Steps to Adoption

Thank you for choosing to look for your family's new companion - and friend for life - at the HSKL animal shelter! By adopting from an animal shelter, you are saving a life and providing a wonderful animal with a second chance. Below is an overview of our adoption process to help you understand what you can expect. HSKL staff are responsible for protecting the best interests of the animals in their care and our adoption process reflects this goal of finding the best home possible for all our animals.

Step 1: Once you have met an animal who you are interested in adopting, the staff will ask you to complete an adoption application. All the information requested on the application form is important and allows shelter staff to make the most appropriate decisions for the animals.

Step 2: Shelter staff will review your completed application and if you appear to be a potentially suitable home for the animal, an interview will be arranged. Staff will let you know if there are any points on your application that require further clarification.

Step 3: In the adoption interview, staff will review your application with you and discuss your ability to meet the needs of the animal you wish to adopt. You may be asked additional questions or be provided with more detailed information regarding the animal for which you have applied.

Step 4: Following the interview, staff will let you know if you are a good match - and if so, the adoption will proceed! Some of our animals are lucky enough to receive more than one adoption application. In that case, we must choose the most suitable family. We encourage these applicants to consider some of the other less fortunate animals that are still waiting for their second chance and a new home.

Step 5: Once you have been approved for an adoption, there is additional paperwork to complete and an adoption fee to be paid before you can take your new friend home. The adoption fee covers spaying/neutering, identification, deworming, and vaccinations. It also allows the HSKL, a charitable organization - to recoup a small portion of the costs incurred while providing care and/or rehabilitation to the animals.

If the pet you chose is too young to be spayed/neutered before adoption, you will receive a $75 rebate providing the pet has been spayed/neutered at your cost at the vet of your choosing within 6 months of the adoption date. We ask that proof of such is given to us before we can process a cheque for you.

If you have any questions regarding the adoption process, please visit the HSKL. Adoption staff are always ready and welcome to help!



Click on either to download: Dog Adoption Form or Cat Adoption Form