Adopt a Best Friend at Berkshire Humane Society

Ready to adopt your next companion animal? It’s so easy! Here’s how…

Why so many questions?

When you adopt a pet from Berkshire Humane Society we want to make sure your pet’s degree of sociability, playfulness, energy and motivation meets yours. We use our application form and talking with you to evaluate what is best for both the pets and you.

Part of the adoption process will be an in-depth conversation with us about what you are looking for and what you hope to achieve or enjoy with your new furry or feathered family member. It’s important to be honest with us- and with yourself – about your own needs and time commitments. Here are a few considerations we might discuss as you look for your new best friend:

  • Your family: Are there children or other pets in the house? Do children regularly visit? Other animals?
  • Household: Some animals thrive in quiet and routine, others on novelty and excitement. What’s your household like? Quiet and low stress? Or fast-paced and on-the-go?
  • Time: How much time do you have to spend with your pet? Do you work from home? Travel for weeks at a time? Are multiple walks, runs or vigorous exercise your thing? Or do you prefer to hang out on the sofa in front the tv? These, and more, can affect your pet’s quality of life – and yours too!
  • Travel: Will you regularly take your pet to other places? Work? A family member’s home? On vacation? Are their children or other animals at these locations? Or do you plan to leave your animal at home?
  • Special Needs: A pet may have many needs or issues, such as daily vigorous exercise, separation anxiety, house-training, continued behavior training, special food or daily medication. Can you take on an animal with a special need? Many animals only need a special dry food or a simple medication – Don’t shy away from the perfect pet because of a special need! Just consider what is feasible for you and your family. Think realistically about what you and your family can afford – both in terms of finances and time commitment.

These are just a few of the things that we hope to assess when talking with you. Come on in and we’ll chat! We’re excited to help you find the perfect pet for you and your family.

Fill out an application

Stop by the main shelter or Purradise and pick up an application or download one for cats, dogs or small mammals and birds. Bring this completed form to the shelter or email it to canineservices@berkshirehumane.org for dogs or felineservices@berkshirehumane.org for cats and small animals. At this point, we’ll talk with you about what you’re looking for. Before approving your application, we require proof of home ownership or your landlord’s permission. Applicants must be 21 years old or older with a valid photo ID.

Choose your pet

Visit our website or shelter to see all of our animals available for adoption. When at the shelter, an adoption counselor will meet with you to help you find the right fit and answer your questions. If you see a pet you like, we ask that you and other household members spend time with him or her to get acquainted. If you own a dog, we require that you bring him or her to the shelter for a “Meet and Greet” with your potential new dog. If you have cats or other small animals, we may want to do a cat test.

Get ready

Some animals can go home soon after you meet with an adoption counselor and your application is approved. Other animals may need to be spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter. Your adoption counselor will let you know when your new pet is ready to go home. We suggest using this time to prepare for his or her arrival.

Pick up your pet

When you pick up your new family member, an adoption counselor will review final instructions, answer  your questions and have you sign the adoption contract.

Enjoy!

Enjoy the rest of your pet’s life! Berkshire Humane Society is committed to making your adoption a success. With many years of experience, we’re always willing to discuss the care of your pet or address any concerns you might have about him or her. Just give us a call at +1 (413) 447-7878 Thank you for adopting from Berkshire Humane Society!