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Adoptable Animals

We’re so glad you’re considering adoption! Here’s how it works at the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society:

Tip: Our most popular pets can be adopted quickly, so if you see someone special online, apply as soon as possible.

Find Your Match
  • You can browse all of our adoptable pets online—every animal currently looking for a home is listed on our website. New animals are primarily posted at 12pm and 5pm daily as they become ready for adoption.
  • If you’d like to visit in person, our Adoption Centre is open for walk-in viewings daily from 2 PM to 6 PM. Walk-in hours are limited to help ensure the comfort and well-being of our animals. We’ve found that too much foot traffic can be stressful, especially for our more sensitive residents, so these limited hours help keep the environment calm. Thank you for understanding.
  • If you’re hoping to meet a dog during your visit, please review our Dog Viewing Policy in advance for important information on how dog visits are scheduled and managed.
  • To express interest in adopting a pet, start by submitting an online application. Simply click on the photo of the animal you’re interested in and fill out the Adoption Survey. If you’ve already completed a survey in the past, you can log in and add a new animal to your existing application.
  • Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll receive an email once your application is being reviewed or if there are other applications ahead of yours. When it’s your turn, one of our adoption counsellors will give you a call to talk about your application and the pet you’re interested in.
  • Submitting an application doesn’t commit you to adopting that pet—it just lets us know you’re interested so we can begin the conversation.
  • If you prefer to visit in person, you’re welcome to complete the online application at the shelter using one of our devices.
  • After submitting your application, you are welcome to spend some time with your potential new companion to ensure it’s the right fit for everyone.
  • For cats and small animals, meet-and-greets can be arranged during our open hours. For dogs, visits are scheduled by appointment to maintain a calm and safe environment.
  • Our adoption staff will carefully review your application and then reach out to answer any questions you may have, as well as to share important information about the pet’s history, personality, and care needs.

During your scheduled adoption pick-up, please bring

  • Valid photo ID showing your current address.
  • Cats: A secure cat carrier.
  • Dogs: A leash and collar (if you’d like to purchase the collar your dog is already wearing, it’s an additional $15).
  • Small Animals: A safe travel carrier appropriate for the species.

You’ll then:

  • Complete the adoption contract
  • Pay the adoption fee (varies by species and age — please see the Adoption Fees section of our website for details).

Take Home Your New Family Member!

 To keep our dogs happy and stress-free, we limit the number of dogs in the public viewing area to three at a time during adoption hours. We choose the dogs who are most comfortable and confident around visitors.

If you’re interested in meeting a dog who isn’t in the viewing area, please submit an adoption application. We’ll be happy to arrange a meet-and-greet appointment — usually within 48 hours — so you can get to know them in a calm, comfortable setting.

All available animals are listed on our website. Our adoption centre is open for walk-ins daily from 2pm to 6pm; otherwise, to meet animals are by appointment after you have submitted an application. Walk-in times are limited for the welfare of our animals. We’ve learned that they find a lot of foot traffic stressful, so by limiting walk-ins times we’re keeping them more comfortable and calm. Thank you for understanding!

 

  • To apply to adopt an available animal, please click on their photo and fill out an Adoption Survey online. If you have already completed an online survey you will be able to add a new animal to your application.

  • Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. You will receive an email when your application is being reviewed, or notifying you if there are other applications ahead of yours. When your application has been reviewed our adoption counsellors will call you to discuss your application and the pet that you’re interested in.  

  • If you and the animal are a match, we will send you a confirmation email with a link to the adoption contract for e-signature and details about how to pay the adoption fee online. We will also schedule a pick up date and time. On the pick up day, you will receive a copy of your new pet’s veterinary records by email.