Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center

Adoption process

The adoption process begins with filling out an adoption application, which includes basic questions about yourself and your household. This information assists our adoption counselors in matching you with the right companion. Please be aware that completing most adoptions typically takes between 45 minutes to one hour. Given that the Adoption Center can be quite busy, we ask for your patience and recommend allowing ample time for the process. When adopting a new companion, we require the following information: If you own your home, please bring a form of verification such as a tax bill, water bill, or mortgage statement. Additionally, check your homeowner’s insurance policy for any restrictions on certain dog breeds. If you do not own your residence, please ensure that your landlord consents to having a pet on the property. We will contact landlords to verify permission before finalizing the adoption, so please have the necessary name and phone number ready. All other pets in your household must be up-to-date on vaccinations to minimize the risk of spreading infectious diseases. It is crucial to recognize that your new companion will become a member of your family, which may entail a commitment of 10 to 15 years. We encourage you to bring family members with you to ensure a good match before making a commitment. If you are adopting a second dog, please also bring your current dog so they can spend some time together, and we can provide suggestions for a smooth transition. Consider the financial responsibilities associated with caring for a companion animal, including routine and emergency veterinary care, as well as expenses for food, supplies, and training. Our adoption counselors can provide estimates of basic costs for each type of animal. Many animals adopted from shelters may require an immediate veterinary visit due to the high volume of un-vaccinated animals entering our care, which increases the risk of contagious diseases. Common issues include kennel cough in dogs and upper respiratory infections in cats. It is essential to assess whether you have the financial resources to care for your new companion beyond the initial adoption fees. Before making a commitment, please reflect honestly on the time you have available for training, grooming, and exercising your chosen companion. Consider your work schedule, your interest in outdoor activities, who will care for your pet while you are away, and whether the pet will be the appropriate size when fully grown. If adopting into a home with children, think about whether you are adopting to teach responsibility or because you already have responsible children. Ensure that your children feel comfortable around the animal you have chosen and consider your own commitment to the pet if their interest wanes. We appreciate your willingness to provide a home for a “pre-loved” companion and hope that he or she will be a wonderful addition to your family.