Adoption Policies & Fees

Only one in three animals has a home that lasts their entire lifetime. Will you be one?

Finding your match can be a challenge. There are so many gorgeous furry faces at the shelter to choose from, all looking for a new home. Don’t worry, though!

We have a streamlined adoption process, making it easier and faster to find your new companion. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you find just the right pet.

What kinds of animals can you find at the Bangor Humane Society? We take in cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, hamsters, and just about any domesticated animal with fur. Sorry, we don’t take in snakes, turtles, or rats. We are not licensed to care for wildlife.

How does the process work if you’re interested in adopting one of our residents?

Let’s start with dogs! It all starts with a potential adopter filling out an adoption application. This will tell us a little more about your household, lifestyle, and what you may be looking for in a canine companion. Adoption counselors are trained to take the adoption application and match it with dogs that are available for adoption. Please note that your application is to assist our staff only in gathering information to help you find the right match. Please follow up your application submission with a visit or a call to the shelter to ask about a pet you may be interested in.

After the application phase, we can move on to a dog visit. All people and/or dogs living in the home must come in to meet the dog. Dog-to-dog visits are especially important so that everyone is set up for success. These visits are as important for the shelter dog as they are for your dog(s). Landlord checks, veterinary checks, or a mandatory Dog’s Day Out may be required on a case by case basis.

After this, if all checks out, we can complete an adoption! The process itself takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes. We need photo identification and a form of payment to process your adoption.

What if you’re interested in a cat? We also have a pre-adoption form in place for cats. After potential adopters fill it out, we will match you with some of the cats we have available for adoption.

Once things check out on paper, just like with dogs, we go into a visiting room! While we require all family members to meet the cat. We do not perform cat-to-cat, or cat-to-dog visits, as it may take a few weeks to a few months for cats to adjust to new friends.

If things work out, we then go through a similar adoption process. This one takes anywhere from 10-20 minutes. Only a state ID or driver’s license and approved form of payment are required to complete an adoption.

We also adopt pets with special needs. These adoptions have their own procedures. Visit our Barn Buddy page or our FIV & FeLV page to learn more about our special feline adoption programs.

Dog Adoption Information

Online Adoption Application ADOPTION APPLICATION FORM

Dog Adoption Fees

What’s included in the adoption fee of my new dog?

Wellness exam, behavioral evaluation, spay/neuter, one-year rabies vaccination (3 months and older), Heartworm/Lyme Disease test, distemper vaccination, kennel cough vaccination, topical flea/tick treatment, de-wormer, heartworm prevention, and microchip. An average value of $1,328! To see if you qualify for one of our Special Discount programs, click here.

Cat Adoption Information

Online Adoption Application Adoption Application Form

Cat Adoption Fees

What’s included in the adoption fee of my new cat?

Wellness exam, spay/neuter, one-year rabies vaccination (3 months and older), Feline Leukemia test, distemper vaccination, ultranasal vaccination, topical flea/tick treatment, ear mite treatment, and microchip. An average value of $854! To see if you qualify for one of our Special Discount programs, click here.

Small Animal Adoption Information

Small Animal Pre-Adoption Online Survey

The Small Animal Pre-Adoption Survey is available at the front desk.

Small Animal Adoption Fees

What’s included in the adoption fee of my new small animal?

A wellness exam and spay/neuter (only rabbits) surgery. A value of $100-$150! To see if you qualify for one of our Special Discount programs, click here.