The Adoption Center
The Irma Baker Lyons Adoption Center was built in 2011, and has the ability to house up to 95 dogs and 175 cats. Up until our furry residents find loving homes, staff and volunteers provide them with quality care and enrichment daily.
The adoption site has two outdoor play yards, and walking trails to meet with and interact with available dogs. Our available cats reside in the "Cat Condos" or in one of the four group housing rooms. Two indoor meet and greet rooms are also available for meeting animals!
The Adoption Process
1. Research and prepare:
We encourage potential adopters to research pet care inclusive of veterinary care, food and pet supplies, training needs, and any local or landlord pet regulations before starting the adoption process. The adoption process from start to finish can take up to one hour or longer. We recommend allowing yourself plenty of time when visiting for adoption. Adopters must be 18 years or older and are required to bring a photo ID. Cash, card, and check are accepted forms of payment.
2. Start the adoption process:
Potential adopters can meet with adoptable pets during our open hours, Tuesday - Saturday. Any animals listed as "Available" are eligible for meet and greets, walks, or solo play time. Staff are available along the way to help you find the best fitting companion. Meeting space at the center is limited and large parties can result in heavy congestion. We recommend limiting accompanying people.
3. Fill out an application:
Once you have met the pet you would like to adopt, you will be asked to complete an adoption application. This application is to help us learn a little more about the lifestyle your new pet would have so we can ensure they are a good fit for your home. Applications are typically approved same-day, however we may accept multiple applications on animals with high-interest, medical needs, or other extenuating circumstances.
4. Complete the adoption process:
After your application is approved, staff will go over our adoption contract, medical records, and microchip details for your newly adopted pet and collect payment. All newly adopted pets leaving the building must be properly contained. Temporary leashes and cat boxes are available for purchase. We recommend adopters have a free day to help transition their new pet into the home environment.
Adoption Fees
Our adoption fee structure is based on a variety of factors including age, size, temperament, and length of stay. This variable fee structure allows us to ensure financial security for companions in need of severe medical or behavioral care. Each animal's adoption fee is located under their individual profile.
All animals adopted from WHS will be microchipped, spayed/neutered*, and up-to-date on all age appropriate vaccinations and deworming. Adoption fees help to cover these costs, and ensure that your pet receives any additional medical care they may have needed during their stay with us.
With every adoption you get a free sample bag of food, and a certificate for a free brief health exam with a local vet! We recommend bringing your own leash, collar/harness, or carrier for your new pet to be sure they get home safe and sound. Cardboard carriers and temporary leashes are available at an additional cost, and we do carry a limited inventory of collars, harness, and leashes for retail purchase.
*Puppies and kittens too young to be spayed or neutered will require a refundable $100 deposit. Your deposit will be refunded to you at the completion of their surgery.
Adoption FAQs
What does "Unavailable" mean?
Any animal listed as "Unavailable" is currently unavailable for meet & greets or adoption.
Take a look at what all of our different statuses mean.
- Unavailable / 72 Stray Hold: This animal was brought to us as a stray and is unavailable for adoption currently. We place every stray animal on a 72 hold so that their owner may reclaim them.
- Unavailable / Waiting for Spay/Neuter Surgery: This animal is waiting to have their spay/neuter surgery and is unavailable for adoption currently.
- Unavailable / Pending Vaccinations: This animal is waiting to receive required vaccinations and is unavailable for adoption currently.
- Unavailable / Pending Medical Assessment: This animal needs a little extra care before going to their forever home and is unavailable for adoption currently.
- Available: This animal is ready for their forever home! Stop by during public hours to meet them.
- Available / In Foster Home: This animal is currently in a foster home, but available for adoption. Contact us to set up a time to meet them.
- Seeking Foster Home: This animal is available for adoption and is a great candidate for a foster home if you can't commit to adopting right now.
- Taking Applications: This animal is unavailable for adoption currently, but we are accepting applications.
What does it mean if I sponsor an animal?
When you sponsor an animal, your donation contributes to our operations fund so we can provide medical care, spay/neuter, food and love to our animals. A post will be made to our Facebook page to give this animal some extra recognition to potential adopters!
Click here to sponsor an animal!
Why are all of your dogs listed as a "Mixed Breed"?
The vast majority of dogs who enter shelters are mixed-breed animals - which actually means they are not any breed. A dog's appearance is largely controlled by a small number of genes - only about 2%. In a study done by the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, dog experts were only able to correctly identify the breed of an animal one in four times. The experts in this study included veterinarians, breeders, and trainers.
We want visitors to see each dogs' individual personality and charm that is not defined by a specific label. Just like people, every dog is unique and special in their own way!
Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find your perfect companion.
Do you know if your shelter pets are friendly with other animals?
To ensure a safe and fear-free environment for animals in our care, we do not do any dog-to-cat meet and greets. Staff will be able to provide information on how dogs have interacted during play group with other dogs. Most cat-friendly felines are housed in our group housing, but since space in those are areas are limited, cattery staff are able to provide background information of cats housed in single-housing.