Why should I

adopt a pet?

The benefits of opening your home to a pet are many. Pets offer unconditional love and companionship. They also may help to decrease stress, combat depression, and even help children with their emotional and social skills. Click below to see the pets who are waiting at the Shelter for a home like yours!

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Adoption Information

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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE ADOPTION PROCESS

Before adopting an animal into your home, Rochester Animal Services will ask you for some information to help them ensure the well being of the animal you wish to adopt, and to ensure the same for any pets you may already have at home.

  • Fill out paperwork and answer a few questions.
  • Show proof of identity.
  • Read and sign an adoption contract.
  • Pay the appropriate fees (see “Adoption Fees” below).

After visiting with the animal you are interested in, you will have a counseling session with a staff member who will inform you of the history, special needs, and food and exercise requirements. Feel free to ask questions about spaying or neutering, house training, obedience training, controlling fleas and ticks, and anything else of interest.


BREED LABELS

Visual breed identification in dogs is subjective and frequently inaccurate and the consequences associated with using particular labels can be significant. Therefore, Rochester Animal Services no longer uses breed labels for adoptable dogs unless they are provided corresponding documentation from the previous owner. Without pedigree records from a breeder or DNA testing, breed labels will not be used on web postings, kennel cards, rabies certificates, or dog licenses. They get to know each dog as an individual and do their best to describe each one based on personality, not by suspected breed composition.


ADOPTION FEES

Dog and cat fees cover the veterinary care, spay/neuter surgery, de-worming, vaccines, disease screening (FeLV for cats only), license, microchip identification, initial dose of flea control, a free starter bag of Fromm Family Pet Food, and a free health exam voucher.

Seniors-For-Seniors Program
Any person over the age of 60 can adopt any animal over 8 years of age at no charge. License fees will apply for dogs.


DEALS FOR ADOPTERS

Pet$aver Healthy Pet Superstore offers any Rochester Animal Services adopter a FREE bag of Fromm dog or cat food plus future savings on bags, a $10.00 Gift Certificate (when redeemed $10 is donated to VSAS), a FREE Engraved Pet Tag, a FREE Self Wash and multiple discounts on most supplies.

Tuxedo K9 Training Camp offers any Rochester Animal Services adopter $25 off group lessons within first year following adoption.

Ruff Day Resort & Hope for Your Canine offers any Rochester Animal Services adopter 25% off any services within first year following adoption.




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