Our Adoption Process
Shelter animals are often special needs cases. We very rarely have “perfect” animals. Due to the needs of our available pets, not all adoptions can be same day adoptions. Taking the time to get to know the pet is key to a successful adoption. Our adoption process is aimed at matching you, your family, and your current pets with our available animals. If you have any questions about our adoption process, please give us a call at (208) 883-1166.
Once you have met the companion animal you would like to adopt, the staff member assisting you will share any information about the animal's history, behavior, and needs. After you have had a conversation about the animal, a staff member will walk you through the following steps:
Step 1: Screening Application
***Completing an application DOES NOT guarantee an approved adoption.***
Upon completion, a staff member will confirm that you are in good standing with the Humane Society of the Palouse, and that the provided housing information is correct. If applicable, a staff member will call your landlord to confirm the animal is being adopted into a welcoming environment. If you are a homeowner, the staff member will request to see proof of homeownership. This can be provided easily with a copy of a water or sewer bill.
The screening process includes:
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Completed Application
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Proof of Address
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Legal Form of ID
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Rental Agreement or Proof of Homeownership
If there is already a canine in your home, we require an introduction between your current dog and any dog(s) you are interested in adopting prior to approving your application.
Step 2: Adoption Contract
Once your information has been confirmed and your application is approved, the staff member will have you fill out our adoption contract. We will also have you fill out the microchip registration form for your pet. Each adoption comes with one year of free registration. HSoP uses Home Again microchips for all of our animals. You do not need to re-register after the free year is over, your pet's information can still be accessed with a microchip scanner when needed.
Step 3: Review Medical History
Next, staff will review your pet’s current health history and discuss proper care, along with any special needs.
Each pet adopted from HSoP receives the following care prior to adoption:
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Spay or Neuter
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Microchip Implantation and Registration
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Rabies Vaccine (if old enough to receive)
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Dewormer (Strongid)
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DAPPVL Vaccine (for canines)
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Bronchicine Vaccine (for canines)
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FVRCP Vaccine (for felines)
*Effective 2/23/2024, HSoP will only test felines for FeLV or FIV when warranted by symptoms. We recommend working with your veterinarian to determine necessary testing and vaccinations for your newly adopted cat.
Step 4: Pay Adoption Fee
Adoption fees vary by type of animal. Our adoption fees include immunization, microchipping, deworming, sterilization, and any other medical care required prior to adoption. Below are our current adoption fees:
Feline Adoption Fee (0-5 years old):
Feline Adoption Fee (6+ years old):
Second Feline Adoption within 6 Months:
Canine Adoption Fee (0-5 years old):
Canine Adoption Fee (6+ years old):
Second Canine Adoption within 6 Months:
Small Animal Adoption Fee:
$100.00
$50.00
$50.00
$135.00
$67.50
$67.50
$50.00
Step 5: Take Your New Pet Home!
Bring your furry friend home with you! We offer a seven-day foster period with all new adoptions to ensure they're a great fit at home. These seven days also act as a health guarantee. If any veterinary concerns come up during the first week, please give us a call at (208) 883-1166 before seeking vet care so we can assist you. After seven days, we'll mail you your pets’ rabies certificate, rabies tag, and microchip tag. If you have any questions or concerns during this foster period, please do not hesitate to call. We're here to help!
Our Adoption Requirements
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HSoP reserves the right to refuse adoption to anyone and for any reason.
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Adoptions are based on a “best match” basis, not first come first serve.
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Adopters must have a completed and approved application.
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Adopters must be 18 years of age or older. If the adopter still lives at home, they must have permission from the homeowner (parents, etc.) in order to be approved for adoption.
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Adopters must provide government-issued identification.
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Adopters must provide proof of address.
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All adoptions must take place in person.
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All cats and kittens must go home in a secure pet carrier. Adopters are welcome to bring their own or borrow an HSoP carrier for a small fee.
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HSoP will not approve an adoption until receiving confirmation from the adopter’s landlord.
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HSoP will not adopt out pets who will be “outdoor-only”.
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HSoP will not adopt pets out as “gifts” for friends or family members who have not met the animal in person. We do offer gift certificates which can be purchased in any amount and applied toward the fees of future HSoP-approved adoptions.
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HSoP reserves the right to deny adoption if the adopter plans to declaw an adopted feline.
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HSoP will only place an animal on “hold” for up to 24 hours if there is an approved application on file.
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We will not place animals on "hold" if they are less than one year of age.
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HSoP encourages all members of the household to interact with the pet before adoption is finalized.
Pet Supply Checklists
Recommended items for dogs:
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Food and water bowls
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Food (wet and/or dry)
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ID tag with phone number
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Hard plastic carrier or metal crate
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Nail clippers
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Dog bed
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Brush or comb
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Poop baggies/pooper scooper
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Doggy Shampoo and conditioner
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Variety of treats
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Small biscuits, milkbones, etc.
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Variety of toys
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A ball, rope, chew toys, puzzle feeders, etc.
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Owned dogs in the city of Moscow are required to have a City License. We recommend licensing your dog at HSoP or the Moscow Police Department after your seven day foster period.
Recommended items for cats:
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Food and water bowls
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Food (wet and/or dry)
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ID tag with phone number
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Hard plastic carrier
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Nail clippers
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Cat bed
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Brush or comb
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Litter box and scooper
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Kitty litter
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Variety of treats
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Variety of toys
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Crinkles, stuffed toys, bells, wand toys, cat nip, etc.
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