View our Adoption Process Video Below!

Adoption Requirements

To ensure successful placement of our pets into loving homes, HSYC follows an evaluation process for all adopters. Many of our pets have come to us from a rough start in life, and this process helps guarantee they will live the life they deserve.

Please understand that adopting through HSYC may take up to a week before your new pet comes home with you.

• Adopters must be at least 21 years old.
• All current pets must be spayed/neutered, current on vaccines and on heartworm preventative.
• For all adoptions, we contact vet references to confirm the above mentioned requirements with the goal of showing consistency of pet care.
• Family members should not have allergies to dogs/cats.
• Dogs and cats should be indoor pets; dogs should have suitable outdoor area for play/potty.
• Declawing of cats is not permitted.
• If you have current dogs, we require meet-and-greet to ensure compatibility before a dog adoption is approved.
• To adopt a dog, we conduct a home visit to ensure the dog is comfortable and accepted by all members (human and pet) of the family.
• For the home visit requirement, potential canine adopters must live locally.  
• Some cats and dogs may have specific requirements in addition to those listed above.

Adoption Process

Please start by viewing our available pets by using the tab above labeled "Adoptable Pets." If you see a pet you are interested in, inquire about them by calling (803)-802-0902. Our Staff will give you detailed information about their availability, requirements, temperament, and answer any questions you might have.

* Please note that we are conducting dog and cat showings by appointment ONLY. You must call us to schedule your appointment - 803-802-0902.

After meeting the cat or dog you would like to adopt:

        1. Complete the applicable Cat or Dog Adoption Application.

        2. Submit the completed application to the staff member or volunteer that was helping

            you.

        3. The HSYC will check your vet references, typically within 24 hours.

        4. For Dog Adoptions:

                   -If you currently have other dog(s), then you will be asked to bring in your dog(s)

                    for a "meet and greet" to see how well they get along.

                   -One of our Home Visit Specialists will contact you to schedule a home visit. Potential adopters should live local to the shelter. 

         5. A staff member will contact you with the adoption decision.

         6. If approved, schedule a time to pickup your new FUR-baby:

                   -Sign the HSYC Adoption Contract.

                   -Pay the non-refundable adoption fee.

                   -Bring home your new FUR-baby!

Note: If adopting a cat, don't forget to bring a cat carrier. If adopting a dog, don't forget to bring a leash, collar, and identification tag.

* The adoption process time from application to going home varies due to a number of things such as spay/neuter status, time required to arrange a meet & great or home visit, etc.  Please be patient as we do the best to process all applications in a timely manner.  

Adoption Fees

The adoption fees at the Humane Society of York County are:

• $200 for dogs
• $100 for cats

Our adoption fee includes that each pet is spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated to their age. They are also tested for FIV/FeLV (cats) and Heartworm (dogs, if old enough.) All of our adoptable pets have been dewormed and are on flea/tick preventatives if applicable. 

Added benefits of our fee include:

Additional Benefits

We also provide food, shelter, socialization, exercise and love to make sure our animals are ready to go to your loving home to become family pets.

We work with Dr. Robert G. Chappell from the Carolina Place Animal Hospital for our medical care.

We are proud to partner with local government shelters and pull pets from them when they're overwhelmed. HSYC is committed to saving lives but we can't do it alone. Please consider donating to our cause. You can donate time, supplies, finances, etc. Taking the community focus, we are collaborating with government shelters and other rescues to save more lives.

Please share our mission with your friends and family - we need your support to continue saving lives!