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How to Adopt

In-person Adoptions:

The Guelph Humane Society is open for in-person adoptions:

  • Each Tuesday 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
  • Each Wednesday 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
  • Each Thursday 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
  • Each Friday 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Please continue to apply for our adoptable animals online.

Contactless adoptions are here!

Contactless Adoption Process:

1) Go to our Available Animals page. View the pets by clicking on their name. Please ensure you read their adorable description and all their important details.

2) Choose the pet that you feel would be a good match for your home.

3) Once in that animal’s file, click “Adopt me” to apply for that specific animal.

4) Create an Adopets account. This is free and once you have an account created your information will be saved so you can easily apply for other animals in the future!

5) Follow the steps for creating an account and completing the adoption application through your Adopets account.

6) Once the application is filled out, submit the application. This will automatically send the application to us (no more emailing necessary!), and you will get immediate confirmation that we have received your application.

7) Check your email/Adopets account for frequent updates on the status of your application.

8) Our team will reach out to you by email to discuss the next steps, including setting up a phone call to discuss your application. This is a great opportunity for us to assess if the pet is a perfect match for your home/family. (Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive, however we may accept multiple applications for an animal in an effort to find the most suitable home.)

9) If everything goes well, we will set-up a pick-up time and your new pet gets to come home!

If you have any questions regarding the contactless adoption process please call 519-824-3091. Please note we will no longer accept the previous PDF adoption application forms. 

View Available Animals

If you’re looking for a new family member, the adoption option has never been easier! Follow our easy steps below to adopt a pet from the Guelph Humane Society!

Step 1: See the animals available for adoption! background

Step 1: See the animals available for adoption!

Your adventure starts by viewing the animals available for adoption! You can see animals looking for new homes on our website, or by coming in-person to the shelter. Be sure to check out our numerous Satellite Locations as well, some located right in your community!

View Available Animals
Step 2: Learn about the animal you’re planning to adopt! background

Step 2: Learn about the animal you’re planning to adopt!

Animals are unique; they each have their own personalities and care needs. We encourage you to read up on each animal on our website so you know what you can expect and be better prepared to bring them into your home. If you’re in the area, we invite you to swing by our shelter or satellite locations and strike up a conversation with the people who know them best! We’re happy to help and answer any questions you may have!

Step 3: Apply by completing our Adoption Application! background

Step 3: Apply by completing our Adoption Application!

Dogs, cat and small animal applications can be completed online. To apply for a pet, please visit our Available Animals page, read about the pets in our care ready for their new family and happy tail, and if you find a match click the ‘ADOPT ME’ button to start your application.

Step 4: Chat with our staff in an adoption meeting! background

Step 4: Chat with our staff in an adoption meeting!

Once you have submitted your Adoption Application, you will be offered a scheduled phone call with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Adoption Counselors! Our Adoption Counselors will discuss with you the different needs of each animal, offer suggestions and advice, answer any specific questions you may have, and are happy to work with you to provide the safest and smoothest transition of the pet into the home. If after the adoption meeting both you and the Adoption Counselor feel confident that it is a good match, we will schedule a meet and greet appointment if you have not already met the animal you wish to adopt.

Step 3: Meet the animal! background

Step 3: Meet the animal!

For dogs: After you have applied for a dog and completed an adoption meeting with a member of our adoptions team, a meet and greet appointment will be scheduled for you to come to the shelter to meet and interact with the dog as part of the matching process.  Other family members are encouraged to attend.  If you find yourself with a successful match and you have another dog in your home, a follow-up meet and greet for the pets will be scheduled.

For cats: At Guelph Humane Society our cats are housed in cozy kennel. We invite you to come into our cat room during regular drop-in adoption hours when you can interact with our friendly felines and get to know them on a personal level! Cat meetings outside of GHS drop-in adoption hours are by appointment only, appointments are available to those that have already submitted an application and completed an adoption meeting for the cat they would like to meet.

For small animals: To get to know our small animals (e.g., rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, etc.), speak with our friendly staff to get you set up!

We encourage everyone to complete an adoption application proper to meeting any animal to ensure the pet is the best fit for you and your family.  This process limits the ‘unexpected surprises’ that can occur when bringing a new pet into the household and the helps to improve the matching process.