Process
and fees
Choosing the right pet will reward you and your family with years of unconditional love and companionship.
We urge you to take some time to consider the type of pet that will best fit your lifestyle and to remember that pet ownership is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Owning a pet means taking on the responsibility of caring for the pet through its entire life, which in many cases can mean at least a 12-year commitment.
Adoption Fees
Please note that pricing may vary at offsite adoption centers.
Dog Adoption Fees
Please note that pricing may vary at offsite adoption centers.
Dog Adoption Process
Our standard adoption fee is $350, but in rare cases of high demand, there may be a higher fee of up to $500. Dogs with us for 2 weeks or more receive reduced adoption fees to facilitate finding them forever homes.
Each animal has a kennel card with information about its age, breed, and personality. If you don’t see a card or if you have additional questions about an animal, you can visit the customer service desk in the kennel hallway to get additional help.
Once you’ve met with available animals and our staff, you will be presented with three options:
- You may adopt immediately
- You may place a hold on the pet for dogs over six months of age. See more info under “Pre-adoption Hold’ on right.
- You may leave the facility to contemplate the adoption, but the pet will continue to be available for adoption on a first come, first served basis.
The adoption paperwork process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. Fees include your pet’s adoption fee (see below) plus tax, and a license fee for all dogs adopted.
Cat Adoption Fees
Please note that pricing may vary at offsite adoption centers.
8 to 16 weeks old
17 weeks to 4 years old
5 to 7 years old
7 years or older
Cat Adoption Process
Our new cattery offers a wide array of cats and kittens. We also have several rooms with free-roaming cats who have the ability to access our outdoor catio. You’re welcome to sit and enjoy your time getting to know our feline friends.
If you decide to adopt an animal, please check in with the cattery information desk to receive a packet to take to the front desk to complete the adoption paperwork.
The adoption paperwork process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. Fees include your pet’s adoption fee (see below) plus tax, and a rabies vaccination charge.
Pre-Adoption Hold
If you’ve met a pet in person you’d like to adopt but aren’t quite ready to take them home, we have holds available for most pets. Holds must be completed in-person at our shelter.
Holds prior to 5 pm: Expires end of day
Holds 5 pm or later: Expires 1 pm next day
For dogs costing $150 or more. Puppies are not eligible to hold.
For dogs costing $149 or less
For cats four months or older. Kittens are not eligible to hold.
If you return to adopt, the paid hold fee will apply toward the pet’s adoption fee. If the hold expires, or if you decide not to adopt that particular pet, the fee will be donated to IHS.
Rabbits & Small Animals
Birds
Adoption License Fee
All adoption fees cover the animal’s mandatory spay or neuter surgery, first FVRCP (cats) or DHPP (dogs) vaccination, rabies vaccination and microchip for identification.
Most Ada County cities require the purchase of a license fee at the time of adoption:
- Boise
- Meridian
- Kuna
- Eagle
- Other Unincorporated Ada County
Seniors may qualify for a discount; learn more about our Pets for the Elderly program.
Returns
If the adoption is not a good fit or not working out for some reason, the adopted pet may be returned to the Idaho Humane Society within 30 days from date of adoption by the original adopter.
10/1/23: Refunds are only given for pets returned within 2 weeks of adoption. A taxed return processing fee of $10 per dog or $5 per cat, and the remaining balance of the adoption fee (license is not refundable) will be refunded in the same form of original payment. Pets must be returned to 4775 W Dorman Street, Boise, Idaho 83705.
If payment is made by cash, a check will be issued to the original adopter within 72 hours of return. The adopter may pick up the check at the adoption center on Bird Street or choose to have it delivered by mail. If the payment is made by check, a refund will be mailed to you within 30 days after the return date. This does NOT apply if the adoption fee was a donation and not a fixed adoption price.
All original adoption paperwork and receipt of payment must accompany the animal before a REFUND will be issued, and must be received within 14 days of adoption.
OFF-SITE ADOPTABLE CATS
Petco
179 N. Milwaukee St., Boise
(208) 375-7971
Petsmart
130 N Milwaukee St, Boise, ID 83704
(208) 377-9748
Petsmart
1220 N Eagle Rd, Meridian, ID 83642
(208) 884-0611
Petsmart
16925 N Marketplace Blvd, Nampa, ID 83687
(208) 546-3444
Zamzows
3691 Federal Way, Boise
(208) 338-8404
Zamzows
136 E. Watertower St., Meridian
(208) 884-8616
Zamzows
1518 Caldwell Blvd., Nampa
(208) 466-0282
Zamzows
6313 W. Fairview Ave., Boise
(208) 375-4231
Zamzows
6208 W. State St., Boise
(208) 853-1616
CARING FOR GUINEA PIGS
Owning Small Animals is rewarding. Check out this guide to help your Guinea Pigs thrive!
OFF-SITE ADOPTABLE SMALL ANIMALS
Rabbits
Petsmart
1220 N Eagle Rd, Meridian, ID 83642
(208) 884-0611
Adoption Process
To adopt a pet, visit the Idaho Humane Society’s New Adoption Center.
Please note we are closed Mondays.
Please check in with our front desk staff when you arrive. We will send guests to visit our dog or cat kennels when there is an opening in the order of arrival. We do limit visitors to provide one-on-one customer service to answer questions and assist with animal interactions.