Adoptions

Many people are surprised to find that adopting a pet is a more involved process than they anticipated. At the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, our goal is to match potential adopters with a pet that is best suited to their home, interests, and lifestyle. While we reserve the right to refuse an adoption, our staff makes every effort to work with potential adopters and help them find their perfect match here at our shelter. We adopt out within a 200 mile radius. Please allow at least one hour for the adoption process. Adoption fees can be found below.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the pet you are looking for on your first visit! Adoptable pets are dropped off at our shelter daily. Please keep visiting us and check our website regularly to find your new best friend!

The adoption application(s) can be downloaded here:

Completed applications can be faxed, emailed, or dropped off in person. We strongly recommend that all members of the household, including any dogs you own currently, meet the new pet prior to finalizing the adoption.

What You Need To Adopt:

Adopters must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid photo ID.
Vet records for all other pets in the home must be faxed, emailed, or present at the time of the adoption. Animals must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccine.
When taking a cat home from the shelter, we ask that you bring or are prepared to purchase a cat carrier. All cats leaving the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri must be in a cat carrier.
When taking a dog home from the shelter, we ask that you bring or are prepared to purchase a collar and leash.

What's The Adoption Application Process?

Online Applications:
Once you have completed your online application, you are welcome to visit our shelter during our adoption hours of Monday-Saturday from 12-6pm, or Sunday from 12-5pm, no appointment needed. Due to the numerous online applications we receive, we are unable to call and inform each adopter if they were approved. Please visit us in person and inform the front desk you have completed your application online so we can go over it with you and help you find the right match for both you and the animal. If applicable, a call will be placed to your landlord/rental company to confirm the pet policy. If there are currently other pets in the home, a call will be placed to their current vet for verification that the animal(s) are up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. When all information is verified, the dog or cat will be available to go home with you at the time of the adoption!

In-Person Applications:
Anyone is welcome to visit our shelter during our adoption hours of Monday-Saturday from 12-6pm, or Sunday from 12-5pm, no appointment needed. We have paper applications on hand for you if you'd like to fill it out in person. In order to meet any animal outside of the kennel, potential adopters must submit a completed application and be approved! If applicable, a call will be placed to your landlord/rental company to confirm the pet policy. If there are currently other pets in the home, a call will be placed to their current vet for verification that the animal(s) are up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. When all information is verified, the dog or cat will be available to go home with you at the time of the adoption!

Adopt A Dog

Adopt A Cat

Adoption Fees (Fees May Vary)

Dog Services Included in
Adoption Fees:
DAPPV
Rabies
Bordetella
Heartworm Test
Dewormer
Treatment for fleas & ticks
Microchip
Spay/Neuter

Cat Services Included in
Adoption Fees:
FVRCP
Rabies
FELV/FIV Test
Heartworm Test
Dewormer
Treatment for fleas & ticks
Microchip
Spay/Neuter

Seniors: must be 65 or older.
Veterans: must show proof of current service or DD2-14 discharge paperwork.

For more information: adoption@hsswmo.org

Read more: