Adoption Process & Fees

We're excited that you're interested in adopting! Here are some tips and things to expect when adopting a pet from the ARL.

Get Started

1. To see our currently available pets, look through the adoptable pet listings on our website (updated every 15 minutes), or on our free ARL of IA app (updated every 30 minutes).
2. Please allow at least an hour to complete the adoption process.
3. Adoptions are first-come, first-served and require that you meet the animal in person. Pets cannot be placed on hold for your visit.

What to Bring

1. Valid driver’s license or picture ID, and proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement). Adopters must be 18 years or older and sign an adoption contract.
    
2. Children and dogs that live in your household. If you're adopting a dog, we recommend that they meet any resident dogs before adoption. All adults living in the home must also know about the pet and agree to the adoption.
    
3. Leash and collar (dogs) or carrier (cats and small pets) are required for safety reasons to be able to take an animal home. If you don't have these items, they are available for purchase at ARL Main and ARL Animal Services.
    
4. The ARL may require other information or require that other steps be taken prior to adoption to ensure a pet is the right match for your family. The ARL only adopts animals as family pets, not for consumption or research. The ARL reserves the right to deny any adoption for any reason.

Adoption Fees

Dog and cat adoption fees include:

• A general physical exam by our medical staff, spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, deworming, and microchip.
• Dog adoption fees also include a heartworm test, free behavior and training advice, and (if needed) dental surgery or cleaning.
• Cat adoption fees also include a feline leukemia test, free behavior advice, and (if needed) dental surgery or cleaning.
• Adopters also receive 10% off purchases in the ARL Animal House store for the life of the pet, and dog adopters receive 10% off ARL training classes.

Dogs

Cats

Small Pets

Fees vary. The ARL cares for hundreds of small pets every year, including rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, and more. We also care for a variety of reptiles, amphibians and fish, as well as birds of all sizes.

Browse Available Small Pets

Horses & Other Barn Pets

Fees vary. Horses and other barn animals are adopted through the ARL's Kruidenier Second Chance Ranch.

browse available barn animals

Adoption Programs & Discounts