesting otherwise. Pets who should not share their home with other animals will have that noted in their adoption description.
If a dog is being adopted by a family with other dogs at home, an adoption social is required. This helps us make sure the adoptable dog will be a good fit for their new housemates. These socials will be scheduled by our Adoption Team after you have completed an adoption application.
For safety, we do not facilitate dog-to-cat or cat-to-cat introductions. Our team can provide additional support and guidance to help with safe introductions in the home.
Adoption holds are available only for special placement pets, whose adoption process may include additional time to meet family and pets in the adopter's home. Holds are not available for other pets.
Some animals may have placement needs that require a consultation with a member of our staff to discuss what they need in their new home. In these instances, an online application must be submitted prior to meeting the dog or cat. A member of our team will contact you to schedule a time to meet the adoptable animal and learn more about their placement needs.
Adopters will also be asked to purchase a few necessary items before leaving with their new family member. These items include a collar and leash for dogs and a carrier for cats.
Animal licenses are required at the time of adoption and are not included in adoption fees. Licensing fees vary according to the county or jurisdiction in which you reside. Learn more about licensing fees.
Adoption Promotions
It's our way of thanking those who have sacrificed. Every day, active-duty and veterans of US Military service receive 10% off adoption fees.
Adoption fees for senior pets (age 7+) are waived when adopted by a senior (age 62+). It's our way of bringing a little extra joy to our community and help more pets find loving homes.
Hill's Food, Shelter & Love Program
While staying at HSSW, we feed pets high-quality Hill's pet food through the Hill's Food, Shelter & Love Program. Providing a consistent diet of premium, healthy pet food supports general animal health, reduces digestive issues, and provides adopters the opportunity to maintain their pet's diet. Adoption counselors can assist with more information about pet food and diets at the time of adoption.
Questions?
Contact our team at [email protected]