Adopting a Pet

The Erie Humane Society requires an adoption application and screening process to ensure each pet is placed in the most suitable, loving home for their individual needs. This process allows our staff to learn more about an adopter’s lifestyle, experience, and expectations, and to match them with a pet whose personality and care requirements align. Our goal is to set both pets and adopters up for long-term success, preventing future surrenders and ensuring every animal has the best chance at a happy, stable forever home.

Adoption Process

Filling out an application does not guarantee an adoption. The Erie Humane Society reserves the right to deny any adoption application with or without disclosure of cause.

The application helps us match you with a pet that fits your lifestyle. We consider both your needs and the animal’s, since the pet you’re interested in may not be the best match for your activity level, schedule, or home environment.

Animals are placed with the best possible fitting home -- adoption is not first come, first serve.

The Erie Humane Society’s top priority is finding the best home for each pet. Because we often receive multiple applications, adoptions are not first come, first served. Instead, applications are carefully reviewed by management to determine the best match, and pets may be placed on Adoption Pending Status during this process.

An adoption is a partnership between the shelter and the adopter.

We rely on your cooperation to find the best match for both your family and the pet. If we are not confident it’s a good fit, we may deny the adoption.

When you adopt from a shelter, you are adopting an animal with history.

Some pets come from happy backgrounds, while others do not, and all will need time to adjust to a new home. Adoption is a lifelong commitment, so we ask you to carefully consider the responsibilities before making your decision.