Frequently Asked Questions
- What is your adoption process?
- How much does it cost to adopt a pet?
- Why is there a cost to adopt a pet?
- Where and when can I meet available dogs and puppies?
- Where and when can I meet available cats and kittens?
- Can you "hold" a pet until I'm ready to take it home?
- Can I adopt if I live outside Culpeper County?
- Can you help arrange low-cost spay/neuter for my pets?
- Can you help find a new home for my pet?
- How can I volunteer with the Humane Society of Culpeper?
- How can I support the Humane Society of Culpeper?
- What is your adoption process?
Prospective adopters must submit an application form. We then go over the application with you. Your application is then reviewed so we make sure a "perfect match" is underway. To further ensure a good match, we then conduct a home visit. At the same time, a time and place is arranged for you to meet with the pet you're interested in. Once it is determined that a match has been made, and we receive payment, we provide the records we have on the pet and an obedience / training CD along with a bag of food to get you started. If, by chance, we receive multiple applications for a pet, we consider all homes and select the one that best matches the animal's needs.
- How much does it cost to adopt a pet?
Cats and Kittens: $55
Cat adoption includes: Spay/neuter, rabies and FVRCP vaccination, feline leukemia test, deworming, free health exam, and 30 days of pet health insurance for $1.
Dogs and Puppies: $75
Dog adoption includes: Spay/neuter, rabies and DA2CPV vaccination, heartworm test, deworming, free health exam, and 30 days of pet health insurance for $1.
We accept cash or check only, no credit cards!
- Why is there a cost to adopt a dog or cat?
Before any of our dogs or cats are available for adoption, we ensure they are spayed or neutered, and up-to-date on their shots. The adoption fee helps us recover our costs. Unfortunately, our costs always exceed what we receive from adoption fees, especially when our companions need to have an extended stay in foster care.
- Where and when can I meet available dogs and puppies?
Selected dogs and puppies are presented at adoption events on various weekends at the PetSmart in Culpeper. All our animals are in foster homes, so visits may be scheduled through their caregivers. Contact the office and we can help arrange a visit.
- Where and when can I meet available cats and kittens?
Selected cats and kittens are presented at adoption events on various weekends at the PetSmart in Culpeper. All our animals are in foster homes, so visits may be scheduled through their caregivers. Contact the office and we can help arrange a visit.
- Can you "hold" a pet until I'm ready to take it home?
In most cases we can hold an animal for a week or two, so that you have time to prepare for your new family member.
- Can I adopt if I live outside Culpeper County?
Pets can be adopted to residents of Virginia and nearby states. Please note that we are not able to provide transportation for out-of-state adoptions.
- Can you help arrange low-cost spay/neuter for my pets?
Yes! The Humane Society of Culpeper coordinates transportation of dogs and cats to the Shenandoah Valley Spay/Neuter Clinic in Harrisonburg, Virginia, about every four weeks. The cost is $40 for male cats, $55 for female cats, $60 for male dogs, and $70 for female dogs.
Look on our spay/neuter clinic page to get more detailed information, such as additional services. View the schedule to find the next clinic. Pets must meet eligibility requirements and be pre-registered to participate. To sign up, call (540) 727-7554 and leave a message.
- Can you help find a new home for my pet?
The Humane Society of Culpeper's focus first and foremost is on keeping companion pets in permanent, responsible, loving households. So, if you are thinking about surrendering your family member, please visit our working it out page to find solutions to a concern you may be having, or you may call us for more possible suggestions, or resources that may assist in one's responsibility to their pet. As a last resort, the Humane Society of Culpeper may be able to help you if we have a foster family available. You may read our criteria on giving up a pet. Otherwise, Culpeper residents with questions about relinquishing a pet could call the Culpeper County Animal Services at (540) 547-4477.
- How can I volunteer with the Humane Society of Culpeper?
Culpeper's abused and abandoned pets are depending on you to help through a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. Devote a few hours on a one-time basis or make a regular weekly or monthly commitment. You can work directly with the animals or help with fundraising and publicity projects. Whatever you do, it's rewarding to know you are making a difference in the lives of needy dogs and cats. And, it's fun to spend time with others who love animals as much as you do!
- How can I support the Humane Society of Culpeper?
We welcome you to join, donate, or volunteer. However you choose to get involved, you will be giving deserving dogs and cats a second chance at life.
Any other questions? Please feel free to contact us.