Chesapeake Animal Services

Adoption Policy

Our Adoption Process ...
Those interested in adopting a pet from our shelter will be asked to complete an adoption application for approval. Also required will be a valid form of identification showing current address and rabies vaccine certificates and city licenses for any pets currently owned. If there is currently a dog in the home and you intend to adopt another dog you must bring the resident dog for a meeting with the shelter pet.
Renters are encouraged to discuss their intention to adopt a pet with their landlord prior to adoption.

Anyone convicted of cruelty, abuse or other serious animal ordinance violations may not adopt. Chesapeake Animal Services Unit reserves the right to refuse adoptions, not in the best interest of the animal or community. You will be asked to sign an adoption contract promising to keep the animal only as a pet and to abide by the laws for the control and protection of animals. All dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered before a transfer of custody to an adopter, unless there is a medical reason prohibiting surgery prior to adoption.

Adoption Fees ...
The adoption fee for small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, small reptiles, livestock, etc. will be set administratively and depend on the type of animal. You will need to ask the shelter office staff about the particular animal you want. For dogs and cats, the adoption fee is $35.00 plus the cost of spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccination, and microchip implantation. All adopted dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered prior to release unless there is a medical reason why surgery cannot be done at that time.

Cats are tested for feline leukemia/aids, have had at least one fvrcp vaccine and deworming prior to adoption. Dogs are tested for heartworms, have had at least one dhpp vaccine and deworming prior to adoption.

Adopters are afforded the opportunity to receive spay/neuter, rabies, and microchip services from the Chesapeake Humane Society Care Clinic. The cost is $40 for cats and $70 for dogs. These fees apply only to pets adopted from Chesapeake Animal Services. PAYMENT FOR SURGERY, VACCINATION AND MICRO CHIP MUST BE MADE AT THE TIME OF ADOPTION. Adopters who wish to use their own veterinarian for these procedures may discuss those arrangements with the CAS office staff at the time of adoption.