North Shore dogs Pound

Do you have questions about pet adoption, or adopting from the Animal League? You can find the answers here!

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Every shelter has its own policies for approving adoptions. Our adoption screening process is designed to ensure that each animal is placed with a responsible person, one that's prepared to make a lifelong commitment. An important part of the adoption process is to match the life-style and needs of the adopter with the individual dog or cat being considered. If the screening process occasionally seems overly strict, please try to remember that our first priority is to consider every animal's best interests.

It's estimated that about 25% of the animals in shelters nationwide are purebred. If you are interested in a specific breed, ask to have your contact information placed on our waiting list of people interested in purebred animals. Come visit the shelter, you may be able to find an animal that has traits that are similar to those of the breed you have in mind.

Many of the animals at the Animal League are puppies and kittens that are just starting their lives. Older dogs and cats may have had previous owners, and in most cases these wonderful pets were relinquished to us simply because their owners moved. Many adult pets have already been exposed to house-breaking and obedience training. Remember, too, that companion animals are remarkably adaptable and have a boundless capacity for love. Just because an animal has lived with someone else first, doesn't mean they won't make a wonderful companion for you!

Even with the best-behaved animal, you should expect a period of adjustment as your pet becomes used to its 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 pet with some time, training, and patience, your reward will be a loving friend and companion.

Our adoption fees are as follows:

Where applicable, a $50 Spay/Neuter deposit is required for kittens, $75 for puppies. Please note that adoption fees at our mobile adoption locations may vary.

Usually, we have a nice selection of breed-specific dogs in our adoption center. They are adopted quickly. In case you don’t find what you’re looking for on your first trip, you can complete an adoption pre-approval form and submit a special request. Our Adoption Counselors will call you once we find the right pet for you.

Although we have a wide variety of breeds, you will almost always find a large selection of mixed-breed animals – pets we call Mutt-i-grees®. Our large selection of Mutt-i-grees® come in a great variety of sizes, shapes and colors, and our counselors will help you find your perfect match.

When you visit North Shore Animal League America’s adoption center, an Adoption Counselor will help you determine the type of animal that will best fit your lifestyle. They will introduce you to the animals you are interested in. The meet and greet will give you the opportunity to bond with your potential companion. You will have plenty of time to play and interact with your new friend in our family-friendly areas designated for that purpose. When you decide to adopt an animal, the counselor will walk you through the process and help you complete the application.