Information on Adoption
By state law, any animal we adopt must be spayed or neutered. We have developed a program with 45 tri-state area veterinarians so that you may have their surgeries done at a vet of your choice.
Our adoption fees include the mandatory spay or neuter surgery (if done through a vet that we work with, otherwise we cover a certain amount towards the surgery), a deworming, the first set of distemper shots and a rabies vaccination. Dogs also receive a bordatella vaccination. Each adopter also receives a care kit, a Pets Incredible Training DVD, and a *coupon for a free bag of Science diet food (*redeemable only at Theisen's). Also, if you take your adoption contract to our local PETCO or Petsmart stores, they will give you a coupon booklet to use in their store for discounts on a variety of items.
Our fees are:| Dogs | $120 |
| Cats | $95 |
| Rabbits | $10 |
| Guinea Pigs | $10 |
| Hamsters | $5 |
| Ferrets | $60 |
| Other | Depends on the animal |
A limited number of senior citizen discounts are also available for cat or dog adoptions.
To adopt from the Dubuque Regional Humane Society, come to the shelter and visit with our animals. You will need to provide a photo ID if you want to visit with our dogs and cats. You may walk our dogs or play with our cats for as long as you'd like. Do not feel like you have to choose a pet the first time you visit. Many of our happiest adopters come to the shelter over and over again to look for their perfect pet. If you do not see what you are looking for, ask us. We have a wanted list (wish list) that we can add your name to when looking for a more particular breed-specific pet.
Once you have made your choice, you will need to fill out an application form. If you rent, you will need your landlord's permission to have a pet. We will evaluate your lifestyle and past history of pet ownership in making our decision. We will also take into account the animal you have chosen to make sure it's a good match. In some cases, you can take your new companion home right away. In other cases, you may have to wait for the spay/neuter surgery to be completed. Also, we do reserve the right to refuse an adoption, if necessary.