Update January 2022: Due to a change in our shelter software, all adopters will be asked to pay adoption fees with a credit or debit card. Here is more information about adoption process.
Interested adopters are encouraged to complete an adoption questionnaire in advance of their visit. If you are not interested in a specific puppy/kitten, please complete a general cat/dog adoption questionnaire. Cat questionnaire – Dog Questionnaire
Please complete only one questionnaire; you do not need to complete an additional questionnaire for each animal you are interested in. If you have trouble completing the questionnaire online, please call (970) 484-8516 and leave a message. We will call you back as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time and thank you for saving a life!
Let us help you find your new best friend!
Interested in bringing a new dog or cat into your home? Read below for more information on what to expect when adopting your new best friend from Animal Friends Alliance!
Note: not all available pets reside at our shelter. Some are at off-site adoption partners or in foster homes. If you are interested in a particular pet, please give us a call at (970) 484-8516 for their current status and location.
All of the animals from our shelter come with the following:
- Spayed / Neutered ($50 – $300 value)
- Microchipped with registration ($25 – $75 value)
- Age-appropriate vaccinations ($15 – $75 value)
- De-wormings ($10 – $40 value)
- Dogs 7 months and up are tested for heartworm ($30 – $50 value)
- Cats are tested for feline viruses as appropriate ($20 – $40 value)
- Earmite, flea or other medical treatments if necessary ($10 – $80+ value)
- Starter amount of Natural Balance cat food or 5 lb. bag of Avoderm dog food (provided by Poudre Pet & Feed)
- Free vet exam at a local veterinary hospital ($30 – $65 value)
- Folder full of valuable information and coupons
Many older pets may have also received:
- Dental cleaning/extractions ($250 – $2000+ value)
- Bloodwork ($50 – $150+ value)
Frequently Asked Questions
Adoption Fees
**Due to a change in our shelter software, ALL adoption fees for adoptions at our shelters and mobile adoption events are requested to be paid with a credit or debit card. ** Adoption fees at offsite partners must be paid in cash.
- $50 hold fee for dogs
- $40 hold fee for cats
*Fees may vary depending on breed and age for both dogs and cats.
Adoption Fees for Cats:
- Kittens, 8 weeks–5.9 months old: $250
- Teenage Cats, 6 months–11.9 months old: $150
- Young Adult Cats, 1–6 years old: $125
- Senior Cats 7 years and older: $100
- Working cats: $30
- Adopt 2 Kittens- Get $50 Off
- Mommy and Me Special- Adopt a Kitten, Mom Fee is Waived
Adoption Fees for Dogs:
- Puppies (7 months and under) $450-$600*
- Small Breed Puppies (7 months and under) $475
- Small Breed Adult Dogs $400
- Young Adult Dogs (8-12 months) $350*
- Adult Dogs (1-7 years): $325*
- Senior Dogs (7+ years): $250*
*Higher demand dogs (including small breed dogs under 25 lbs) or puppies may have a higher adoption fee. The fees listed above help offset the costs of canines who may have higher medical or other special needs. On average, we invest over $500 of care into every dog or puppy during their time with us.
What things should I consider before bringing home a new cat or dog?
Age & Cost: Did you know that cats and dogs can live to be 10-20 years old? That is a long time to spend with your new best friend. We suggest thinking about where your new pet would go if something happened to you or what you would do if you had to move. Food, litter, and basic care for your cat typically costs about $600 – $1,000 a year. For dogs, the yearly average for dog ownership is between $1,100-$3,500. This is largely affected by the age, type, and size of the dog. This can increase if your pet gets sick and needs additional care or emergency care. If you are concerned about emergency costs, you might want to consider pet insurance.
No-Declaw Policy (cats): We do not allow cats or kittens adopted from us to be declawed. For more information on this and alternatives to declawing, please read this brochure from the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Soft Claws are available for purchase at the shelter and we can place them on your cat for a minimal fee. If you have made up your mind about getting a declawed cat, we do occasionally take in cats that have already been declawed. Call the shelter for more information on these cats.
Indoor-Only Policy (cats): Animal Friends Alliance adopts our cats as indoor-only cats. You can take your adopted kitty outside if you are present and we encourage adopters to consider harness training their cats or building cat enclosures. If you are looking for a barn cat please check out our Working Cats program and apply to “hire” an outdoor helper.
