The GBHS Adoption Process
Adopting from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society is a simple process if you know what to expect. Our adoption process is designed to make sure you, your family, AND the pet make a great match!
Here is some advice and things to think about to make the process easier on you AND your new forever friend!
Research: What is your ideal animal? Will it get along with your animals? Will it get along with your children? What is adopting a puppy like? What are the benefits of an older animal? What challenges should I expect? See who is available here!
Time: Expect to spend time with the animals. This process could take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour.
Landlords: Make sure the animal is allowed in your residence. Go ahead and make sure they are welcome before taking a companion home.
Be responsible: Animals are a commitment - they require regular food, vaccinations, and possibly emergency medical treatments. We look for forever families, so you must be able to provide for a new pet now and for the rest of its life.
Prepare: Your animal needs more than a new owner. Some of the things you will need can be found in our gift shop at lower than retail prices. Every dollar you spend in our gift shop will directly benefit the homeless pets in our care.
Fill out the Adoption Application: Save some time by printing and completing the GBHS Adoption Application before you come to the shelter!
Meet & Greet: If you are looking to adopt another dog, bring yours with you! We want to make sure your current animals are compatible with the dog or puppy you want to adopt. Meeting on neutral territory will make the selection and introduction process that much easier.
Vet Records: Bring current vet records for any pets in your home, or be prepared to present your veterinarian’s contact information. We want to ensure that your animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Your Family: Bring the whole gang! Some small children can be allergic to cats and dogs, but their parents are unaware of this condition. Some of our dogs are hard for the elderly or young children to handle due to their size and activity level. Bringing everyone in your household is critical for the success of the adoption and a long and wonderful life for the pet.
Be prepared to pay our adoption fees.*
Cats, kittens, dogs or puppies:
Animals six months and under: $100
Animals older than six months: $50
Rabbits: $25
Ferrets: $50
Rats, Guinea Pigs & Hamsters: $10 for one or $15 for a pair
Effective May 1, 2017, there will be a mandatory microchipping fee of $10, in addition to adoption fees. ALL cats, kittens, puppies, and dogs will be microchipped before leaving the shelter, and we will cover the cost of the first 90 days of Home Again services.
Why do we microchip?
58% of lost dogs and 38% of lost cats that were microchipped were reunited with their families.
Help us increase that percentage – register your pet’s microchip!
*Please note that adoptions are on a first approved, first adopt basis and appointments do not guarantee that you will be approved for adoption or will be able to meet any specific pet. GBHS reserves the right to refuse any adopter.
* With our Seniors for Seniors program, all dogs and cats 7 years and older may be adopted by senior citizens (age 55+) for only $25.
* All active and retired military members will receive a reduced adoption fee of $25 for one pet per household, with a valid ID presented at the time of adoption.
We want to make sure you can find what you need. You might find the elements below helpful in getting the perfect furbaby for your family.
Check out some of our adoption success stories!
