Find Your Forever Friend
Dogwood Animal Shelter is devoted to matching potential adopters with a pet that is best suited to their home, interests, and lifestyle. Please keep in mind that our goal is to create forever matches with members of our community. Owning an animal is a lifelong commitment! While we reserve the right to refuse an adoption, our staff makes every effort to work with potential adopters and help them find their perfect match!
When you adopt from DAS, your new furry family member will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, and all age appropriate vaccinations including rabies & heartworm/FeLV tested. You will get a free sample of pet food and a complimentary visit to a local veterinarian!
What to know about
the adoption process
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To ensure the best possible match, all our adoptable pets are available for viewing online or in-person through our adoption notebook.
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If you are interested in meeting a DAS animal, your first step will be to submit our adoption application.
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Adoption applications can take 1 - 2 business days to process.
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Once your application is approved, we will set up an appointment for you to meet the animal at the shelter. Appointments are preferred. However, we do accommodate walk-in visits when time allows.
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The canines are available for outside viewing until 2 hours prior to closing. We do not allow walkthrough viewing of our inside kennel areas. We do this to minimize stress levels in our kennels and keep disease spread to a minimum.
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Adoption process can take between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of guests we are serving. Due to this time commitment, we are unable to start animal introductions, adoption holds, or adoptions 60 minutes prior to close.
What You Need to Adopt:
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Adopters must be at least 21 years of age and provide a valid photo ID.
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Photo ID is a requirement of the Department of Agriculture​ for adoption
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All current animals in the home must be up-to-date on their vaccines and spayed/neutered.
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When taking a cat home from the shelter, you must bring a cat carrier or you can purchase one from us.
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When taking a dog home from the shelter, you must bring a collar and leash or you can purchase one from us.
Applications:
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You may apply online or complete a paper applications at the shelter in person.​.
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You are welcome to visit our shelter during our adoption hours Monday-Saturday from 10 am - 3 pm, no appointment needed. ​
Next Steps:
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Please make sure that pets are allowed at your residence. If there are currently other pets in the home, a call will be placed to your current vet for verification that the animal(s) are up-to-date on their vaccines and are spayed/neutered.
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Once your application has been approved, a staff member will contact you to arrange a meet and greet with the family to include your existing furry family member(s).
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Approved Adoption Policy
Once your adoption application has been approved, please follow these steps to hold and finalize the adoption of your chosen pet:
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1. 24-Hour Decision Period:
Approved applicants have 24 hours from the time of notification to decide whether to proceed with the adoption.
2. In-Person Meeting:
Applicants must meet the animal in person before a deposit can be accepted and a hold placed on the pet.
3. 1/3 Adoption Fee Deposit:
To reserve the pet after making your decision within the 24-hour window, a non-refundable deposit equal to 1/3 of the total adoption fee must be paid.
4. Adoption Appointment:
Adoption appointments are required and must be scheduled within 3 days of application approval. The remaining 2/3 of the adoption fee is due at or before the scheduled appointment.
Hold Expiration Notice:
If you do not meet the pet, pay the 1/3 deposit within the 24-hour window, or complete the adoption process within 3 days, the hold will expire. The animal will then become immediately available for adoption to other shelter guests.