Adoptable Pets

Start by browsing our adoptable pets online—listings are updated daily. When you find a pet you’re interested in, you can visit us in person any day except Tuesday—no appointment needed. We welcome walk-ins and are happy to help you find the right match. However, if you’d like to introduce your personal dog to one of our shelter dogs, you must schedule an appointment in advance so we can ensure a safe and supervised meet-and-greet. Give us a call at573.334.5837with any questions or to set up a meeting.

Our adoption fees range from $90–$250, depending on the animal. Every adoption includes:

• Spay or neuter surgery
• Vaccinations appropriate for age
• Microchip with lifetime registration
• Deworming
• A heartworm test (for dogs 6 months or older)
• A free first vet visit with one of our local veterinary partners

This means your new pet is ready to go home healthy, safe & set up for success.

Yes! Most of our adoptions are same-day, so you can often take your new pet home right away. We’ll still have a conversation with you to make sure it’s a good fit and go through a brief screening process. Our goal is to set you and your new pet up for success from day one.

Our team is here to help you make a thoughtful choice. We’ll ask about your household, schedule, other pets, and experience to help you find a pet that matches your lifestyle. Whether you want a high-energy hiking partner or a mellow couch companion, we’ll help guide you to a great match.

Absolutely. During your visit, you can spend time with different animals in our meet-and-greet areas. This helps you get to know their personalities and see who you connect with best.

We love when adopters already have pets at home! Let us know in advance so we can help talk through introductions and compatibility. If you're considering adopting a dog and you already have one, we do require an appointment for a supervised meet-and-greet between the two. This helps ensure a safe, positive experience for everyone. We also recommend that your current pets are up to date on vaccinations before bringing home a new companion.

Yes! While we’re based in Cape Girardeau, we adopt to families all across Southeast Missouri—and even out of state. We’ve placed pets with loving homes in Jackson, Sikeston, Perryville, and beyond. No appointment is necessary to visit, but you’ll need to come to the shelter in person to meet and adopt your new pet.

Yes, renters are welcome to adopt. We do ask that you confirm with your landlord or lease agreement that pets are allowed and that there are no breed or size restrictions.

No. Adoption fees are non-refundable. That said, we’re here to support you during the adjustment period. If you’re having issues, contact us—we may be able to offer advice, training tips, or other resources to help.

We understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned. If your new pet isn’t a good fit, we ask that you contact us first. We’ll work with you to explore options, which may include returning the animal or helping with rehoming advice. Our goal is always the long-term well-being of the pet.

Definitely! We welcome first-time pet parents. Our team will guide you through every step—from choosing the right animal to preparing your home and understanding your pet’s needs. We’ll also connect you with helpful resources to make the transition smooth.

Occasionally, yes. While most of our animals are dogs and cats, we sometimes care for small animals that need homes. You can always call us or check our adoptable pets page to see what’s available.

You must be at least 18 years old to adopt a pet from our shelter.

Once you’ve chosen a pet and completed the application, the process usually takes 30–60 minutes—long enough for a good conversation, paperwork, and going over care instructions.

We’re here for you! If there’s anything you’re unsure about, just give us a call or reach out through our Contact Page. Our staff is happy to answer your questions and help you feel confident in your decision to adopt.