Adopting a Pet
Adoption Policy
The ARL/SRI has an adoption application process which must be completed before a person can adopt an animal from our shelter. The application is several pages long and goes into some detail about why you wish to adopt a pet, the type of pet you are looking for, what your home situation is like, and the veterinary history for any pet(s) you may already have (or have had) in your household. While it may seem lengthy, the application is designed to help us help you in the search for the best pet for your home and lifestyle. The animals in our shelter have already had their lives changed dramatically by being surrendered. We do all we can to assure them a good placement with a family they will be able to stay with in a "forever home".
We encourage potential adopters to talk with our adoption counselors to help us know the type of pet you are looking for and then to provide you with information about the pets availalbe for adoption at our shelter. We hope to help you find the "perfect match" for you and your lifestyle.
The information in adoption applications is carefully reviewed. We consider veterinary records for pets already in the household, whether the potential adopter owns his or her home, whether a renter lives in a dwelling where pets are allowed, and whether an Animal Control Officer been called regarding problems associated with the potential adopter. This process usually takes about two days. Once the application is approved we'll contact the applicant to set up an appointment to pick up the animal. If the applicant already has other pets, a "meet and greet" can be scheduled prior to the adoption day to see how the new pet will fit in.
Adoption Fees
Adult Dogs $80.00 Puppies $90.00*
Adult Cats $80.00 Kittens $90.00*
Other Small Animals $20.00 to $30.00 - depending
on the type of animal, if a cage is provided, etc.
* If a puppy or kitten is adopted before it is spayed
or neutered, the State of Rhode Island requires that
we collect a spay/neuter deposit of the adopter.
This $40.00 deposit may be refunded to the adopter
following spaying or neutering of the pet and return
to us of the spay/neuter compliance form completed
and signed by the attending veterinarian.
