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Adoption Process

We are excited that you chose to adopt from Columbia Animal Services. Our adoption process is simple; spend time with your new best friend! If you are interested in adopting a dog, take the dog outside to our newly renovated canine meet and greet areas. Offer treats, sit with them, play with toys, and make sure this is the pet you plan to commit to for the rest of its life. If you are interested in a cat, feel free to hold the cats, pet the cats, and make sure this is the pet you plan to commit to for the rest of its life. Once you have chosen your forever pet, finalizing the paperwork only takes a matter of minutes. All of our adoptable animals have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped. All of our dogs have been heartworm tested.

Please bring the following to adopt:

  • A valid picture ID with your current address
  • Proof of age (You must be 18 or older to adopt from Columbia Animal Services.)
  • Proper form of payment (We accept cash, credit/debit card or checks accompanied with a current driver’s license.)
  • All cats must go home in a carrier. Please bring a carrier or plan to purchase a cardboard carrier for $5 at the time of adoption. The pricing of cardboard carriers is subject to change.
  • All dogs must go home on a leash. Please bring a leash and collar or plan to purchase them at the time of adoption. Prices vary.

Once you finalize your adoption:

Take your newly adopted pet home and enjoy each other’s company. It takes time for your new best friend to adjust to their new environment. Keep the 3-3-3 rule in mind:

Within the first three days, your new pet may feel overwhelmed. They may not want to eat or drink, and they may test their boundaries. This is okay and to be expected; please be patient! This is also the time you will want to establish a veterinary relationship with a local vet. Schedule an appointment within one week to 10 days from adoption to ensure your newly adopted pet is healthy and thriving.

  • After three weeks, your newly adopted pet is starting to settle in, they start feeling more comfortable, and establish a routine. This is also when some behavioral issues may arise. Remain patient, work with them, and if needed, look into a trainer.
  • After three months, they will finally feel completely comfortable in their new home, they are set in their routine, and they have finally built a strong bond with you.

Adoption Cost

    • All of our adoptable pets are only $35, and we run special promotions throughout the year. Please follow our Facebook page to view current adoption promotions.

Adoptable Pets

  • For up-to-date available pets, please visit PetFinder.com. The available animals are updated daily, so be sure to check back often. Please follow our Facebook page, and check it regularly to see our “Pet of the Week,” as well as other adoptable pets.

Thinking about adopting a pet? Some things to consider:

  • Does everyone in the home agree to adopting a pet?
  • Do you have time for a pet? Do you work a lot or travel often? If you do, consider the cost of pet sitting or boarding. Is this something you are willing to pay for?
  • Do you have resident animals? Do they get along with other animals?
  • If you are adopting a dog and live in a home, can you provide appropriate fencing to keep him/her safe and secure? If you do not, do you have the ability to walk them several times a day?
  • If you are adopting a cat, do you have allergies? Don’t know? Plan to spend at least 30 minutes to an hour with your potential new cat to make sure you do not show any signs or symptoms of allergies.