Adoption

Think About Adopting Before You Go Shopping!

Approximately 25-30% of animals in shelters are purebreds, according to the Humane Society of the US. If you have a breed that you prefer, check out the breed specific rescue groups also. Contact the shelter and let them know what you are looking for. The shelter keeps a "wish list" and trys to match animals with potential adopters.

Dog & Cat Adoption Program

Effective May 1, 2011

The policies below apply only to animals that are deemed adoptable:

  • In compliance with North Carolina General Statute §130A-192, canines and felines shall be retained for claiming by the owner for a minimum of 72 hours. If the animals are deemed adoptable by the Yadkin County Animal Shelter staff and are age appropriate (4 months or older), they will be spayed or neutered and receive a rabies vaccination. If the animals are adoptable and not age appropriate for spaying or neutering, or have special needs they may be adopted and a spay / neuter / rabies voucher will be issued when the animal is age appropriate.
  • Canines received at the Yadkin County Animal Shelter shall receive heartworm (at 12 months of age or older) or parvo (canines 12 months of age or younger) testing
  • If the canine parvo test is positive, anyone who adopts or fosters a parvo positive canine will be informed of such prior to release from the shelter.If the heartworm test is positive, the animal will be available for adoption or rescue as soon as deemed adoptable. Anyone who adopts or fosters a heartworm positive animal will be informed of such prior to release from the shelter.
  • Reduced rates shall be applied for qualified rescue groups that are approved by County Administration. The application to be an approved rescue can be found here: Adoption Rescue Application (PDF). Qualified rescue groups shall have documentation of 501(c)(3) status and provide Articles of Incorporation. Canines and felines adopted at reduced rates to approved rescue groups shall receive rabies and distemper vaccinations.
  • Animals that enter the shelter already spayed or neutered will have a lower adoption fee, $45 for dogs and $25 for cats.

Adoption Fees

The $100 dog adoption fee includes:

  • Distemper/Parvo vaccination                
  • Initial heartworm testing (if over 1 year of age)  
  • Mandatory spay or neuter 
  • Parvo testing (if under 1 year of age)                
  • Rabies vaccination and tag 

The $85 cat adoption fee includes:

  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus Infection, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccination
  • Mandatory spay or neuter                
  • Rabies vaccination and tag