Adoption Info

Deciding to bring a pet into your home is a big decision, but when done correctly it can be one of the best decisions of your life!

The first decision that the Humane Society encourages everyone to make is a commitment that your pet will come from an ethical source, and when possible adopt one of the thousands of beautiful animals that are available at animal shelters across the province at any given time. Don’t make the decision impulsively- think about your lifestyle, financial capacity, home and family before making the decision. Couch potatoes will better suit a senior cat than a 7 month old husky! Joggers would love the companionship of that husky for their morning jaunt! Ensuring a fit will help guarantee that the lifelong bond that you are about to develop is filled with happiness!

At the Sarnia and District Humane Society, our professional adoption counsellors will take you through a process to ensure that you and your future best friend are a match made in heaven. Of course, in the end it will be the connection between you and a specific animal that will help make the choice between all the animals the counsellors recommend for you.

Check out the Adoptable Pets on our website for animals that are currently available for adoption, or visit the shelter at 131 Exmouth St, Sarnia.

Fees for Adoption

There is no such thing as a free pet! Even if you get a kitten from a friend at no cost, you are making a commitment for the lifetime of the animal to provide for its care. To be a responsible pet owner, you will have to cover the costs of vaccinations, spay / neuter surgery, preventative medicine and potential medical treatment in the event of illness or injury. The adoption fees at the Humane Society cover many of the initial expenses, but all ongoing costs will be the owner’s responsibility.

Dogs being adopted by Sarnia and Village of Point Edward residents must also purchase a municipal Dog License, which are available at the shelter. For information about Sarnia/Pt Edward licenses click here. Residents of other municipalities must contact their municipal office to inquire about licensing.

All animals adopted from the Humane Society must be spayed or neutered. Spay or neuter surgery is included in the adoption fee, which can be redeemed at any Lambton County veterinary clinic.

Cat and Kitten Adoption Fees

Adoption Fee: $175

  • Initial vaccinations including rabies (if old enough – 12 weeks and up)
  • Health check by Veterinarian
  • Initial deworming
  • Flea treatment (if necessary)
  • Ear mite treatment (if necessary)
  • Nail trim if needed
  • Microchip identification
  • Spay or Neuter surgery
  • 30 days free OSPCA Insurance
  • Applicable taxes

Puppy and Dog Adoption Fees

Dog Adoption Fee: $500
Puppies 6 Months & Younger Adoption Fee: $550
Senior Dog Adoption Fee: $250

  • Initial vaccinations including rabies (if old enough – 12 weeks and up)
  • Health check by Veterinarian
  • Heartworm testing
  • Initial deworming
  • Flea treatment (if necessary)
  • Ear mite treatment (if necessary)
  • Nail trim if needed
  • Microchip identification
  • Spay or Neuter surgery
  • 30 days free OSPCA Insurance
  • Applicable taxes

Rescue and Relief Transfer Dogs

Adoption Fee: $550

  • The transfer adoption fee assists in our efforts to give every deserving dog the second chance they deserve.
  • Initial vaccinations including rabies (if old enough – 12 weeks and up)
  • Health check by a Veterinarian
  • Heartworm test
  • Initial deworming
  • Flea treatment (if necessary)
  • Ear mite treatment (if necessary)
  • Nail trim if needed
  • Microchip identification
  • Spay or Neuter surgery
  • 30 days free OSPCA Insurance
  • Applicable taxes
  • All adoption fees include a $50. non – refundable administration fee

Animal Return Policy & Examination If Pet Becomes Ill

Before the adoption process is complete, we want you to be aware of the possibility that an illness or behaviour problem for which they have shown no signs of while in our care, could occur. In the event that a behaviour problem does occur within the 10 DAYS of Adoption, contact the Humane Society and a staff member will be pleased to discuss the problems and offer any assistance. If the problem cannot be corrected, you will have to make the decision to return the animal and may be entitled to a partial refund. In the event of a medical problem or illness, your complimentary 30 day trial of OSPCA Pet Insurance can be used as you were registered at the time of adoption. Your 30 day trial provides $750 of coverage per policy for treatment of various conditions. Please visit www.ospcainsurance.ca or phone 1-866-600-2445 for more information. A $75 deductible is applicable per policy.

The Sarnia Humane Society strives to ensure your Adoption process goes as smooth as possible and wants you to know we are here to help even after you take your new family member home.

All medical concerns within 10 days of Adoption must be brought to the Sarnia Humane Society. The Sarnia Humane Society will not cover any medical costs associated with other Veterinary Clinics.

Animal Contract If You Can No Longer Keep Your Adopted Pet

The staff at the Sarnia & District Humane Society strive to make every effort that when a pet goes into a new home, it is for life. However, we understand that life circumstances and changes in lifestyle do occur and sometimes heartbreaking decisions must be made. For your pets safety and your peace of mind all contracts contain a clause that the pet must be returned to the shelter where you can be sure our staff will find a permanent home specific to the pets needs.

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