1) Submit and verify hold     View Hold Policy

Holds reserve your place in line to adopt a dog. Holds cannot be submitted on or after a dog's available date.

Dogs are adopted on a first come first serve basis when there are no holds. Please call the shelter to determine a dog's available date, available dates may change during a dog's stay.

2) Who gets to adopt the dog?

If you are the first hold, you may claim the dog on the available date. If the first hold doesn't claim the dog, the next hold may claim the dog.

This will continue until all holds have had a chance to adopt the dog. If there are no holds, the dog is adopted on a first come first serve basis, on or after the available date.

Dogs must be claimed on specific dates and times when you submit a hold. View Hold Policy

3) Pay the $89 adoption fee, get $75 back!

The paperwork takes about twenty minutes and must be completed at the shelter. Remember to bring cash, a check or a credit/debit card. Credit/debit transactions include a $2 minimum or 2.5% processing fee.

Adopters will receive a $75 voucher towards spay/neuter costs and a current Wood County Dog License ($14 value). If the vet you choose doesn't accept the voucher we will reimburse you directly upon return of the voucher and invoice.

The voucher can be used for veterinary care only if the dog is already spayed or neutered. Dogs are not vaccinated and do not come with veterinary history unless otherwise indicated.

6) Returns & Refunds

Keep in mind, if you have to return the dog, you may be required to pay a surrender fee, it depends upon the reason and circumstances. Refunds are not offered for returned dogs.

7) Children & Pets

Sometimes dogs act differently at the shelter or at home so we do not make claims regarding a dog's behavior towards adults, children, pets or livestock.

We recommend you have all family members visit with the dog before adoption so you may observe their behavior.

If you have a dog, consider bringing the dog to the shelter for an introduction. If you own a cat, and it travels well, consider bringing it to the shelter in a carrier for an introduction.

8) Behavior & Medical History

Keep in mind you are adopting the dog as is. We make no claims as to a dog's behavior, temperament, or medical condition.

We document observed behaviors and medical issues noted during the dog's residency and provide a copy of this information upon adoption.

Upon adoption you become responsible for all veterinary care, veterinary expenses, and for the dog's behavior.

1) Age & Residency

Adopters shall be 18 years of age or older and allowed to own a dog at their address.

Adopters residing with parents, renting their home or renting their land may be required to provide written, signed and dated permission by the homeowner, landowner or landlord authorizing the dog to reside at the residence.