General

Where are you located?

A.D.O.P.T. pet shelter is located at 420 Industrial Drive, Naperville, Illinois 60563. Get Driving Directions.

What are your hours?

Viewing and Adoption Hours for Cats & Dogs
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: Closed for adoptions and viewing, Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

I am interested in learning more about a dog. Who can I contact?

For more information about an A.D.O.P.T. dog, please email the person listed in the dog’s description. If no one is listed, please email dogquestions@adoptpetshelter.org.

I am interested in learning more about a cat. Who can I contact?

For more information about an A.D.O.P.T. cat, please email the person listed in the cat’s description. If no one is listed, please email catquestions@adoptpetshelter.org.

What are your adoption fees?

DOGS

CATS

Special Breeds Any age: $125+

Do you take credit cards for adoption fees?

Yes, we accept all major credit cards for adoption fees.

What do your adoption fees include?
The adoption fee covers the animals spay/neuter, current vaccinations, heartworm testing/treatment, feline leukemia and FIV testing, and microchip. The fee for puppies 4 months and under includes training classes at our facility in Naperville.

For Cats:
All cats (over 4 months) have been vaccinated against Rabies and Distemper. They have been tested for Feline Leukemia and the Feline AIDS virus. They have been spayed/neutered and fecal checked.
Kittens (under 4 months) have been vaccinated against Distemper, Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS tested, and fecal checked. They have been spayed/neutered. The Rabies Vaccination will be given when the kitten reaches 4 months. A neuter deposit may be necessary when adopting a kitten that is not yet spayed/neutered.

For Dogs:
All dogs (over 4 months) have been vaccinated against Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, Bordatella (kennel cough), fecal checked and have been spayed/neutered. They have also been heartworm tested and placed on a monthly preventative.
Puppies (under 4 months) have been vaccinated against Distemper/Parvo, Bordatella, fecal checked and either have been spayed/neutered or will be scheduled to be spayed/neutered when they reach the appropriate age/weight requirements. It may be necessary to pay a deposit if adopting a puppy that is not yet ready to be neutered/spayed. The Rabies Vaccination for puppies adopted under 4 months of age will be at the new owner’s expense. All puppies are placed on heartworm preventative.

You are welcome to bring your own collar or leash or purchase these from A.D.O.P.T. Your adoption counselor can provide you with pricing. All canines are microchipped and sent home with the appropriate tags.

What should I bring when I come to adopt an animal?

All members of the household must be present to adopt a dog.
If you are planning on adopting a dog, you must bring any dogs that now live in the household for a later visit so we can introduce them to make sure they are compatible.
It’s a good idea to bring veterinary records of current pets.
All cats must be transported in a cat carrier.

What are your requirements for adopting a pet?

Adopter must be at least 21 years of age and have identification.
All members of the household should be present for the adoption.
All animals must be indoor house pets.
Adopter must be willing to allow an A.D.O.P.T. representative to make an adoption follow up, either in person or by telephone.
Spaying/neutering of cats and dogs adopted through any humane organization is a state law and will be enforced by the Department of Agriculture.
When adopting a pet from A.D.O.P.T., a legally binding and enforced contract must be signed.
If at any time, you are unable to keep the pet, or unable to provide it with proper care, you must contact A.D.O.P.T. first. One week’s notice may be necessary due to space requirements, but realize that A.D.O.P.T. may not be able to accept the animal.
Adoption fees are nonrefundable. A.D.O.P.T. is a, nonprofit, no-kill humane organization. All funds go to help the animals.
How long will the adoption process take?
The entire adoption process varies but the goal is for the adoption to be completed within 2 to 3 days.
Due to limited space and insurance reasons, only adopters accompanied by A.D.O.P.T. personnel can be brought back to view the animals.

Why adopt from A.D.O.P.T.?

When you adopt an animal from A.D.O.P.T., you save a life and a space opens up which will welcome another great dog or cat and save its life. In addition, besides the obvious advantage of saving a life you also get a chance to find a companion who is a good match for your personality and lifestyle. You will work with trained and experienced adoption counselors who are familiar with the animals and will help you to choose the best pet for your particular situation. We get a tremendous variety of animals: purebreds, mixed breeds, all ages, sizes, colors, and personalities. This will allow you to have the most options when adopting your new lifelong pet.
All of our animals are vet checked, spayed or neutered, current on their vaccinations, microchipped for identification; dogs are tested for heartworm and cats for FIV and Feline Leukemia. We also screen our animals for behavior problems. Even with the best-behaved animal, however, you should expect to go through a period of adjustment as your pet becomes used to a new home, family, and routine. No animal, no matter where it comes from, is problem free or comes with a health and behavior guarantee, but if you’re prepared to provide your new family member with some time, training, and patience, your reward will be a loving companion.

Does A.D.O.P.T. really have purebred animals for adoption?

It is estimated that about 25% of the animals in shelters nationwide are purebred. If you are interested in a specific breed, check our website, or talk to your adoption counselor. Even if we do not have the breed you are looking for, you may be able to find an animal that has traits that are similar to those of the breed you have in mind.

Aren’t all your animals just unwanted pets?

Some of our animals are puppies and kittens that will be starting their lives as companions. Older dogs and cats may have had previous owners, and you may have to re-educate these animals to some degree. However, they may have already be familiar with living in a home and have been exposed to house-breaking, litter boxes and obedience training. Remember, too, that companion animals are remarkably adaptable. They have lots of love to give and they really seem to appreciate their new homes. Just because they lived with someone else first, doesn’t mean they won’t make a wonderful companion for you.

