We ask for this information to ensure that we are adopting animals into permanent homes where the current animals have been in to see your veterinarian within the past 12 months for a wellness exam and where, if you live in a rental property, the landlord allows pets. Research shows that this information helps animals to stay permanently in new adoptive homes.
      Please note that the RCHS does not hold animals pending adoption approval, i.e. while processing landlord or veterinarian checks. Sometimes animals may be adopted but are still at the shelter for a short period of time following adoption. For example, when a new owner cannot pick up the animal immediately, or the animal is scheduled for spay/neuter surgery and will be picked up from vet clinic, or the owner is picking up supplies before returning for the animal. In these cases, the animal’s cage or kennel will have a sign stating “I am going to my new home soon; please consider one of my friends at the shelter.” Any exception to this policy must be approved by the Director of Operations or Executive Director.
      RCHS adoption screening goals are designed to find permanent placement for RCHS shelter animals.  Typically, college students experience many changes in their living situations which precludes their ability to make a lifetime commitment to an animal.  Consequently, RCHS does not adopt to college students.  If you have questions about this policy, please speak with the Director of Operations or Executive Director.  Exceptions for non-traditional students may be made.

   The Rutland County Humane Society is responsible for placing our animals into the most appropriate homes possible. This responsibility may result in the denial of an adoption at the discretion of the Director of Operations or the Executive Director. 

Are you thinking about adopting a puppy?  If so, click here for helpful and informative information.

Click here for the Dog/Puppy Adoption Application.  Click here for the Cat/Kitten Adoption Application.

RCHS Adoption fees
Puppies (0-12 months) $125
Adult Dogs (1-7 years) $100
Senior Dogs (8-12 years) $60
Senior Dogs (12+ years) Donation Only

If you wish to adopt 2 adult or senior dogs, it is 50% off for the second dog.  If you wish to adopt 2 puppies, the second puppy is $25 off or $100. 

This adoption fee includes: -Spaying/Neutering-Distemper and Kennel Cough Vaccines – Deworming/Defleaing - Collar, Leash, ID Tag - Free physical with your veterinarian - Sample Food - Valuable dog behavior information and free behavioral counseling for the lifetime of your pet.

Kittens (0-12 months) $90 (2 for $105)
Adult Cats 1 Year and Over:  Donation Only

If you wish to adopt 2 cats aged 1 year or older, the fee for the second cat will be $70.

This adoption fee includes: - Spaying/Neutering-Distemper Vaccine and Feline Leukemia Test – Deworming/Defleaing - ID Tag, Pet Carrier - Free physical with your veterinarian - Sample Food - Valuable cat behavior information and free behavioral counseling for the lifetime of your pet. 

Small Animals
Rabbits $25 ($35 for 2)
Birds $25 ($35 for 2)
Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Mice, Rats $20 ($30 for 2)

If a small animal arrived in a cage, he may go home with it at no extra charge.

Please come visit the animals!
Please click here for directions if you'd like to come visit the animals at the shelter.

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Pet Partners!

See our adoptable animals in action and learn about programs, events and other initiatives going on at RCHS!  Watch Pet Partners on PegTV!  It can be seen on Channel 15 on Monday at 2:30 PM, Tuesday at 11:30 AM, Wednesday at 12:30 PM and Friday at 8:00 PM.  Or you can watch it online, too!  Click here to link to PegTV!  Enjoy!
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