Adoption Process and Fees

Whether you are new to pet parenting or a seasoned life saver, the fact that you are considering adopting a homeless pet shows us you are a caring and compassionate person. Falling in love with a pet is easy but finding a life-long companion may seem overwhelming. Don't worry - HAHS is here to help! We will help you find the pet that is going to fit your family the best!

Requirements:


  • You must be 18 years or older to adopt.
  • All interested adopters must meet our animals in-person at the shelter – we do not offer virtual appointments.
  • We require 3 personal reference be provided on your application who can attest to your ability to care for a pet, and that you have known for at least 6 months or longer.
  • Adopters who rent are required to provide their landlords phone number to us so we can obtain verbal consent that a pet(s) are allowed on the property.
  • College students residing in campus housing are required to provide a letter of approval from the school stating you are approved to have a pet on campus.
  • If you currently or previously within the last 5 years have owned a pet, a vet reference will be required. New pet owners will be required to have a vet lined up that is accepting new clients prior to adoption.
  • If adopting a dog, all members of the household are required to meet the pet at some point during the adoption process before the pet will be sent home.
  • Anyone adopting a dog, who has another dog(s) at home will be required to bring their current dog(s) to HAHS to meet the dog you are approved for. Dog to dog meet and greets will not be done until after your application has been approved for adoption.


How It Works

  • 1. View our adoptable pets

    View our available Pets online or stop in during regular business hours, Tuesday - Saturday 12 - 5pm to visit with our pets in person. If you saw a pet online, we advise calling ahead before coming to visit and confirm the pet is still available for adoption.


    Please note: All pets that are in foster homes, or at Alfred State teaching program will require an approved application on file before they can be met.

  • 2. Submit an application

    Have an idea of who you may be interested in adopting? Would you like to have a general application on file for future interest? Submit an application!


    Please note: We do not offer same day adoptions. The approval process typically takes anywhere between 1 -7 days depending on how quickly we are able to reach landlords, references, and your veterinarian. To help speed up the process, we encourage you to notify your landlord, and references that they will be receiving a call from HAHS. Also be sure to give your veterinarian a call and give verbal consent for HAHS to obtain medical records on your pets. We do not hold pets for adoption, and we will accept multiple applications on all animals in order to find the best possible fit for their needs. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval, nor does it guarantee you will be chosen for the pet you are interested in.

  • 3. Meet and greet

    For in-shelter pets:

    Meet pets in person at the shelter during regular business hours, Tuesday - Saturday 12 - 5pm. We advise calling ahead to confirm the pet you're interested in meeting is still available. 


    For pets in foster homes, or at Alfred State Vet Tech Program:

    An approved application is required to meet any pet located outside of the shelter. Once your application has been approved, an HAHS representative will contact you to schedule a meet and greet at the shelter.


    For dog to dog meet and greets:

    Dog to dog meet and greets are required as a part of the adoption process. An approved application is required before all dog to dog meet and greets can be scheduled. Once your application has been approved, an HAHS represenative will contact you to schedule a meet and greet at our shelter between your resident pups and the dog you are interested in adopting.

  • 4. Take your new pet home

    Once approved and all necessary meet and greets have been conducted, you'll be able to take your new pet home!


    You will be required to pay the pet's adoption fee, and complete  foster-to-adopt contracts or adoption contracts at this point. An HAHS representative will go over your contracts/adoption packets with you and answer any additional questions you may have before sending you home with your new pet!


    Please note: All animals who have not yet been spayed/neutered are required to go home on our foster to adopt contract, and will remain legal property of The Hornell Area Humane Society until they have been fixed through our facility and the adoption has been finalized. All animals who are already spayed/neutered will be sent on a 2 week foster- to- adopt trial period. This is to ensure they are an appropriate fit and settle in prior to an adoption being finalized.

Adoption Application Fillable PDF Adoption Application Printable

Please note: You will need access to a computer to complete the fillable pdf version of the application as it may not be compatible with mobile devices. If completing the fillable PDF version, please save a copy to your computer once complete and send it as an attachment to the email listed on the application. Hard copies of the application can be filled out at the shelter or you can request a hard copy be mailed to you if needed.

Dog Adoption Fees

All Dog Adoptions Include:


  • Distemper combo vaccination (DHPP)
  • Rabies Vaccination (once of age)
  • Bordetella Vaccination
  • Deworming
  • Flea Preventative
  • Heartworm test (if age appropriate) and preventative
  • Spay/Neuter (once of age)
  • Microchip
  • Coupon for a free office exam at participating veterinary offices


*All un-altered puppies and dogs are sent on foster - to - adopt with their adoptive families and are required to return to HAHS for all medical needs (vaccines, deworming, spay/neuter, etc.) Depending on the animals needs this could be anywhere between 1 - 4 return visits to the shelter. The pet will remain legal property of HAHS while on foster - to - adopt, and the adoption will not be finalized until the pet has been spayed/neutered.

Dogs (over 7 months) $250
Puppies (under 7 months) $400
Long term residents (at shelter for over 1 year) $50
Seniors (7+ years) Adoption fee waived (at HAHS discretion)

Cat Adoption Fees

All Cat Adoptions Include:


  • Distemper combo vaccination (RCP)
  • Rabies Vaccination (once of age)
  • Deworming
  • Flea Preventative
  • FeLV/FIV Testing
  • Spay/Neuter (once of age)
  • Microchip
  • Coupon for a free office exam at participating veterinary offices


*All un-altered kittens and cats are sent on foster - to - adopt with their adoptive families and are required to return to HAHS for all medical needs (vaccines, deworming, spay/neuter, etc.) Depending on the animals needs this could be anywhere between 1 - 4 return visits to the shelter. The pet will remain legal property of HAHS while on foster - to - adopt, and the adoption will not be finalized until the pet has been spayed/neutered.


Cats (over 7 months) $100
Kittens (under 7 months) $175
Long term residents (at shelter for over 1 year) $25
Seniors (7+ years) Adoption fee waived (at HAHS discretion)