Since 1901, the Humane Society of Chittenden County has united once-homeless pets with loving and committed adopters. When you adopt an animal from HSCC, not only will you be sure that your pet is a good match for you and your family, but you will also know you have helped to make an impact on the humane treatment of animals in our community and beyond.
Thank you for choosing to adopt - we're honored to be your resource for pet companionship!
The Adoption Process
The adoption process differs slightly depending on the animal you're interested in. Click below to expand and view the adoption process for cats, dogs, and small animals.
1. View our adoptable cats (online or in person)
2. Fill out a Cat Adopter Profile
3. Meet the cat(s)!* Let a staff member know who you are interested in. Don't forget to bring your photo ID (required)!
4. An Adoption Counselor will discuss the cat’s medical/behavioral history and cat care tips.
5. Make it official! Pay the adoption fee, sign the adoption contract, and take your new cat home**
*If the cat you are interested in is in foster, we will arrange a meeting for you in the cat's foster home.
**You also have the option to place a hold & come back within 24 hours to finish the process.
1. Apply for the dog you are interested in: view adoptable dogs online and apply via a dog's profile. Our team will follow up about your application within 48 hours.
2. Adoption Counseling: We’ll set up an adoption counseling session to discuss your application and details about the dog you’re interested in to see if it’s a potential match.
3. Dog Meet: After counseling, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to meet the dog at HSCC. Please bring a valid photo ID (required), along with any household members and resident dogs (if applicable). If your meet goes well, you can:
- Adopt on the spot and take your new dog home, or
- Place a non-refundable hold and come back within 24 hours to finalize the adoption and bring your new dog home
1. View available small animals online or in person.
2. Fill out a Small Animal Adopter Profile
3. Meet the smalliel(s)! Let a staff member know who you would like to learn more about and spend time with. Don't forget to bring your photo ID (required)!
4. An Adoption Counselor will discuss the animal’s medical/behavioral history and care tips.
5. Make it official! Pay the adoption fee, sign the adoption contract, and take your new friend home*
*You also have the option to place a hold & come back within 24 hours to finish the process.
*Please note that all cats and small animals must leave in a carrier. All dogs must leave with a collar and leash. (These items are all for sale at HSCC).
Adoption Fees* & Services
- Feline Leukemia Test
- FIV Test
- Distemper Vaccination
- De-worming Treatment
- Flea/Tick Treatment & Preventative
- VVMA Certificate for a Free Vet Exam
- Microchip implantation and registration
- Coupon for 25% OFF Accessories at Pet Food Warehouse
- Coupon for a Free Bag (or 3 cans) of food at Pet Food Warehouse
- Rabies Vaccination may be included on a case-by-case basis
The estimated value of these services is over $800!
- Heartworm Test & Preventative
- Distemper Vaccination
- Bordetella Vaccination
- De-worming Treatment
- Flea/Tick Treatment & Preventative
- VVMA Certificate for a Free Vet Exam
- Microchip implantation and registration
- Coupon for 25% OFF Accessories at Pet Food Warehouse
- Coupon for a Free Bag of food at Pet Food Warehouse
- Rabies Vaccination may be included on a case-by-case basis
- Access to training resources
The estimated value of these services is over $1,000!
- Spay/Neuter(ferrets+rabbits)
- General Health Exam
- VVMA Certificate for a Free Vet Exam
- Pet Food Warehouse Coupon: 25% OFF Accessories
*All adoption fees are non-refundable.
Who's the genius behind the gorgeous animal photos on our site?
Kelly Schulze (with their helpful husband Ian) donates their time every week to photograph our newly available animals ... free of charge. We are very lucky and grateful that Kelly chooses to donate their services, time, and talent to HSCC!
Do you have an HSCC Alum? You can purchase that wonderful headshot of your new friend that appeared on our website! Kelly Schulze of Mountain Dog Photography takes several photos of each animal, and can offer you the entire selection to choose from. Simply email Kelly with the animal's name, species, color, and approximate adoption date (ex. Winter 2015). 20% of all proceeds from your purchase will be donated to HSCC.
As part of their Black Tie and Tails Benefit sponsorship, the Pomerleau Family Foundation supports the care of an HSCC pet each month. This month, they are supporting Shadow Lord.
Adoption Center Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 1PM - 5PM
Saturday: 12PM - 5PM
Sunday & Monday: Closed


