Adoption
Each year we rescue thousands of dogs who have been lost, discarded, abandoned, injured, or neglected within in Franklin County. We do everything we can to find a loving and responsible new homes for every adoptable dog or puppy that enters our care.
All our adoptable dogs have been spayed (females) or neutered (males).
OUR ADOPTION PROCESS AND FEES!
No appointments are needed. No pre application is required.
The first step to adopting one of our dogs or puppies is to visit the shelter in person to meet with our adoptables!
During your visit to the shelter, you will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an Adoption Counselor to discuss your lifestyle and the characteristics of the dog you wish to adopt. You will then meet with the dog(s) of your choice and determine if adoption is the right choice for you.
Most adoptions and foster-to-adopts are completed the same day.
The adoption fee for puppies and dogs under 5 years old is $123 (includes dog license, vaccinations, preventatives, spay or neuter, and microchip). Some dogs may have an adoption fee of $73 including all dogs 5 years or older and our Shelter Favorites who have been here longer than two weeks have waived adoption fees. These dogs may be adopted for just the price of the dog license, $18.
We accept cash or credit cards with a valid for of identification at the Franklin County Dog Shelter for adoptions and license tags.
ARE YOU READY TO ADOPT?
SEARCH ADOPTABLE DOG
Bring along family members and allow enough time
If possible, please bring with you any family members you'd like to meet the dog you are considering for adoption. Your new dog will be part of the family, and you'll want to ensure it gets along well with everyone in the home.
Finding your new best friend takes time! Please ensure you allocate enough time to meet with an adoption counselor, spend time with the dog(s) you wish to adopt, and allow time for shelter staff to process the adoption.
The shelter is generally very busy on weekends and between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. Please be patient as you may experience a longer than usual wait during these times.
VISITiNG THE ADOPTION CENTER
Once you find a dog you would like to meet, remember the dog's name or kennel number and return to the front lobby.
We will call an adoption counselor to get the dog or dogs out for you to meet one at a time. We encourage you to spend several minutes in one of our "get acquainted" areas with the dog you are considering to make sure that it is a perfect match. If you would like, you may bring in any existing dogs you have in the home to meet the new dog prior to finalizing your adoption. Please have someone who can stay with your resident dog until it is time for the dog introduction.
Small dogs and puppies are extremely popular! These are usually adopted within 48 hours of the time we move them to the adoption floor. For best selection, plan to visit on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday mornings.
Don't forget to check out our foster dogs that are also available for adoption, but may not be at the shelter because they are currently living in foster homes. If you are interested in adopting a dog in a foster home, please email [email protected].
FINALIZING THE ADOPTION
While you are completing the adoption process, the dog you are adopting will go to our clinic for a final physical exam. All dogs available for adoption have already been spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, and given vaccinations. You will also receive a complimentary collar, leash and an information packet.
A veterinary technician will review the information on your dog's health record with you. We recommend that you take your new pet to a veterinarian of your choice within 10 to 14 days of adoption for a follow-up wellness examination, especially for dogs that have been recently spayed or neutered.
AFTER THE ADOPTION
Congratulations on making the socially responsible choice to adopt a pet!
Thank you for choosing to adopt a dog from the Franklin County Dog Shelter. We know there are many other places to find a new pet, and we truly appreciate your support and your decision to help a homeless dog.
If you have any questions or concerns about your new dog, please do not hesitate to call or email us. We are here to help!
We can offer suggestions for working on common behavior issues, and also offer several information sheets for common problems like housebreaking or crate-training. Don't forget to take advantage of our free training classes for new adopters on Monday evenings in our community room.
WE ARE A DOGS ONLY FACILITY
If you are looking to adopt a cat you will find many more available at one of these area cat shelters: