Adoption Process

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We’re so happy that you’ve come to CDLC in search of your new pet! Our  Adoption Center is full of amazing cats and kittens ready to find their forever homes. All of our adoptable dogs are in foster homes. Below is an outline of how our application process works:

PLEASE NOTE: WE RECEIVE MANY EMAILS DAILY. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING AN ANIMAL FROM OUR ORGANIZATION WE HIGHLY SUGGEST COMPLETING AN ADOPTION APPLICATION.  RESPONDING TO ALL "INQUIRIES" IS NOT OFTEN POSSIBLE AS WE ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS AND LIMITED TIME IS A REALISTIC COMPONENT TO OUR EFFORTS. 

SUBMITTING AN "APPLICATION" TELLS US YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT AND HAVE SPENT TIME CONSIDERING THE COMMITMENT OF ANIMAL ADOPTION. THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 HAS INCREASED ANIMAL ADOPTION DEMAND AND HAS LOWERED THE AVAILABILITY OF VOLUNTEERS. WE ARE TRYING OUR BEST TO KEEP UP AND TO MAKE ANIMAL ADOPTIONS AS CONVENIENT AS POSSIBLE. 

1. Complete an on-line adoption application, indicating which cat(s) or dog(s) you are interested in.
2. You will receive an email within 2-3 days in response to your application. This email typically is to invite the applicant(s) to come and meet the specific animal they are interested in. Please note, some of our animals receive a great deal of interest. We often receive many applications during a short period of time for one animal. It is not always possible to get back to all applicants. We try our best, so please be patient and understand, as we are staffed by volunteers who also work full-time jobs and have families. When you are invited to visit, you will also be able to meet other animals who are also available. Our Hours of Operations are below. We require that all family members residing in the home, where the potential animal will live, be present for the meet and greet. If for some reason this is not possible, we will need to speak with this family member verifying they are in agreement of the potential adoption. Potential adopters MUST come and meet the animal they are interested in adopting. We DO NOT SHIP animals.
3. Our volunteers will introduce you to our animals and answer any questions you might have.
4. If you find a pet you feel would be a perfect fit for you (and your family), our volunteers will help determine if it’s the best match for your family and the animal.
5. Your veterinary references will be checked during this process. Please contact your veterinary clinic giving permission for our staff to speak with them regarding your current and past pet(s) health. Several clinics require your consent to release information. After speaking with your veterinary clinic, we may have further questions for you or need clarifications regarding your application.
6. Once approved, we can schedule a time to pick up your new family member!  

Please note:  We typically Do Not Do Same Day Adoptions. There can be some exceptions to this policy depending on travel distances.

A few things to note:          

• You must be 21 years or older to adopt. Please bring a valid form of I.D.
• All currently owned animals (cats and dogs) residing in your home MUST BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED. There are NO exceptions. This is true in any of the following incidences: if you are applying to adopt a cat and your current cats(s)/dog(s) are not spayed or neutered, your application will be denied; if you are applying to adopt a dog and your current dog(s)/cat(s) are not spayed or neutered, your application will be denied. We are first and foremost an animal rescue organization advocating for the humane treatment of all animals.
• All members of the family will need to meet your potential new pet. We want to make sure this relationship is a good fit for everyone!
• If you are looking to adopt a dog and already have a dog(s), we ask that you bring them to the shelter to meet your potential new pet.
• If you are looking to adopt a cat and already have a dog(s), we will assess the potential cat with a cat-friendly dog prior to the possibility of an adoption. It is in the best interest for all animals involved to have slow introductions. Rushing the relationship(s) can hinder the possibility of future cohesive living among the animals.
• If you are looking to adopt a cat and already have a cat(s), we will provide you with literature about the importance of slow proper introductions. We generally have a good sense as to which of our cats get along well with other cats so please understand we are making those recommendations based on the many experiences we have had with adoptions. It is in the best interest for all cats involved to have slow introductions, this can be key to a successful relationship. Rushing the relationship(s) can hinder the possibility of future cohesive living among the cats.

Our Adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip, current vaccinations, deworming/parasite preventative, heart-worm testing and preventative in dogs, and testing for FIV/Felv/HW in cats. 

*CDLC only runs fecal tests on animals showing symptoms of a parasitic infection.  Each animal is given a preventative dewormer that is ~98% effective. The odds are likely that your animal came into our Adoption Center with a parasite.  2% of cases are not resolved by the initial dewormer, but you may wish to talk to your vet about running an easy and inexpensive fecal test at your initial check up if you have concerns.