Our Adoption Process - And Why We Do It This Way

Please take a few moments to read the following explanations of our adoption policies and the steps that make up the process. You may be surprised to find that adopting an animal is a more involved process than you expected, or that it means you can’t have immediate access to an animal you are interested in. Therefore, it’s important to understand two things 1) the process is the same for everyone, and 2) it’s not our intent to frustrate you. Rather, everything we do is for the best possible chance of finding a permanent home.

Here are the steps you’ll go through in the adoption process:

Before you can see (that is pet, cuddle, walk, and get to know) any animal you’ve seen in our kennel, we’ll ask you to complete an application. The application must be completed first in order to minimize stress for you and the animals. Our process includes asking questions, asking to see proof of identity and, frequently, asking for veterinary references, particularly when you have other animals at home. This is simply to protect the health of adoption candidates and the pets you already have.
- You will need the following items to complete the application process:
  - A driver's license or valid ID
  - Proof of current residence (Ex: driver's license, check, piece of mail)
  - Landlord or property manager's name and phone number (if applicable)
Once the application is satisfactorily completed, you may handle and visit the animal you’re interested in. You’ll have a counseling session with a knowledgeable member of our staff who will fill you in on the history and needs of that animal, and his feeding and exercise requirements. You can ask our counselor any questions about spaying or neutering, housetraining, obedience training, scratching (in cats), veterinary care, how to deal with fleas and ticks, and anything else you can think of.
You will be asked to sign an adoption contract and pay an adoption fee.

Please Note: As a general rule , we cannot hold animals for anyone. Unfortunately, because of the tremendous demands on our kennel space, most adoptions must be done on a first-come, first-served basis, and the first properly qualified prospective home will get the pet.

Let Us Repeat: We don’t ever mean to be frustrating to or evasive with you. We want you to understand that it’s stressful and upsetting-in fact, downright devastating-for the animals, for our staff, and most importantly, for you when adoptions don’t work out and pets have to come back to us. And a bad adoption experience can sour some people on dogs or cats-or on shelter animals-for life. So try to bear with us and be patient. And understand that going through the process the way we do really is the best policy-for all of us.

Adoption Fees

The Adoption Package: Cats

$115	Kittens under the age of 6 months
$85	Cats 6 months-up to 4 years
$45	Cats 5 to 7 years
Free	Cats 8 years and older

The Adoption Health Care Package (A $200 value) Includes:

The basic Spay or Neuter Surgery*
Permanent Microchip Identification
De-Worming
Vaccinations: FVRCP (Distemper)
Feline Leukemia & FIV tests
First free initial visit to a local veterinarian
"Your Adopted Cat" DVD

For more information, or to meet your feline friend for life, contact us! (717) 393-6551

The Adoption Package: Dogs

$300	Breed Musketeers**
$175	Puppies (less than 6 months old)
$120	Dogs six months through six years
$50	Dogs seven years or older

The Adoption Health Care Package (A $200 value) Includes:

The basic Spay or Neuter Surgery*
Permanent Microchip Identification
De-Worming
Vaccinations: DHLPP (Distemper/Parvo) vaccine & Bordetalla (Kennel Cough) vaccine.
First free initial visit to a local veterinarian
"Training Your Adopted Dog" DVD

* The Humane League of Lancaster County's Adoption Package covers the basic costs associated with the spay or neuter operation. Your veterinarian's fees may vary above what is covered through our program, and the new family will be responsible for any additional costs. Not all costs may be covered for the surgery, please ask your veterinarian.

** Our musketeers are dogs of specific breeds who are able to provide additional resources for their shelter friends with a little less of a pedigree. They are most assuredly not offered for their breeding potential since, according to state law, all dogs leaving animal shelters must be altered. However, they do offer the distinct look and characteristics which lovers of their breed particularly seek. Musketeers are priced at $300.00 which offers all of the usual shelter benefits listed above.

All dogs three months or older must be licensed before leaving the shelter.
State dog license fees are $8.50 for unaltered pets, $6.50 for altered pets. Senior unaltered $6.50, senior altered $4.50

Small Mammal Adoption Application

Board of Directors | Adoption Process | Adoption Fees | Contact a Staff Member |

The Humane League of Lancaster County is an independent non-profit organization for the prevention of cruelty
to animals and the care of stray and unwanted animals. We are a 501(c)3 IRS Approved Charity.

2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 393- 6551 | Fax (717) 295-1391 | E-mail: info@humaneleague.com

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Adoption Fees

All dogs three months or older must be licensed before leaving the shelter. State dog license fees are $8.50 for unaltered pets, $6.50 for altered pets. Senior unaltered $6.50, senior altered $4.50

All dogs three months or older must be licensed before leaving the shelter.
State dog license fees are $8.50 for unaltered pets, $6.50 for altered pets. Senior unaltered $6.50, senior altered $4.50