Adopting a New Companion

Deciding to bring a new pet into your home is a major life decision. If you’ve considered all the pros and cons and are ready for a new pet, you’ll want to start by following the below steps. 

How It Works

Choose a Companion

The first step in the adoption process is finding the right pet for your household. Big or small? Cat, dog or something else? If you need assistance with this process don’t hesitate to contact us; we’ll do our best to find the perfect match. Alternatively, you can start your search below.

Apply Online

Once you've chosen your pet, you'll need to create an account on our adoption software, Adopets. You can then fill out an application for the animal you chose. Not sure about an animal yet? Fill out one of our general applications and our Adoption Counselors will match you with an ECCHA pet!

Prepare Your Home

If you haven’t already, now is the time to prepare your home for the arrival of your new furry friend. We have advice to make your transition into lifelong friendship an easy one. You’ll leave the shelter feeling confident in caring for and protecting your new pet.
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Adopt a Cat

Adopt a Cat

Strong and independent or cuddly and playful, no matter your preference in feline fellowship, we have the cat to fit you. Each cat we take in has a unique personality and needs
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Adopt a Dog
adopt dog

Adopt a Dog

It's no secret that having a canine comrade can bring immeasurable amounts of love and joy to your life. Now that you have decided to bring a furry sidekick into your home, now’s the time to determine what type of dog is right for you.
03
Adopt a Barn Cat

Adopt a Barn Cat

Adopt a healthy, sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped barn cat in need of a new rural outdoor home. We are looking for cat lovers with a barn or other secure outdoor structure and are interested in adopting cats that are not suitable for life inside a house or are unhappy living inside. Cats in this program typically prefer little to no human interaction.
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Adopt Small & Special

Adopt Small & Special

If you are considering adopting a pet other than a dog or cat, think about what role you want a companion to take in your life. Are you looking for a pet to cuddle and show affection, or do you want an independent sidekick that keeps its own schedule? Find your perfect match here.

FAQs

Check out our list of frequently asked questions. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out to us.
How many animals do you adopt out each year?
On average, we adopt 1,500 animals out yearly.
Can I adopt a stray that I found?
If the animal is deemed healthy and sits the mandatory 4 day stray hold, yes!
Why did my application get denied?
Typically an application is denied because we do not think the animal is a good fit for your home. You can speak to our adoption coordinators about your application at 715-839-4747 ext. 21
Why aren’t you open to view animals all the time?
We found that the animals experience less stress and less illness when we are not open all the time. This also gives the staff more opportunity to spend time with the animals and get to know them to ensure we are adopting them to the perfect family!
Do all animals in the shelter have behavior issues?
Definitely not! While some animals may have their quirks, a majority of our animals were surrendered due to no fault of their own.
Why do animals get surrendered to the shelter?
The number one reason people surrender their animals is due to moving or major life changes.
Why do you have adoption fees/why are your fees so high?
On average, it is $17 per day to board an animal not including if they need additional medical care. Our adoption fees go straight back into our budget to take care of the thousands of animals we see yearly!
What is the adoption process?
Our process is all online! Choose the animal you would like to meet, we will schedule a meet and greet, then you can take your new friend home! If you are not sure who you would like, you can fill out one of our general applications to meet more than one animal.

Contact Us

Whether you’re looking to adopt, volunteer or simply want to chat about your love for animals, we’re all ears (and paws). Contact us today!

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