Dog License RenewalAnimal Control
Animal Adoption Program
The Kent County Animal Shelter sponsors an Animal Adoption Program to match unwanted animals to appropriate homes and responsible pet owners. Persons wishing to adopt an animal can visit the Animal Shelter kennels and choose from a wide variety of dogs and cats. The kennels are open for pet adoption Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Adopting an animal from the Kent County Animal Shelter can take a few days. This allows time for you to think through your decision of adding an animal to your household, and to make necessary arrangements to have the animal you adopt spayed or neutered. Please note that most pets will not be adopted the same day as selected.
Adoption Requirements
The Kent County Animal Shelter makes every effort to find suitable homes and responsible owners for pet adoption so that adopted animals will be well cared for and not returned to the Shelter. Persons wishing to adopt an animal are screened through an interview. In addition, there are basic requirements for adopting a pet from the Kent County Animal Shelter. Potential adopters must:
- Complete an adoption application;
- Present photo identification with current address;
- Provide verification that animals are allowed in your home (this may include your renter's lease, your landlord's name and telephone number, or proof that you own your home);
- Provide pet ownership history including veterinary care information or records;
- Provide proof that any pets already living in your home are licensed and have current rabies vaccinations.
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. Adopters are responsible for the neuter fees prior to the actual surgery.
Adoption Costs
The fee for adopting a dog from the Animal Shelter is $70.00, cats are $50.00. You must also prepay the cost of spaying or neutering your pet (as noted above), and the applicable license fee if you are adopting a dog.
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:
Vaccines - We administer the first of a series of vaccines. You will need to see your personal veterinarian to obtain boosters.
- Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Coronavirus: 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
Tests and Treatments
- Heartworm Test for dogs 8 months and older
- Deworming if necessary
- Minor medications and treatments as needed
Cats:
Vaccines - 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
Tests and Treatments
- Feline Leukemia and FIV combination test
- Deworming if necessary
- Minor medications and treatments as needed
Microchips are included in all adoptions.
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. In rare instances where your pet becomes sick or aggressive, you can return your pet within two weeks of adoption for a full refund* of adoption and dog license fees.
Remember that when you bring a new pet into your home, there will always be a period of adjustment - for you, and for your new dog or cat - while your pet becomes familiar with the sounds, smells, and people in your home, and with your household routine. Your veterinarian can often provide helpful advice during this period of adjustment.
*Please note that neutering fees are not refundable after surgery or if the pet is lost prior to surgery. Adoption refunds are minus a $5 handling fee.
Post-Adoption Assistance
The staff of the Kent County Animal Shelter are experts in animal care and behavior. If you have questions about the behavior or health of your new pet, the Animal Shelter can assist you with realistic advice or refer you to an animal behavior, training, or health professional. Many problems can be overcome with directed effort and sound advice. Please do not hesitate to call if you need help.
