How do I adopt a pet?

At the Pensacola Humane Society our goal is to create loving, lasting adoptions. We believe that the adoption process should be simple, quick, and most importantly, fun! You can find the steps outlined below, but feel free to contact an Adoption Counselor at 432-4250 or adopt@pensacolahumane.org if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for opening your home to a new four-legged, family member!

Step One: Getting started

We encourage anyone who is interested in adopting to visit our website to learn about the animals we have available. We provide information about each of our guests including size information, age and temperament. Please note that all of our available animals are current on their vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and micro-chipped. When considering adoption please make sure that you can offer a permanent home and are willing to make a long-term commitment to the pet.

Step Two: Picking the perfect companion

Next, stop by and meet our dogs and cats. If you plan to adopt please remember that we may ask that all members of the household meet their new family member before they go to their forever home. If you’re adopting a dog and have another dog(s) please bring them along for a meet-and-greet. Our staff will safely introduce the animals to make sure they are a good fit. At this time our adoption counselors will be available to answer any questions you may have and help guide your choice with their knowledge of the animals.

Step Three:  Where do we sign?

So you found the perfect pet and you can’t wait to get them home and love them forever? Great! We are so excited for both you and the animal. All that’s left is the paperwork, which gets approved by our adoption staff. In order to adopt a pet you will be asked if you meet the following criteria in addition to basic animal care:

1. You must be at least 18 years of age for cats or 21 years of age for dogs and have sufficient means to support a pet.
2. We reserve the right to require that all family members in the household meet the dog/cat prior to adoption.
3. Renters must have a copy of their lease and/or a letter from their landlord stating that a pet is welcome.
4. We reserve the right to require that all other pets in the household to be neutered or spayed.

For Cat Adoptions:

• Adopted cats must be indoor only pets.
• Cats adopted from the Pensacola Humane Society cannot be declawed.

For Dog Adoptions:

• Adopted dogs must be primarily indoor pets.
• Adopted dogs must be kept current on heartworm prevention.
• Families seeking to adopt a dog should have a suitable plan for exercise, including leashed walks, active play, or time in a fenced yard or park.
• Families seeking to adopt a dog should have a humane approach to training.
• If you are interested in adopting a dog, you must bring in all dogs already in the home for a “meet & greet” before the adoption is approved.

PLEASE NOTE: We require that adopted animals be taken to the veterinarian for a wellness exam within seven days to complete the adoption process.

Once we’ve gotten the housekeeping out of the way our adoption counselor will walk you through the necessary paperwork and will take your payment for the adoption fee.

If you do not meet the above requirements you will need to meet them prior to being able to adopt. Our adoption staff reserve the right to deny an adoption if they feel it is in the best interest of the pet.

Step Four:  Going Home!

If you have a kennel/carrier or leash for your new companion please remember to bring it with you.

If you are adopting a cat we will be happy to provide you with a temporary transport carrier for a $5 fee.

If you are adopting a dog we will be happy to provide you with a temporary leash for a $2.50 fee.  

We do not perform adoptions or give out adoption requests past 4:45 Tuesday-Saturday and past 3:45 on Sundays to allow for adoption processing. 

Step Five: A Lifetime of Happiness

Enjoy your new companion and send us updates on Facebook. If you encounter any difficulties while your pet is adjusting and acclimating to their new home, please call us. We can offer help, guidance and resources. Please check your email for information about Maddie's Pet Assistant the cool and free app that will help you through some basic transitioning with your new pet and alert us if there are any major problems so that we can reach out to you.

We want to thank you for choosing to open your heart and home to one of our rescues. We are ecstatic for you and your new companion! 

Adoption Fee's:

Dog adoption fee's include a negative heartworm test, spay/neuter, micro-chip, heartworm prevention, and vaccinations:

• 2 months to 4 months: $150
• 5 months to 2 years: $125
• 3 years to 7 years: $100
• 8 years and up: $50
• $25 for dogs 8 years and older adopted by a senior (65+)
• Purebred animals may have higher adoption fees, and it will be noted in their profile. These fees are typically $250.

Cat adoption fee's include a negative FelV/FIV test, spay/neuter, micro-chip, and vaccinations:

• 2 months to 4 months: $55
• 5 months to 2 years: $40
• 3 years to 7 years: $30
• 8 years and up: $15
• Fee waived for cats 8 years and older adopted by a senior (65+)

If you are adopting a cat or kitten and do not bring your own carrier then you must purchase a cardboard carrier for $5.

If you are adopting a dog or puppy and you do not bring your own leash and collar then you must purchase a slip-lead for $2.50.

If you are adopting through the Pets for Patriots program, the adoption fee's have a 20% discount. This does not stack with other adoption specials.

Military that are not adopting through the Pets for Patriots program get a 10% adoption discount. This does not stack with other adoption specials.

Hold Fee's:

A 2-hour hold is $10 and will be applied to the adoption fee.

A 4-hour hold is $25 and will be applied to the adoption fee.

A 24-hour hold is $50 and is paid in addition to the adoption fee.

• HOLDS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE and non-transferrable.
• Holds MUST be placed IN PERSON. We will not accept any holds over the phone or through e-mail.
• Holds can only be placed if you have filled out and submitted an adoption request that has been reviewed verbally with an adoption counselor.
• Holds CANNOT be placed on an animal that is not available for adoption.
• You can only place one hold at a time and can not hold multiple animals.
• Our adoption counselor's still reserve the right to refuse adoption even if a hold has been placed. A hold does not guarantee adoption.

We accept cash, checks and debit/credit cards for your convenience.

All adoptions are first come, first serve unless a hold has been made. 

If you qualify as part of the Pets for Patriots program, you will recieve 20% off the adoption fee on approved pets.