Is it difficult to adopt?

A.D.O.P.T. has policies for approving adoptions. They are designed to ensure that each animal is placed with a responsible person prepared to make a lifelong commitment, and to avoid the kinds of problems that may have caused the animal to be brought to the shelter in the first place. An important part of the process is to match the lifestyle and needs of the adopter with the individual dog or cat. If the screening process occasionally seems overly strict, try to remember that the shelter’s first priority is to protect the animal’s best interests.

Are there requirements following the adoption?

Having a companion animal brings rewards and responsibilities. Following your pet’s adoption, you will be responsible for making sure your pet is safe and for providing regular veterinary care. Be sure your dog has appropriate identification. Provide nutritious food and fresh water for your pet. Make time for exercise, training, and play. Finally, enjoy your new life with your new loving companion.

What if I have questions after I get my new pet home?

We understand that after you get our pet home, the adjustment period can be difficult. We encourage you to call us with any questions or problems, hopefully, before small problems become big ones! We are very experienced with pet transitions and welcome the opportunity to help make it as smooth for you and your pet as possible. And even when all is going well, we love getting calls just to know how our “alumni” are doing.

Fostering

Why Should I Foster A Cat Or A Dog?

As a foster parent, you will be able to love, care for, and enjoy knowing different cats and dogs. And you will be doing a wonderful thing – giving these deserving animals a chance at a new life.

What Will I Need To Do As A Foster Parent?

Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of the foster cat or dog, including feeding, exercising, socializing, grooming, reinforcing basic obedience commands, observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament, and of course providing patience, love and security.
Understand that all the animals are rescue animals and their behavior can be unpredictable. Be prepared for some adjustment issues in the beginning. It can be stressful for both you and the pet to be in a new situation. Be patient. If the going gets tough we will help out with advice and encouragement.

Will The Animal Be Healthy?

All of our animals are vet checked, spayed or neutered (or soon will be), current on all vaccinations, microchipped, tested for worms and parasites and treated as needed, and dogs are tested for heartworm and are on preventative. We will tell you if an animal has a health problem and together evaluate whether or not an animal with medical needs is a good choice for you.

Will I Get To Choose The Cat Or Dog To Foster?

We will tell you about the animals that are in need of foster homes and you can let us know your preference. If we feel that the animal is a good match for your home we will set you up as a foster home. We do our best to place an animal that fits your lifestyle. If you live in an apartment, you can ask for or an older animal who is low energy or a cat or dog in medical recovery who needs to be kept quiet. If you are an active family, you can ask for a dog who needs lots of walks and plenty of exercise. If someone in your family is comfortable working with dogs, they can help with some basic obedience or teach him some tricks.

What If I Already Have A Pet?

In most cases, it’s fine if you already have a cat and/or dog, as long as your pet and the foster pet are both healthy and well behaved around other animals. If you foster kittens they will need to be kept in a separate room away from your other pets. Prior to arranging any foster home, an introduction will be done between your current animals and the animal we need to have fostered in order to ensure it will be a fit for the whole family.

How Long Does An Animal Stay in Foster Care?

The foster stay varies with each cat and dog depending on the animal’s specific needs. Animals with special needs may need to stay in foster care for a period of months. Some may stay only a few days. It really depends on the individual cat’s or dog`s situation.

Do I Have To Be Home With The Animal All Day?

Not necessarily. Many foster family members are employed outside the home and still provide a quality environment for the cat or dog. We do require that any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster animal, they must be confined to a small, secure area, preferably a training crate. For cats or kittens a small room, bathroom or bedroom, is preferred for them to stay in while you’re away. This results in a safe secure place for the cat and dog and also protects your home and possessions.

What Will It Cost To Foster An Animal?

A.D.O.P.T. pays for any necessary medical treatment the foster pet may require while under your care as well as the State of Illinois license fee if you don’t already have one. If your foster animal does need medical care, you will be asked to transport it to one of our veterinarians. A.D.O.P.T. appreciates it if you are able to provide the food, but if necessary, we will provide it. We will also supply a crate/carrier and other supplies as needed.

Do I Need A Fenced Yard In Order To Foster A Dog?

A fenced yard is preferred, but not necessary. Foster dogs must NEVER be allowed to run free. If your yard is surrounded by a secure fence, the dog may be exercised there off leash. Outside the yard the dog must be on leash at ALL times.

What If I Am Having Problems?

Staff members are available for telephone consultations. Being a foster home is extremely rewarding. However, you should keep in mind that many, but not all, rescue animals are housebroken or may have had little socialization or obedience training. We find that when given a chance these animals not only improve, they flourish in their foster care environment.

What If I Want To Travel?

If you are fostering and want to go away for a weekend or take a vacation, the foster cat or dog can be returned to the coordinator`s care while you are away. Just arrange it in advance, as soon as you know, and we’ll reserve a spot.

Will I Become Attached To My Foster Pet?

Yes, of course. But, when your foster pet finds a new family who`s ready to provide a permanent loving home, you will feel more than satisfied to see him move on to his new life.

I’d Like To Foster. What Do I Do Next?

If you are interested in fostering, please complete and submit a volunteer application. You will need to complete a volunteer orientation and volunteer at the shelter before becoming a foster volunteer.