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

Puppy under 6 months	$250 — not eligible for discounts
Dog 6 months to 5 years, under 25 lbs	$200 — If Bonded Buddy, then $225 for both
Dog 6 months to 5 years, over 25 lbs	$125 — If Bonded Buddy, then $150 for both
Dog 6+ years old	$60 — If Bonded Buddy, then $85 for both

Cats

Kitten under 6 months	$125 or $200 for same-litter pair, or kitten + mom
Cat 6 months to 7 years	$100 or 2 cats for $125
Cat 8+ years old	$50 or 2 cats for $75
Cat in the Camp Purr working cat program	$25 each, must adopt at least 2

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

Pets for Seniors	Individuals 60 years and older. Available for dogs or cats, and cannot be combined with other offers. This discount is dependent on available funds through the Pets for the Elderly Foundation.	$50 off adoption fee
Paws for Patriots	All U.S. veterans	50% off adoption fee 25% off ARL training classes
Happy Cat Prescription Program	All cat adopters	Adopt one cat, get a second cat for a discounted adoption fee of $25. Cats must both be at least 6 months old.

Pets for Seniors

The Pets for the Elderly Foundation believes in the positive power of pet companionship for seniors, so they have partnered with the ARL to make pet ownership more affordable. Through the PFE program, individuals ages 60 and older can get $50 off the adoption fee of a dog or cat 6+ months of age. The ARL's normal adoption process still applies, and adoptions cannot be combined with other offers. This program is offered at ARL Main, ARL Animal Services, ARL Club WDM, and ARL West as funds are available.

Paws for Patriots

Through this program, all U.S. veterans can adopt a dog or cat for half the normal adoption fee and get 25% off ARL dog training classes. Thank you to all who serve and have served our country!

Happy Cat Prescription Program

Take two and you won't need to call us in the morning! Through the Happy Cat Prescription Program, adopters can adopt one cat for a regular adoption fee and adopt a second cat for just $25. Both cats must be 6 months or older and live in the same household upon adoption. The ARL has historically encouraged adopting cats/kittens in pairs or multiples because it is emotionally healthy for them to have feline friends. Some behavior issues can easily be solved or never occur when a cat has another cat to bond with.