Adopting a pet from the
Butler County Humane Society is a serious commitment. There are
several aspects to the adoption process, such as legal, social, and
financial, which are outlined below.Adopting a pet from the
Butler County Humane Society is a serious commitment. There are
several aspects to the adoption process, such as legal, social, and
financial, which are outlined below.
Pennsylvania state law requires that every dog or cat adopted from an in-state shelter must be spayed or neutered. If the animal has not already been spayed or neutered, the Humane Society will provide a voucher to cover the surgery costs of spaying or neutering by our participating veterinarians. A $30 deposit is required for the voucher. This deposit is refunded upon completion of the procedure. Adopters in violation of this law will be prosecuted.
Dogs over the age of three months require a county-issued license. There is a $2 discount if the dog spayed or neutered. Senior citizens receive an addition $2 discount with proof of age.
All adopters must be at least 21 years of age and have a photo ID. Individuals between 18 and 21 years of age may have someone over 21 years co-sign.
The Humane Society has the right to ensure that all family members are accepting of the new adopted animal. Adopters with other dogs in their homes must bring their dogs in to be introduced to the prospective adoptee.
If you are renting your home, you must provide written permission from your landlord or provide a copy of the lease before adopting a pet. The Humane Society reserves the right to contact the landlord for verbal confirmation in the event that written permission is not available.
Puppies under 6 months and adult dogs with behavior issues as identified by kennel staff benefit from obedience training classes. A deposit is included in the adoption price for these animals which will cover the cost of a 6-week course with a participating trainer. If the adopter chooses another trainer, the deposit will be reimbursed when proof of completion of the course is submitted. If the adopter fails to enroll the animal in an obedience training class or course within 6 months, the deposit is forfeited.
Absolutely no animals will be adopted as strictly outside pets.
We reserve the right to make one or more in-home inspections within six (6) months from the date of adoption.
| Adult Cats & Dogs (over 6 months old) | $85.00 |
| Kittens & Puppies | $100.00 |
| Spay & Neuter Deposit* | $30.00 |
| Obedience Training Class Deposit | $40.00 |
| Butler County Dog Licenses | |
| Male or Female Dog | $8.50 |
| Spayed or Neutered Dog | $6.50 |
| Senior Citizen - Male or Female Dog | $6.50 |
| Senior Citizen - Spayed or Neutered Dog | $4.50 |
| *Deposits are refunded after proof of sterilization. Spay/neuter surgeries are paid for by the BCHS. | |
The Butler County Humane Society adoption fees help cover the cost associated with the care and treatment of the animal you are adopting. In particular, your adoption fee covers the following:
In addition, our sponsors provide free food and coupons, discounted obedience training classes, and discounted grooming sessions.
Any additional donation goes towards medicines, supplies, food, and vet care for the shelter animals that have not yet found their forever homes. You become a part of our family when you adopt from the BCHS. We are here for your comments, concerns, and questions!
The assumption that animal shelters make a profit from suffering could not be further from the truth. Most shelters, regardless of the size or breed of animal you are looking for, will ask for a donation to adopt ranging from $50 to $300. When the Butler County Humane Society takes in a healthy pet that costs a minimal amount to make ready for adoption, the "profit" from that animal is applied to the vetting costs of the many others who are not as fortunate. When an animal comes into the BCHS, funds must be spent on neutering/spaying, vaccinations (Rabies, DHLPP, Bordetella), heartworm screening, and fecal examinations. Vetting expenses on a healthy animal can cost $175 or more depending on the breed and animal. The truth is the majority of found/stray/rescues DO require additional vetting. Deworming is almost always a necessity. The BCHS treats heartworm-positive animals, pays to set broken bones, and to treat illnesses and injuries--providing treatment the original owners either didn't choose to or could not afford. The BCHS does whatever is necessary, and it can often take several months to return an animal to good health. It is not unusual for the cost of this care to run from $450-$1000 per pet. Our shelter screens animals for behavioral and health issues, address these issues, and then make every attempt to make the best possible match with adopting families. The Butler County Humane Society is a non-profit organization and we receive no federal funding. We rely solely on donations, bequests, and fundraising initiatives.
Adopting a pet is a serious commitment requiring a lifetime of love, companionship and attention. This is a major responsibility! If you are not positive that you are ready to make this commitment, please do not take an animal home!
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