The City of Tallahassee (2024)

Online Kennel

The Animal Service Center has a large number of animals just waiting for adoption. And we receive new "adoptees" every day, so add our website to your "favorites" list and visit us often.

Please note our adoption process has changed, so please read through this information thoroughly.

Adoption Questionnaire

If you are ready to adopt, we want to find the right match for you! You can check out any of the links above to see many of our animals currently available for adoption (the online kennel is updated hourly). When you find one you'd like to meet in person, please download and complete the questionnaire. If you have issues submitting, please fill out the form, save it and send the saved PDF to adopt@talgov.com. An adoption counselor will be in contact with you within 1 business day of receiving your application. Once you have been approved, you will be set up with an appointment to meet the animal you've selected. While you are not required to adopt the animal, we want to make sure you are visiting a pet that is appropriate for you.

If you would rather walk through the kennels to find your match, please visit on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday from 1:00 - 5:00pm during our open kennel times.

Visiting Your Potential New Pet

Appointments are scheduled for thirty-minute intervals. To expedite the process and maximize your time, please bring the following to help facilitate the adoption process:

• Identification. A current government issued photo ID that proves you are over 18 (driver's license, passport, etc) and proof of current address (a telephone or utility bill qualifies)
• Method of payment. We accept cash, charge, and checks.
• Dog adopters, we strongly encourage young members of your household to meet the new pet. If you already have a dog at home, it's a great idea to bring him or her for a meet-and-greet visit with the dog you are considering adopting.

What Happens After You Meet Your New Pet

In most cases you can take your new pet home on the same day. We offer you and your new companion animal the following benefits:

• A new collar and personalized Identification tag.
• A free bag of Hill's Science Diet pet food.
• Up-to-date vaccinations, microchip, heartworm testing for dogs (over 6 months old) and a record of your pet's medical care.
• Most animals are spayed/neutered at the time of adoption; those who are not will be scheduled for the next available surgery day & adopters will complete the process after the surgery is completed. Unaltered animals do not leave the shelter.
• Literature and information about animal care and behavior and what to expect from your new pet.
• Adopters of dogs* over 10 months of age are offered 6 months of chewable heartworm prevention to purchase at the time of adoption:
  • Triheart Plus for $30 (also protects against hookworms & roundworms)
  • Trifexis for $75 (also protects against hookworms, roundworms, whipworms & fleas)
  • Simparica Trio for $110 (also protects against hookworms, roundworms, fleas & ticks)
    • *Adopters of heartworm positive dogs are required to purchase prevention.
    • Adopters of cats over 6 months of age are offered 6 months of topical Revolt (Selamectin) for $45 which protects against heartworm, fleas & ear mites.

Once You Arrive Home

We know we shared a lot of information with you during the adoption process, and you may have questions. Here's some important things we want you to remember about your adopted pet:

Read It!
Your adoption contract and pet adoption guide contain great information to help you and your pet get off on the right track. Make sure to read through both when you get home. The Animal Shelter Foundation is also offering online Doggie Manners Classes.

Relax!
Everyone is stressed and your daily schedule is likely going to change on a regular basis, so providing the new animal structure is extremely important. Feed at the same time everyday and with dogs, make sure you are taking them outside to use the bathroom at regular intervals.

Training!
All animals need mental and physical stimulation, so it is crucial that your new animal is provided enrichment on a daily basis. Pets whose needs are being met in these areas rarely develop behavior issues. As they say, a tired pet is a happy pet!

Can't Keep?
If you find you can no longer keep your pet, please call us for assistance. We always encourage adopters to find homes for their pets if they can no longer keep them. As the owner, you are the animal's best advocate and know best who would be appropriate as their new owner. Social media is a great way to advertise re-homing of your pet! When you find a new owner always make sure to have the microchip transferred to their information in case the animal ever ends up lost. We always recommend you changing this information as the new adopter is probably overwhelmed & they often forget this crucial detail!

Lost Pet?
If your pet is lost or stolen please contact us immediately and read through our lost animal information.

Adoption Fees