Adoption | Animal Services

Dogs at the Shelter

Cats at the Shelter

Adoptions

At Cleveland County Animal Services we strive to make the adoption process as seamless as possible. Our priority is making the best possible matches in order to find forever homes for shelter pets.

All dog adoptions include:

Initial medical exam
Initial deworming
Initial heartworm screening
DHLPP vaccination
Rabies vaccination and tag
Microchip ID and registration
Spay or neutering

All cat adoptions include:

Initial medical exam
Initial deworming
FVRCP vaccination
Rabies vaccination and tag
Microchip ID and registration
Spay or neutering

In order to adopt, you must have a valid, government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, or ID card.

The earliest a stray may be released for adoption is three shelter business days after being made available for reclaim by the Shelter. N.C. law requires this holding period in order to provide owners the opportunity to reclaim their lost pet. If an animal has been legally surrendered by the owner, the minimum hold does not apply, and we will make the animal will be made available as quickly as can.

Adoption Hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 AM - 4 PM, and Saturday, 11 AM - 3 PM

Animal services is now offering extended hours from 11 AM - 6 PM on Tuesdays. The shelter is closed on Sundays except for special events.

In the following circumstances, staff may decline an adoption:

Adopter has been convicted in criminal court for matters related to animal cruelty
Adopter has been cited for animal cruelty

Adoption fees are $40 for dogs and $10 for cats.

In some instances, these fees are waived. Special adoption promotions occur from time to time and include a reduced fee adoption.

On-going adoption promotions:

Pets for Patriots - Fee-waived adoption for retired and active military veterans

Special Needs Pets - Fee waived adoption for pets with special needs

Seniors for Seniors - Fee waived adoption for residents older than 60 adopting a dog or cat eight years or older.

Two for One - Cats prefer company. Adopt one cat and get the second a no charge.

On July 1st, 2021, our fees for adoptions, transfers, and redemptions changed. We felt that a change was needed that better reflected our mission and vision as well as the County Board of Commissioners strategic goals.

These changes are expected to shorten the overall length of stay of animals in our care, encourage shelter pet adoptions, and decrease expenses associated with extended housing.

To view the pricing changes, click on the document below.

Fee Schedule.pdf