Adoption Process

We are open to the public and hope you will visit us soon:

Dog Adoptions

The Humane Society of Delaware County

Many of our available dogs are not in the shelter but are living in wonderful foster homes in our communities and neighborhoods. All dogs available for adoption are listed on our website you can look at their location on their profile to see if they reside in the shelter or in foster.

Dogs in Foster Care are our dogs that are currently housed in foster homes throughout the Delaware County area. Please submit an adoption inquiry, then email us at dog@hsdcohio.org if you are interested in a dog in foster. Once your application has been approved, we will connect you to the foster.

We are doing our best to accommodate walk-in adopters wanting to meet available dogs during the week but depending on the number of appointments we have already scheduled, walk-ins may have a wait. We do not allow the public to walk through our kennel area. We believe that our dogs show best when we bring them out to you for a maximized matchmaking experience. Schedule an appointment by emailing dog@hsdcohio.org in advance to ensure you get to meet the dog you want! To expedite your adoption experience, please submit this form.

Cat Adoptions

Click Here to see our adoptable cats.

Know which cat you want to meet?
Come in to 4920 OH-37, Delaware, OH 43015 anytime during our open hours (Mon-Sat 11am-5pm) to see our cats in the shelter. Our cats live in several different communal rooms throughout the shelter. Some cats may be housed in our clinic, in the lobby, or in foster homes. If you can’t find the cat you’re looking for, please visit our front desk for more assistance.

Not sure where to start?
Email hannah.esker@hsdcohio.org with a short description of what you’re looking for and what your home environment is like. We are not offering appointments for cats at this time.

Requirements

We suggest that you plan to spend at least 30 minutes when meeting with an animal.
Please plan on spending more time to fully complete the adoption process.
Fill out our adoption application.
You must be at least 18 years of age.
You must show a picture ID with a current address. If this isn’t available, we will accept a picture ID with a current utility bill.
We do not adopt out-of-state and suggest you look near your location to help save a pet in need.
Adopting a dog? A staff-conducted meet-and-greet with current household dogs is generally recommended for most and required for some adult dogs.
Accepted forms of payment include cash, debit or credit card, or money order payable to the Humane Society of Delaware County.
We prefer our pets to be indoor pets unless they are a part of our working cat program.
We adopt out on a first come, first serve basis majority of the time.
All dogs will need a collar/leash to leave the building and cats will need a carrier. If you do not have a cat carrier you may purchase a cardboard carrier at HSDC for $10. We will not allow animals to be carried out in your arms, for their safety and the safety of other guests.

Dog Licenses

You can purchase a Delaware County Dog License at the shelter during our open hours. The fee is $15 for a new pet or puppy. If you are late purchasing, there is an additional $15 late fee (all fees are County designated, not HSDC). Please bring cash or check for this purchase, we do not accept credit cards for license processing.

Discounts – If you are 55 years or older, you will receive $10 off the adoption fee. All military personnel (with i.d.) will receive $10 off of the adoption fee. Only one discount per adopted pet.

Adoption Fee Includes

Spay or neuter surgery