At the Humane Society of Walden, we are committed to placing our cats and dogs into loving, responsible homes where they can thrive. Our thoughtful, multi-step adoption process ensures each pet is matched with the right family, based on lifestyle, environment, and readiness for long-term commitment.
Ready to Meet Your New Best Friend?
We want every adoption to be the right fit, for you and for our dogs.
Dog meets are by appointment with a processed adoption application. This gives our staff dedicated one-on-one time with you to learn about your home, lifestyle, and what you’re looking for in a new companion. We can then introduce you to the dogs we think may be a great match.
Dog Meet Hours
All scheduled dog meets are completed by 3 PM daily.
Although the shelter is open until 4 PM, our final hour is an important part of our dogs’ day. Staff use this time for enrichment, evening meals, medications, and getting everyone comfortable and settled for the night.
Not Quite Ready to Apply?
That’s okay, if you’re thinking about adopting but aren’t quite ready to complete an adoption application, our Sunday Funday Dog Walks are a great way to start getting to know the pups in our care.
Sunday walks are part of our volunteer program, so a volunteer application and orientation are required before participating. Once you’re ready to go, it’s a fun and casual way to spend time with our dogs, see their personalities outside of their kennels, and maybe even meet someone special.
Ready to adopt? Complete an adoption application and let us help you find your match.
Come Meet Our Cats
Thinking a cat might be the perfect addition to your family? Come say hello!
Unlike dog meets, you don’t need an appointment or an approved adoption application to meet the cats in our care. Cat visits are available daily during our regular open hours on a walk-in basis.
We do ask that anyone interested in spending time with our cats arrive at HSW no later than 3 PM. This gives you plenty of time to visit, get to know their personalities, and see if one of our cats just might choose you. Although HSW is open until 4 PM, our final hour of the day is dedicated to the animals in our care. Staff use this important time for enrichment, evening meals, medications, and getting everyone comfortable and settled for the night.
Ready to Make if Offical?
You don’t need an approved application to fall in love, but you will need an approved adoption application before an adoption can be finalized.
All cat adoptions are finalized by appointment. This allows our team to make sure everything is ready, answer any last-minute questions, review important information about your new family member, and give you both the best possible start together.
Not sure who you’re looking for? That’s okay! Stop by, spend some time with our cats, and let them introduce themselves. Sometimes the best match is the one you weren’t expecting.
The Adoption Process
1. Submit an Adoption Application
Your first step is completing our adoption application. Please notify your references, veterinarian, and landlord (if applicable) that we will be reaching out to them.
2. Application Review and Approval
Once your application is approved, we’ll schedule a time for you to visit and meet potential matches.
3. Meeting Your Match
To minimize stress and maintain a safe environment, shelter tours for our dogs must be scheduled in advance. However, walk-ins are welcome for meeting our cats.
For Dog Adoptions: If you currently have a dog and wish to adopt another, a supervised meet-and-greet will be arranged. A proper introduction is key to ensuring a positive start for both dogs.
4. Adoption Donation
We request the following donations to help cover the costs of care:
- $275 for dogs
- $450 for puppies
- $150 for cats
- $200 for kittens
Military Discount: Active-duty military personnel and retired service members are eligible for a 10% discount on adoption donations. A valid military ID or proof of service is required at the time of adoption.
Every adopted pet is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and tested as appropriate for their species.
Please note: No cat or dog will be adopted from this shelter without being spayed or neutered.
Why We Follow This Process
At times, the shelter can get busy and lively. Following a structured adoption process helps our staff focus on finding the best match for each pet. Our top priority is the health and safety of all animals in our care.
For this reason:
- Handling or snuggling puppies and kittens that are not fully vaccinated is not allowed.
- Unscheduled tours of the dog areas are not permitted. Research — and our own experience — shows that continuous foot traffic increases stress, leading to undesirable behaviors like barking and jumping.
Thank you for helping us maintain a calm and healthy environment for our animals.
Adoption Requirements
To adopt from the Humane Society of Walden, you must:
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Be the primary caregiver and be present at the meet-and-greet appointment.
- Provide a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, non-driver ID, passport, visa, etc.).
- Agree to the policies outlined in our adoption contract regarding the lifelong care and well-being of the animal.
- Have no prior history of animal neglect or abuse within your household.
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to get my family member or friend a pet as a gift. Can I do that?
We do not adopt animals out as surprise gifts. Adopting an animal is a huge, years-long commitment. It is in everyone’s best interest to be involved in the adoption process, especially the primary caregiver of the animal. You can surprise your loved one and still pick out your new pet together!
Is there an age requirement to adopt?
Yes, you must be 21 year of age with a valid ID.
Still have questions?
Call us 845-778-5115 or email us contact@waldenhumane.org, and we will be happy to answer your questions.
The Humane Society of Walden reserves the right to refuse an adoption application for any reason.