Adoption Fees

The process of preparing homeless pets for adoption involves many staff and volunteers, plus a lot of time and resources.

We provide healthy food, safe shelter, lifesaving medical care, behavioral training, exercise and enrichment, and in some cases, foster care. With the wide variety of homeless animals at our shelter, our adoption fees vary, but we try to keep them affordable. Unfortunately, that means they don’t come close to covering the costs of rescue, rehabilitation and adoption efforts for the thousands of animals we care for each year.

If you can, please consider making a donation in addition to your adoption fee to help another homeless animal find a forever home.

What’s included in the adoption fee?


A pet that has been well-cared for by trained staff and volunteers at our shelter.

General physical exam and behavioral evaluation.
Vaccinations and Treatment.  Before they leave for their new home, each animal is vaccinated for distemper and rabies (depending on age). Dogs are tested for heartworm and cats over 6 months are tested for FIV/FeLV. Kittens under 6 months are tested for feline leukemia. Animals are de-wormed and treated for fleas and ear mites.

Spay/Neuter Surgery.  Through our progressive spay/neuter incentives; the NHSPCA has helped to make New Hampshire a leader in the quest to end pet overpopulation. Every cat, dog, puppy, kitten and rabbit, is spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

Microchip and ID tags.  All cats and dogs are microchipped and receive an I.D. tag and collar. Every dog receives a new leash and cats and smaller pets go home in carriers.

Behavior and Training Classes. To help with the transition to home, each canine adoption comes with three complimentary behavior and training drop-in sessions with our certified trainers to provide guidance and help with any behavior issues.   We also provide behavior resources for cats.

Adopter Packet and Goodie Bag. Our adopters take home a new family member, plus the tools and information needed to help create a lasting bond and a fulfilling relationship.

Ongoing promotions

Seniors 65+ can adopt any senior animal- take an additional 20% off adoption fees.

Adoptions are done on a first come, first served basis, with an approved application. We strongly encourage folks to visit in advance to get pre-approved as some of our animals (kittens and puppies) are in very high demand.