Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What are your adoption hours?

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 1p.m.-5:30p.m.
• Wednesday 1p.m.-6:30p.m.
• Friday 1p.m.-4:30p.m.
• Saturday 1p.m.-4:30p.m.
• Closed Sundays

2. Where can I view adoptable pets?

The best place to view our adoptable pets is at the shelter during business hours. Our current adoptable dogs and cats at the shelter can also be found online.

3. Do I need an appointment to see a pet?

Our adoptions are processed on a first come, first serve basis so we do not accept appointments. Come to the shelter anytime during our adoption hours to meet the pets we have available for adoption.

4. The pet that I want to meet is in foster, how do I set up an appointment to meet them?

You can call the shelter at 271-4877 or email us at foster@stjosephmo.gov to let us know which animal you are interested in.  We will contact the foster family and give them your information so that they can schedule a meet and greet.

5. The dog that I want to meet is in is in the Puppies for Parole program, how do I set up an appointment to meet them?

You can call the P4P Coordinator at 271-5333 or email her at asilvey@stjosephmo.gov to let her know which animal you are interested in. She will contact the volunteer P4P Coordinator and give them your information so that they can schedule a meet and greet.

6. Can I place a hold on any of your adoptable pets?

Our adoptions are processed on a first come, first serve basis and we do not place any holds on adoptable pets.

7. What if I want to adopt a pet that is on stray hold?

Our adoptions are processed on a first come, first serve basis but animals on stray hold must be held for five business days including a Saturday allowing the owners an opportunity to claim their animal. If you find a stray pet you want to adopt, you can pay the adoption fee in full as a deposit. If the animal is redeemed by its owner, the deposit will be refunded to you by mail. If the animal is not claimed by its owner during its hold period, you will have one business day from the day the animal becomes available to come to the shelter and complete the adoption paperwork. If you do not complete the adoption within one business day, you will forfeit the adoption deposit.

8. I have another pet at home, can I bring them to meet the pet I am interested in adopting?

Yes, you can bring your pet(s) to meet the pets you are interested in, although this is not a requirement in most cases.

9. What do your adoption fees include?

Adoption fees include spay/neuter, preventative vaccinations, a microchip, city registration, and other testing/preventative care the animal received while in our care.

10. What happens if I need to return the pet that I adopted?

If you must return your adopted animal, you will have 30 days to return the animal to the shelter without paying relinquishment fees. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our adoption team if you need help acclimating your new pet to your home. It can take time for animals to adjust to new environments.

11. What if I have questions after I get my pet home?

Please contact the shelter at 271-4877 and we can direct you to a staff member from the animal care team that can help you.

12. Do I need to fill out an adoption application?

No. Our adoptions are processed on a first come, first serve basis so that we can make adoptions simple and convenient.

13. Can I bring my adopted pet home the day I adopt it?

Yes, most of the time your adopted pet can go home with you the same day. There are times that pets must stay in our care after they have been adopted to complete preventative care.