Process, Forms, & Fees
Your Path to Pet Adoption
Adopting a pet from the Chequamegon Humane Association is a joyful journey that creates lifelong bonds. Follow these steps to ensure you’re ready to welcome a new furry friend into your family and to make the process smooth and successful.
Process Step-by-step
Step 1: Meet Age & ID Requirements
Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment. To start the process, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Be at least 18 years old.
- Government ID: Provide a valid driver’s license or state ID card.
Step 2: Assess Your Adoption Readiness
Before choosing a pet, ensure you’re prepared for the responsibilities of pet ownership. Review our readiness checklist to evaluate how a pet fits into your lifestyle, home, and long-term plans. This step helps you make an informed decision for a lasting match.
Step 3: Submit Your Application For Approval
Complete and submit the appropriate adoption application below. Allow up to 48 hours for your application to be processed. After the 48 hours have elapsed, call the shelter at 715-682-9744 to check on the status of your application.
*If you have previously or currently use Willow Animal Hospital in Ashland or Grand Ave Vet Clinic in Duluth, please call the clinic to release your records to Chequamegon Humane Association. Without your records, we cannot process your application!
IMPORTANT: Because of the volume of applications we receive daily, you are responsible for calling or emailing to check on the status of your application. We do not call applicants when applications are approved, incomplete, or denied.
Step 4: Choose Your New Companion
Browse our Hopeful Hearts online listings—adoptable dogs and adoptable cats, then visit the shelter to meet them!
Adoption Hours
- Wednesday thru Sunday: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
When you arrive, check in at the front desk for instructions. There may be a wait before the adoption coordinator can assist you, so we appreciate your patience! Our adoption coordinator will help you meet our animals and find the right fit:
- Spend Time Together: Interact with the pet(s) you’re considering. Take dogs for a walk or play in our play yard. For cats, spend time holding or observing them.
- Ask Questions: Bring questions about the pet’s personality, behavior, and needs. Our coordinator is here to share insights and help you make a thoughtful choice. If you know the breed of your selection, consider researching common breed traits online.
- Be Patient: If you don’t find the perfect match on your first visit, check back often! New animals arrive regularly, and you can stay updated via our website or Facebook page.
Important: We prioritize the best match over first-come, first-served to make sure you have a successful, long-lasting bond between you and your pet.
Step 5: Arrange a Meet & Greet (Dogs Only)
If you’re adopting a dog, bring all household members and any current dogs to meet your potential new companion with one of our Adoption Counselors. This step ensures everyone gets along. Here’s what to expect:
For Household Members and Children
The meet and greet allows everyone, especially children, to interact with the dog in a safe, supervised setting. This helps confirm the dog’s temperament is compatible with your family’s dynamics and ensures children feel comfortable and confident with the new pet.
For Current Dogs
- Prepare Your Dog: Use a sturdy collar or harness (no correction collars or retractable leashes) to keep the meeting positive.
- Start with Parallel Walking: We’ll walk the dogs together, allowing them to get comfortable with each other’s scent and behavior.
- Play Time: If the initial meeting goes well, we’ll move to our play yard for off-leash interaction.
- Share Your Thoughts: Discuss your feelings or concerns with our staff. This is the perfect time to ask questions or address hesitations.
Note: If your household members or dogs can’t attend the initial visit, you can return for the meet and greet.
Step 6: Finalize with Adoption Fee
Every pet is spayed/neutered, health-checked, dewormed, microchipped, and vaccinated as appropriate for their age. An adoption fee helps us continue providing care for our animals.
Are you 60 or older? Explore our Pets for Seniors program, offering free or discounted adoption fees to senior adopters, making bringing home a loving companion easier!
Step 7: Bring Your New Companion Home
Once all the previous steps are complete, it’s finally time to welcome your pet home and build a loving relationship with them furever. They are now officially one of the Lucky Ones! Be prepared with the following items for a seamless transition to your home:
Dogs
- A collar and leash..
- Essentials include wet or dry food (your choice), two bowls (one each for food and water), and a pet bed. You’ll also receive a small sample of Science Diet food to try.
- Recommended: A crate or safe transport and a cozy space at home.
- Don’t forget to order an ID tag with your pet’s name and your contact information.
Cats
- A carrier for the ride home.
- Essentials include wet or dry food (your choice), two bowls (one each for food and water), a pet bed, and a litter box with cat litter. You’ll also receive a small sample of Science Diet food to try.
- Don’t forget to order an ID tag with your pet’s name and your contact information.
Adoption Applications
Ready to welcome a new furry family member into your home? Let’s get started! For questions, reach out to Jayme Morey at 715-682-9744 or CHAadopt@yahoo.com.
Online—Preferred Method
On your desktop, tablet, or phone, click the form above to open it. For a smooth experience, review the instructions on the first page before proceeding.
The form has multiple pages to complete. If you need to pause, you can Save and Return with the link provided. Once complete, click Submit Application. You will receive a confirmation email with a PDF copy of your completed form for your records.
PDF Method - Manual Alternate (Not Preferred)
Complete the form in one of two ways:
- Electronically in a PDF Reader: Open the PDF, then save it to your device. Then complete the form in Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download, other readers may not function properly). Save the completed PDF, then email it to CHAadopt@yahoo.com.
- Manually Print & Deliver: Open the form and print. Complete the form, including the application and release. Deliver the completed form:
- Scan and email to CHAadopt@yahoo.com.
- Mail to Chequamegon Humane Association, PO Box 93, Ashland, WI 54806.
- Drop off at 923 Rail Drive, Ashland, WI 54806 during visitor hours (Wednesday–Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM).
Adoption Fees
Dog Adoption Fees
- Puppies (up to 1 year): $300
- Ages 1–10 years: $185
- Ages 10+: $85
Cat Adoption Fees
- Kittens (up to 1 year): $135
- Ages 1–10 years: $85
- Ages 10+: $60
Small Animal Adoption Fees
- Rabbits: $75
- Others: Fees vary, call
What’s Included in Your Adoption Fee? Your adoption fee helps us provide exceptional care for our animals and includes:
- Veterinary health check
- Spay or neuter surgery
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
- Microchip for identification
- Deworming treatment
- A helpful pet care information packet
We accept cash, checks, PayPal, and major credit cards. Note: Fees are subject to change without notice.
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