Open Tuesday ~ Friday, 12:30 to 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 12:30 to 5 p.m.
Closed Monday
Phone: 828.264.7865
Fax: 828.264.7996

Adopt an Animal

Our adoption fees

• Dogs $95
• Cats $75

Even though we lose money on every adoption, we strive to keep our adoption fee at an affordable price. Vaccine and medical costs have increased, but our adoption fee has remained the same despite this cost increase. The adoption fee helps cover the following costs:

• Spay / Neuter surgery performed by Asheville's Humane Alliance Spay / Neuter Clinic
• First Set Of Vaccinations
• Avid Microchipping ($45 value)
• De-worming
• Heartworm Test (dogs over 6 months)
• Feline Leukemia & FIV Test (cats)
• Free Initial Examination from participating local vets
• Coupon for $30 off the 6 week private dog training classes with John Quy of Little Horse Creek Farm
• Start Right Dog Training Class at Watauga Humane Society with John Quy of Little Horse Creek Farm
• 10% off initial purchase at Pet Place
• One year free individual membership to the Watauga Humane Society
• 1st free bath and grooming at Sampson's and Delyla's Grooming (dogs only)
• Free "Training Your Shelter Dog" DVD ($29 value) OR
• Free "Your Adopted Cat" DVD ($29 value)

All of animals deserve loving, permanent homes. At Watauga Humane Society, we do our best to ensure our animals find the best possible homes by screening potential adopters.

View animals currently available for adoption:
Dogs | Cats | Puppies | Kittens

Screening Potential Adopters

During the Informal Adoption Counseling phase, we determine the type of pet the potential adopter is looking for and try to find a suitable match. During this phase we answer any questions about the animal. This phase might also involve a "cat scan" (testing a dog to see if it is okay around cats).

Adoption In ActionNext, the potential adopter fills out an Adoption Application. The application serves a dual purpose. First and foremost, it is intended to make the potential adopter think about the responsibility and commitment involved in adopting a pet. Depending on the animal's age, this is often a 15 to 20 year commitment. We want people to consider what having a pet involves, especially in regards to moving or other major life changes. Training and caring for an animal can be very time consuming, and veterinary bills can be very expensive. The second purpose is to give us a better idea of the potential adopter's lifestyle, and if it would be suitable for the particular animal.

After the application is approved, the adoption can occur. The animal can be adopted on the same day if it has been spayed or neutered. Otherwise, the animal can be placed on hold with a deposit, and the adoption paperwork will be completed after the surgery.

Adoption Policy for Renters

Kitten Going Home

If you are going to move in the future, you also need to plan for the animal, and move only to pet-friendly housing. The number one reason that animals are turned into shelters is because people are moving. We don't want to adopt an animal to someone who might return their pet just because they are moving. Adopting an animal should be taken seriously; expect a 15 year commitment for a puppy, and a 15-20 year commitment for a kitten. When you adopt an animal, it is for the animal's lifetime.

We will not adopt animals to renters without landlord approval. Why? Because we want ALL of our animals to go to permanent homes when they leave our shelter. The most common reason for surrendering an animal to a shelter is because pets are not allowed.

Terms of Adoption

Another Happy Adoption!

• All animals must be provided with proper food, water, housing, and exercise.
• We will not adopt our animals to strictly outdoor homes. Learn More About Outside Dogs.
• Our dogs will not be used solely as guard dogs, and our cats will not be used solely as mousers.
• We do not allow any cats adopted from us to be declawed.
• We have the right to follow-up with a home visit if we feel it is necessary.

All of these terms are included in the Adoption Contract. If you violate the Adoption Contract, Watauga Humane Society has the legal right to reclaim the animal from you.