Second Chance Adoption Process

During our adoption process each potential new caretaker is interviewed and carefully matched with the dog or cat that best suits the adopter's situation and expectations, to ensure that both will enjoy a long, happy relationship. Our adoption fees vary depending on age. All animals adopted from the Second Chance Humane Society will be micro-chipped, spayed or neutered, and will have had at least their first set of vaccinations. Though our adoption process is a snap, please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with it.

Step 1: The search is on!

View our available pets online or visit with them in person at our shelter located at 177 County Road 10 in Ridgway, Colorado. (click for map)

Adoption and Animal Viewing: Monday through Sunday 11 a.m. until 4p.m.

Please arrive no later than 3:15p.m. so you have any opportunity to meet with the animals and complete any paperwork. Plan to allow one to two hours to complete the adoption process. It may take longer, depending on the number of animals you wish to get acquainted with, your previous experience with pet care, and the number of other visitors at the facility.

Step 2: Time for 20 questions.

Fill out an adoption questionnaire online or in person at Second Chance Humane Society. Completed applications can be brought to the shelter or faxed to 970.626.3593. It is recommended that individuals coming from out of the area complete an application and speak with a counselor prior to visiting the shelter. To help expedite the adoption process, please bring the following information:

• A current driver’s license (you must be at least 21 years to adopt).
• Landlord contact information or a copy of the pet policy if you rent.
• Either your vet's contact information or vet records for your current pet and any pets that you have owned in the last 5 years.

Step 3: Meet and greet!

Meet with an adoption counselor who is trained to ensure the best possible match for the adopter and the animal. Our Adoption Counselors work with adopters to help ease the introduction and adjustment of the new companion animal to the home. Remember, each animal has unique characteristics and specific needs. Every effort is made to ensure that animals are matched with suitable adopters so that they can remain in their new homes for life. Applications are taken on first come first serve basis.

Because adopting an animal is a family decision, you will need to return with your whole family (as well as any other individuals currently living in your home) to meet your potential companion at the Adoption Center within 24-hours of submitting your application. For individuals adopting a dog and who currently have a resident dog(s), you will need to bring in your dog(s) to our facility within 24 hours of submitting your application for a dog-dog introduction. Please leave your resident cats safely at home. In order to keep the stress levels in our animals as low as possible, owned dogs are not allowed in the adoptable animal viewing areas.

Step 4: The finale!

Complete the adoption. Once you and our counselors agree that you’ve found a great match, you will need to arrange for all members of the household (including other dogs) to meet. This will help determine that the chosen pet is compatible with everyone. A “24 hour hold” can be placed on the dog in order for any family, roommates, individuals, or dogs in the household to come in and meet the new dog.

Please note: You will need to make sure that you have the following items with you when adopting your new companion.

• Individuals adopting a dog/puppy will need to make sure to have a collar and leash (We have a nice selection of Lupine® collars and leashes available in our retail area. All proceeds from the sales of these items go directly to the animals in our care).
• Individuals adopting a cat/kitten will need to have a secure animal appropriate carrier (please note that a cardboard box is not a sufficient carrier). We are unable to loan carriers, however, appropriate cardboard carriers available for $5 at the time of adoption.