Adopting Your New Pet

Please note:

We do not have specific, one-size-fits-all qualifications for adoption, as we strive to match each animal with the home that best meets their individual needs. While a fenced-in yard is not required for every adoption, it may be necessary on a case-by-case basis depending on the dog’s personality, energy level, and safety needs. Some dogs thrive with the added freedom and security a fenced yard provides, while others may do well without one.

Adoption fees are $400.00 for dogs and $80.00 for cats, with a special 2-for-1 adoption fee for bonded pairs.

Thank you for your interest in adoption and for helping us find the best possible homes for our animals!

What You Can Expect During the Adoption Process

After you complete your online adoption application, an HUA Adoption Coordinator will contact you within 72 hours. Note: if you do not receive notification that your application has been received, please check your email junk/spam folder!

A veterinary verification is done to ensure that current and past pets received quality veterinary care, including vaccinations, heartworm preventative (for dogs), flea/tick medication, spay/neuter, and any necessary procedures as deemed necessary for the well-being of your pet.

After vet verification, an Adoption Coordinator will reach out to you in order to schedule a home visit, which is done at a time when all family members can be available. We perform both in-person and virtual home visits.

Once your adoption application has been approved, we will schedule a time for you and your family, including your current dog(s), to visit the HUA campus in order to meet your new best friend. Our hours are from 10am through 2pm every day except on Wednesdays when our low cost spay/neuter clinic is in operation.

A caregiver will assist with introductions in a safe and secure environment. If all goes according to plan, and everyone loves everyone else, your new family member will join you on the drive home! All dogs and cats leave with an HUA goody bag, in which we will provide veterinary paperwork, a signed contract, food samples and one dose of heartworm preventative. We will also take a photo of your new family to showcase your happy adoption day on our website.

An HUA adoption coordinator will stay in touch for the next few weeks, checking in to answer any questions you may have and to make sure your transition has gone as smoothly as possible. We are always available for our wonderful adopters in the event of any issues that may arise in which help or advice is needed. We remain friends forever.

It doesn't happen overnight!

The 3/3/3 rule is a general guideline for the adjustment period for a dog after adoption. Every dog is unique and will adjust differently.

Three Days...

…to decompress

Feeling overwhelmed
May feel scared/unsure
Not comfortable enough to be “himself”
May not want to eat or drink
Shuts down and/or hides from people
Tests the boundaries

Three Weeks...

…to learn your routine

Starts settling in
Feels more comfortable
Realizes this may be “home”
Gets into a routine
Lets his guard down, personality emerging
Behavior issues may begin to appear

Three Months...

…to feel “at home”

Feels completely comfortable in the home
Begins to build trust and a true bond
Gains a complete sense of security with family
Becomes playful/initiates play
Understands expectations
Responds to love and affection openly