Adoption Policies & Fees

We have a streamlined adoption process, making it easier and faster to find your new companion. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you find just the right pet.

What kinds of animals can you find at the Bangor Humane Society? We take in cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, hamsters, and just about any domesticated animal with fur. Sorry, we don’t take in snakes, turtles, mice, or rats. We are not licensed to care for wildlife.

How does the process work if you’re interested in adopting one of our residents?

It all starts with a potential adopter filling out an adoption application. This will tell us a little more about your household, lifestyle, and what you may be looking for in a companion. Adoption counselors are trained to take the adoption application and match it with animals that are available for adoption. Landlord checks are required to all renters. Veterinary checks or a Dog’s Day Out may be required on a case by case basis. Please note that your application is to assist our staff only in gathering information to help you find the right match. Please follow up your application submission with a visit or a call to the shelter to ask about a pet you may be interested in.

After the application phase, we can move on to a visit with approved animals. All people living in the home must come in to meet the animal. If you are looking to adopt a dog, dog-to-dog visits are required so that everyone is set up for success. These visits are as important for the shelter animal as they are for your household.  We do not perform cat-to-cat, or cat-to-dog visits, as it may take a few weeks to a few months for cats to adjust to new friends.

After this, if all checks out, we can complete an adoption! The process itself takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes. We need photo identification and a form of payment to process your adoption. All applicants must be over the age of 18 to meet with an animal and to finalize an adoption.

We also adopt pets with special needs. These adoptions have their own procedures. Visit our Barn Buddy page or our FIV & FeLV page to learn more about our special feline adoption programs.

Dog Adoption Information

Online Adoption Application ADOPTION APPLICATION FORM

Dog Adoption Fees

What’s included in the adoption fee of my new dog?

Wellness exam, behavioral evaluation, spay/neuter, one-year rabies vaccination (3 months and older), Heartworm/Lyme Disease test, distemper vaccination, kennel cough vaccination, topical flea/tick treatment, de-wormer, heartworm prevention, and microchip. An average value of $1,328! To see if you qualify for one of our Special Discount programs, click here.

Cat Adoption Information

Online Adoption Application Adoption Application Form

Cat Adoption Fees

What’s included in the adoption fee of my new cat?

Wellness exam, spay/neuter, one-year rabies vaccination (3 months and older), Feline Leukemia test, distemper vaccination, ultranasal vaccination, topical flea/tick treatment, ear mite treatment, and microchip. An average value of $854! To see if you qualify for one of our Special Discount programs, click here.

Small Animal Adoption Information

Small Animal Pre-Adoption Online Survey

The Small Animal Pre-Adoption Survey is available at the front desk.

Small Animal Adoption Fees

What’s included in the adoption fee of my new small animal?

A wellness exam and spay/neuter (only rabbits) surgery. A value of $100-$150! To see if you qualify for one of our Special Discount programs, click here.