CAPP volunteers bring families together, joining pets with people who perfectly suit their needs.
Meeting the Pets
CAPP has no central shelter location and our pets are in foster homes, so they can only be seen at pet adoption clinics or by appointment to approved applicants.
Download the Adoption Application
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Download the free Adobe PDF Acrobat Reader
Return to us by email, fax, mail or at a CAPP pet adoption clinic or other CAPP event.
General Adoption Guidelines
There is an application and screening process, as well as a non-refundable fee, associated with the adoption of a CAPP pet. Since many CAPP pets have a history of neglect or abuse, or have been casually discarded by a former owner, our thorough screening process helps to insure that they are placed in appropriate, permanent homes. To meet some of our pets, come and talk to our volunteers at CAPP pet adoption clinics. However, anyone interested in adopting a CAPP pet must complete and submit our Pet Adoption Application before we can begin the screening process. Generally, the process requires:
- Individuals applying to adopt a CAPP pet must be at least 18 years old.
- CAPP’s screening process does not usually allow adoption approval the same day an application is received. We carefully review each application, keeping the pet’s best interests in mind. Since most CAPP pets are fostered, we know them best and are aware of the type of home each one requires.
- Because we strive to match a pet with the right household, applying to adopt a CAPP pet does not insure approval.
- All CAPP pets are spayed and neutered and receive appropriate veterinary care prior to placement.
- CAPP volunteers conduct home visits, so placements are limited to within an hour’s drive of Albany, New York. Any exceptions, generally for pets with special needs, will be specifically noted in a pet’s description. (Potential adopters outside our placement area are encouraged to check with animal shelters or rescue groups in their local areas.)
- CAPP does not usually place senior dogs, or dogs of 35 pounds or less, in households where children under 8 years of age either live or visit frequently, since both are fragile and their safety is our first priority.
- There is a three-week trial foster period prior to the final adoption of most CAPP pets. This trial period is an opportunity to insure that it is the right match for all involved.
- CAPP helps to make adoptions permanent by offering support to new pet owners (e.g., crate training, housebreaking, and new pet introduction brochures, as well as specific problem-solving tips).
- CAPP makes a lifetime commitment to its pets. If for any reason an adoptor cannot keep a CAPP pet, the adoption contract requires that it be returned to CAPP.
Adoption Fees
There is a non-refundable fee for each adoption to help cover our costs, primarily for veterinary care. All CAPP animals receive appropriate inoculations and are wormed, tested for canine heartworm/lyme disease or feline leukemia (if old enough), and spayed or neutered prior to placement. (Although all CAPP pets receive veterinary care, we strongly recommend a prompt checkup with your own veterinarian after the final adoption.) CAPP dogs are also microchipped.
Sometimes individuals question the amount of our adoption fees, so we invite them to compare our fees to their own veterinarian’s charges for the above procedures.
Generally, CAPP adoption fees are as follows:
- Adult dog under 35 pounds: $250*
- Adult dog over 35 pounds: $200*
- Puppy or young dog (10 months of age or less): $300*
- Adult cat: $90*
- Kitten (6 months of age or less): $90*
*Adoption fees may vary by pet–check pet’s individual description for actual amount
Things to Consider Before Adopting a Pet
Owning a pet can be a wonderful experience; however, it is a long-term responsibility and requires a serious commitment by owners. Understanding these responsibilities is essential, and acquiring a pet should always be a family decision. Research the types of pets and different breed characteristics to insure that your new pet will fit in with your lifestyle. It is also important to decide whether you are willing to commit the time, effort and expense required for its proper care before you get a pet, not after it is in your home! Think about:
- Provision of food, water and shelter at all times;
- Annual inoculations, tests, checkups;
- Spay or neuter costs if not already done;
- Adequate attention and safe exercise;
- Pet care while you vacation or travel;
- Whether pets are permitted where you live;
- Housing restrictions: size, pet type, etc.;
- Initial and ongoing training;
- Annual licensing of dogs;
- Emergency medical costs;
- Safely restraining your pet to prevent roaming or being a nuisance to others;
- Known allergies of family members; and
- Making the commitment for the pet’s life (average 10 years)
A copy of CAPP’s latest annual report may be obtained upon request from CAPP or the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.
