ADOPTIONS
Considering Adoption?
The process is easy!
Adoption fees include all age appropriate tests, vaccines, and a microchip.
Apply to Adopt
If you are interested in one of our animals, please fill out an adoption application for dog or cat. You may complete the application in person at JCAS or email the completed form to animalshelter@mijackson.org. Please do not mail applications. A member of our team will reach out to you regarding your application status.
If you are interested in a dog and already own a dog(s) and/or have children, please bring them in for a meet-and-greet to see if they will become best friends! We reserve the right to make sure each animal has a suitable home for its individual needs.
Adoption Fees
Dogs - $300 Small Breed and Puppy / $200 Medium and Large Breeds
Cats - 1 cat for $60, or 2 for $80
Cats
We consider owner surrender and stray cats as space allows during our business hours. There is a $30 rehoming fee per animal.
Dogs
We consider owner surrender dogs during business hours. Owners relinquishing must come into the facility prior to bringing the dog(s) through the door to speak with a staff member about the reason(s) for surrendering, potential for adoptability and to fill out a profile on the dog(s) to better help the staff rehome the animal. These assessments and paperwork can take 20-60 minutes. There is a $50 rehoming fee per canine.
Adoption fees include all age appropriate tests, vaccines, and a microchip.
Updated Adoption Terms (5/27/2026)
All adopted pets are required by Michigan law to be spayed or neutered unless a licensed veterinarian documents a medical reason preventing the procedure.
If an adopted pet has not yet been altered, a $25 refundable good faith deposit is required at the time of adoption. Adopters are responsible for arranging and paying for the spay/neuter procedure with the veterinarian of their choice. A list of low-cost clinic options can be found here.
Once proof of spay/neuter is emailed to the shelter, the $25 deposit will be refunded. Until the procedure is completed, the pet remains the property of the Jackson County Animal Shelter.
If an adopter is unable to keep the pet before it has been altered, the pet must be returned to the shelter. Failure to comply with the spay/neuter requirement may result in the confiscation of the animal and could affect future adoption eligibility.
Adjustment Period for Dogs: The Rule of 3's
3 Days: Initial Transition
This time can be quite a shock to many dogs, especially puppies, as they have just often left the only home they've known and no longer have the constant companionship of their littermates or mother. Dog adopted from a shelter or rescue need time to decompress from these often-stressful environments.
3 Weeks: Middle Transition
By around three weeks after arriving at their new home, most dogs are getting more comfortable with the routine and starting to show their normal behavior and temperament.
You many see a dog who was initially cautious and shy start to come out of their shell, perhaps exhibiting some training issues that you didn't notice the first few days. For other dogs, you may see them start to "chill out" as they continue to learn the house rules and thrive with routine and predictability.
3 Months: End of Transition
Usually by around three months after joining your family is when we anticipate a dog to be fully acclimated to their new environment and routine.
Adoption Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
