Adopting a Pet

• Tell Us About Yourself
  Complete a cat adoption profile or small animal adoption profile & ask any questions you may have.  As part of the adoption, your Adoption Counselor will ask for a veterinary reference and landlord approval.
• Meet Your Match
  The AAHS has many wonderful homeless pets waiting to be loved. If you haven't already chosen a new companion, your Counselor can assist in finding a good match for you. You can even see some of them online!
• Get Ready, Get Set...
  Your Adoption Counselor will review your profile with you and go over how to get your home ready for your new pet. Preparing ahead for the newest arrival helps your pet feel safe and relaxed as it makes the big move from shelter to forever home.
  Next, your Counselor will contact your references and arrange a time with you to take your new friend home!
• Adopt!
  During your adoption counseling, your Counselor will answer any questions you have and will go over your new pet's history and medical information.  You'll also pay the adoption fee and sign the Adoption Agreement, which officially transfers your new pet's ownership to you.
• Friends for Life
  Take home the newest member of your family!  Your Adoption Counselor will call in a few days to see how your new pet is adjusting and to answer any questions that may have come up.  Even after we call you, please don't hesitate to call on AAHS if we can be of any assistance.

Adoption Fees

Adoption fees for cats and kittens range from $45 to $95. Reduced fees are available for multiple pet adoptions; ask our Adoption Counselors for more information.
Cat & Kitten Adoptions Include:
Spay or Neuter Surgery
Feline Leukemia Test
FIV Test
First Distemper Vaccination (FVRCP)
Rabies Vaccination
Deworming
Flea Treatment
Earmite Treatment
Microchip Identification
Safety Collar
Cardboard Carrier

Rabbit adoption fee is $30.
Rabbit Adoption Includes:
Spay or Neuter Surgery
Microchip Identification
The House Rabbit Handbook

Other adoption fees are as follows:
Ferrets $75
Guinea Pigs $25
Hamsters, Rats, Gerbils $5

Please check with adoptions staff for fees to adopt other animals.

Pets as Gifts

Because of the lifetime commitment (cats live 15-20 years!) and personal connection involved in adopting an animal, the AAHS does not adopt animals as gifts.   However, we do offer gift certificates.  Ask a staff member for details.

Adoption Counselors as a Resource

During this adoption process, please feel free to discuss any and all questions you may have with your Adoption Counselor.  For a lifelong relationship, AAHS hopes to help make a good match between pet and home, and to provide new adopters with as much information and support as possible.  Please consider us a resource before, during, and after adoption.

A Note about Adoption

The goal of AAHS is to find permanent, loving homes for the animals in our care.  The Athens Area Humane Society appreciates your patience while we guide you through the adoption of your next friend for life.