About Adoption

Cocheco Valley Humane Society receives animals from individuals who are no longer able to care for their pets, as well as animals that are lost or abandoned. We are looking for people who are willing to provide permanent, loving homes for the animals that come into our care. Please consider carefully the time and money required to own a pet before you make the decision to adopt. Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment.

All animals available for adoption have passed an evaluation based on their known history, health and temperament. Animals remain available for adoption as long as their good health and behavior continue.

• You must be 21 years of age or older to adopt an animal.
• A current photo ID (driver's license or state ID card) is required to process an adoption.
• To provide permanent identification, all dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are micro-chipped before going home. The microchip, as well as the cost of registration, is free with every adoption from CVHS.

If at any time you can no longer care for your pet, you must return the pet to Cocheco Valley Humane Society.

You are welcome to visit the shelter anytime during regular adoption hours to view the available animals. New animals are moved into the adoption rooms daily. If you are looking for a particular type or breed of animal, please check our website often or call the adoption center to see what pets are available.

Plan to allow one to two hours to complete the adoption process. It may take longer, depending on how many animals you wish to meet with, your previous experience with pet care, and the number of other visitors at the shelter. Our busiest days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so please allow extra time if you plan to come on those days.

A cage card is displayed on each animal's cage to give you information about the pet's breed, age, gender, adoption fee and more.

Once you have found an animal that you are interested in adopting, a volunteer or staff person will direct you to an area where you and the animal can interact. To ensure the pet chosen is compatible with everyone, all household/family members should interact with the animal before the adoption is finalized.

To begin the adoption process, all adopters must complete a Match Maker Questionnaire. We use a questionnaire and interview process to ensure that each animal adopted will be matched to the most compatible new owner. Our adoption staff will review with you any medical or behavioral information relevant to that animal, explain policies and services available to adopters, and collect adoption fees. Cocheco Valley Humane Society reserves the right to refuse any adoption.

All adoptions must be processed in person.

Please note: Cocheco Valley Humane Society is unable to reimburse adopters for post-adoption medical expenses. Adopters assume full responsibility for their new pet's care.