Adopting multiple dogs: Animal Friends Alliance discourages adopting littermates or two non-bonded dogs at the same time. Read more about “littermate syndrome.” If you’re interested in adopting two dogs at the same time, please contact us at adopt@savinganimalstoday.org or call (970) 484-8516.
Licensing: It is your responsibility to follow local laws on animal ownership. This includes licensing and vaccinating your animal. Please visit your local county’s animal control website for more information.
Transporting Kitty Home: Cats and kittens are required to leave our shelter in a carrier designed to carry cats. Laundry baskets, totes and cardboard boxes are not acceptable. The shelter has plastic carriers for $20 and cardboard cat carriers for $6.
What is your adoption process?
The first step to adopting a cat or dog from Animal Friends Alliance is to fill out a cat adoption questionnaire or dog adoption questionnaire. You can do this online or in the shelter (2200 N Taft Hill Rd Fort Collins, CO).
The next step is to pick out a cat or dog! Check out our adoptable cats and adoptable dogs for pictures and short descriptions or come into the shelter for cats or dogs, Poudre Pet & Feed Supply Loveland (2400 N. Lincoln Ave.), or PetSmart Fort Collins (4432 S. College Ave.) to see them in person.
Note: not all available cats and dogs reside at our campuses. Some are at off-site adoption partners or in foster homes. If you are interested in a particular cat or dog, please call our shelter at (970) 484-8516 for their current status and location.
We do not ship animals. You are required to come and meet your new addition prior to adoption so that we can ensure a good match.
Once you have found your perfect match, we will review our adoption policies with you, you will complete an adoption contract, and pay the adoption fee with a credit or debit card on your mobile device. Here is more information about our new adoption process.
*Please note that we will make a copy of the adopters’ State ID card, Driver’s License or passport at the time of adoption.
Can I adopt an emotional support animal (ESA)?
Yes, but if you live somewhere that pets aren’t allowed or you need documentation to have an Emotional Support Animal, please bring all paperwork showing qualification for an ESA to your meet & greet/adoption appointment. We cannot complete adoptions or place holds for Emotional Support Animals without the accompanying documentation.
*Note: For the safety of the animals, we do not adopt animals to people who live in dormitories regardless of ESA documentation.
Do you offer refunds if I return my pet?
We typically do not refund adoption fees. We want every animal to be in a safe and happy home and we know that circumstances change, so we will *always* take back any animal adopted from us, but we cannot guarantee your adoption fee will be returned to you. We encourage adopters to frankly discuss any concerns with our adoption staff prior to adoption so we can be sure we’re matching you with the right family member and setting you up for success. We are also happy to answer questions and discuss challenges after your adoption to help your new pet settle in. On a case-by-case basis, we may offer a refund of the adoption fee if the 14-day post-adoption vet visit reveals a medical condition that was unknown at the time of adoption. We may also, at our discretion, transfer the adoption fee to a different animal within 30 days if we determine there is an unresolvable conflict that makes the animal a bad fit for your home. We want you to take the commitment to your new family member seriously and give your new dog or cat a chance to acclimate to your home—and we want to support you in a smooth transition. Please contact us if you have any questions either before or after adoption!
Try Foster-to-Adoption for select adult pets
Foster-to-Adoption is a program in which select adult cats and dogs that have unique behavioral or medical needs are available to first be fostered by a prospective adopter before being officially adopted. This gives the animal the opportunity to truly blossom in the home and show the adopter what a great pet they can be if given the chance outside of the shelter environment. For more information, please contact our Taft Hill campus at (970) 224-3647 for dogs and cats.
Is there anything else I should know?
Our staff will call you one week after you adopt your new pet to see how everything is going. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please call us at (970) 484-8516. There will also be an e-mail survey 2-3 months after adopting following up on your new life together.
Please remember that Animal Friends Alliance staff and volunteers are here for you and your new pet. If something does not work out or seems off, we are here to help you.
We are the safety net for your pet and will take your animal back into the shelter if something unavoidable happens and you must give up your friend. Do not feel afraid or embarrassed to call; we want to help you and your animal!