ADOPT
We believe in creating a warm and welcoming environment as we guide you in finding the perfect pet to match your lifestyle.
Our comprehensive approach ensures that you feel supported every step of the way, making your journey to pet parenthood a joyful experience.
Let's embark on this adventure together!
The Adoption Process
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Once you are ready to adopt you will complete an application.
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Submit an application
Once you have applied we will:
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Review your application,
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Check landlord and veterinary references (if applicable),
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Confirm town registration (for currently owned dogs if applicable)
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Make a decision.
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You can either pay the adoption fee over the phone or come in the next day to pay and complete the adoption.
Additional information:
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We now require a valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.) for all adoptions.
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If you rent your home, we also require consent from your landlord to have an animal. Please provide a letter or contact name and number so we can confirm the information.
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HSWA offers a 25% discount for senior citizens (65+), first responders, veterans, and long-term foster volunteers**. We simply ask for ID verification.
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Cardboard cat carriers are available for a fee of $15 plus tax.
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Collars and leashes may be purchased in our lobby.
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HSWA will hold an animal for 24 hours only. Any longer must be approved by management. A deposit may be required to hold animals longer that 24 hours.
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Special discounts are available on some of our special needs pets. Please ask us for more information.
Dogs
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Local Dog Adoption Fees
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Puppies (8 weeks – 1 year): $450
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Dogs (1 year – 5 years): $300
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Dogs (5+ years – 8 years): $200
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Senior Dogs (8+ years and up): Name your fee
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Adoption fees include core vaccinations, tests for Heartworm, Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis, and heartworm, treatment for internal parasites, flea treatment and prevention, spay/neuter surgery, and rabies vaccination for dogs over 3 months old.
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* If you are a senior, veteran, or first responder you get 25% off any animal/fee unless it is a special deal.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Please note that filling out an application for an animal does not guarantee your adoption. We match dogs with adopters on a first come, first considered basis.
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Cats
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Cat Adoption Fees
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Kittens (8 weeks – 1 year): $225
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Cats (1 year – 5 years): $150
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Cats (5+ years – 8 years): $100
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Senior Cats (8+ years and up): Name your fee
Cat adoption fees include initial kitten vaccines, tests for FIV and FeLV (for cats over 6 months), treatment for internal parasites, flea treatment, spay/neuter surgery, and a rabies vaccine for kittens over 3 months old.
* If you are a senior, veteran or first responder you get 25% off any animal/fee unless it is a special deal.
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Please note that filling out an application for an animal does not guarantee your adoption. We match cats with adopters on a first come, first considered basis and we only keep your application active for 24 hours after you have physically met the cat. Unfortunately, we cannot hold cats longer because they deserve every chance to be in a loving home as soon as possible. Once you have come to the shelter, we will consider your application, confirm housing and let you know if you have been accepted. Cat adoptions typically occur on the same day.
Small Animals
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Small Animal Adoption Fees
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Rabbits: $20
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Guinea Pig: $10
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Hamsters, mice, rats: $10
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Ferret: $75
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Chinchilla: $50
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Special discounts are available on some of our special needs pets. Please ask us for more information.
** Note: prices are subject to change without notice. **
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Consistent with humane philosophy, and Maine law, all dogs and cats must be spayed/neutered before adoption, or arrangements made for future spay/neuter made at the time of adoption and completed before the adoption contract becomes valid. If the spay/neuter is not completed as arranged the adoption contract becomes invalid and the pet reverts to the ownership of the Humane Society Waterville Area.​
The foster discount only applies to volunteers who have provided long-term or staff-requested fostering (ie, raising kittens from birth, socializing kittens, caring for a dog while waiting for a spay/neuter surgery date, etc.). It does not apply to someone fostering an animal to see if the pet will fit in at their home. Please speak to our Animal Care Manager for clarification.
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Our adoption policy is “First Come, First Considered.”
If you need clarification about how this works, please call the shelter at 207-873 2430 or email info@hswa.org