Adopt from wahs
Cats and dogs of all shapes, sizes, breeds, and ages come through our doors. At any given time, we have a variety of companions waiting to find forever families. Click below to see which animals are currently available for adoption - you just might spot your best friend!
Click here to view additional pets on our Community Rehoming page that are looking for new families. Please note that these pets are being rehomed privately by their current families, and they aren’t under the Winona Area Humane Society’s care.
How to apply
Adoptions are scheduled on an appointment-only basis after an adoption application has been approved. If you’re looking to adopt a forever friend from WAHS, follow these steps:
View which cats and dogs are currently available at the top of this page.
Read their descriptions to get an idea of which animal could be a good fit in your home.
If you think you’ve found a great fit, apply to adopt the animal! Our online application form will walk you through all the needed information.
A Landlord Verification Form needs to be completed by your landlord if you rent.
If you’d like to adopt but don’t have a specific cat or dog in mind, we will review your application and recommend a potential match.
Please keep in mind that it may take a few days to process your adoption application. In the case of multiple applications per animal, we choose the adopter based on best fit.
Adoption processes differ slightly depending on the type of animal:
Cat adoption Procedure
View available cats online
Submit an adoption application
If you’re approved for adoption, you’ll receive a call/text/email to schedule a visit
You will have one-on-one time with the cats during the visit, as well as time to discuss options & processes with the Director
Because there usually multiple adopters interested in a cat, same-day adoptions are rarely possible (at the discretion of the Cat Director)
If the visit goes well, an appointment will be scheduled for adoption
You’ll sign an adoption contract at the time of adoption fee payment
The adopted cat will be sent home with food, toys, and a disposable pet carrier
A Foster-To-Adopt option is available
dog adoption Procedure
View available dogs online
Submit an adoption application
If you’re approved for adoption, you’ll receive a call/text/email to schedule a visit
Three visits may be required to ensure best fit for the dog AND the adopter (at the discretion of the Canine Director)
Visits may include time in the outdoor run, time in the indoor socialization area, and time on a walk
If the visits go well, an appointment will be scheduled for adoption
You’ll sign an adoption contract at the time of adoption fee payment
The adopted dog will be sent home with food, toys, and other necessary enrichment items
A Foster-To-Adopt option is available
WHy should you Adopt?
In addition to the endless amount of love a shelter animal provides their new family, choosing to adopt rather than purchasing from a backyard breeder or pet store:
Saves an animal who has nowhere else to turn (and they will adore you for it!)
Helps to reduce the overpopulation of cats and dogs in your community
Shows support for our no-kill mission
Using the ASPCA’s Save Rate Formula, we’re pleased to report a 2023 Save Rate of 97.9%!
Combats the unethical practices of puppy & kitten mills
Contributes to the fight against animal cruelty
Supports the Winona Area Humane Society through adoption fees, which allows our nonprofit shelter to care for more community animals in need!
What to expect when adopting from wahs
Every animal adopted from the shelter is spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. Depending on the need, a nail trim, ear cleaning, brushing, and/or basic grooming may be performed.
If an animal has medical concerns or special circumstances, all known information is conveyed to the adopter. On adoption day, a general care package is assembled for every cat or dog; this gives the adopter a helpful hand at their new life with their furry friend!
Are you thinking about adopting? Consider these Questions first.
Our goal at WAHS is to help every animal find a forever home! However, we occasionally see animals returned if a family is not fully prepared for the commitment of pet ownership. Before you submit an application to adopt, ponder these questions:
Do you have the time and patience to help an animal adjust to a new living environment?
Would you be willing to problem-solve or seek assistance if a pet’s adjustment takes longer than expected?
If you rent your current home, does your landlord allow pets?
Do you have a backup plan in case you are suddenly unable to care for the animal?
Are the other people who live in your home also excited about adopting an animal companion?
Are you prepared for the costs of routine veterinary care?
How will this adoption affect the temperament, health, personality, and activity level of other pets in the home?
If you’re confident in answering all the topics above, we’d love to help you find a forever friend at WAHS!
Adoption FAQs
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Adoptable animals come to us in four main ways: stray intakes, owner surrenders, out-of-state transports, and the rare instance of seizure from neglectful situations. Stray animals are primarily from the Winona County area, although animals may be accepted from a wide range of locations. If strays are not reclaimed, they become available for adoption.
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Every cat or dog adopted from WAHS is spayed/neutered and updated on all current vaccinations. Each animal also needs a vet office visit to check their overall health. Additional medications are often needed before they become adoptable.
An adoption fee helps to cover some of the above costs, and support other animals in the shelter’s care as well. Overall, adoption fees make it possible for us to continue our mission of helping animals find forever homes!
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Adoption fees differ based on an animal’s age (and size for dogs). Contact us for up-to-date information about our fees for specific animals.
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To adopt an animal from WAHS, individuals must be 18 years or older, have a valid ID, pass a basic background check, and fill out an adoption application. If the above qualifications are met, the application is approved, and your home is a good fit for the animal, our office staff will call you to set up an appointment.
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We definitely understand the importance of ensuring that your current and future animal companions get along. While we do allow meet-and-greets for dogs (at the discretion of the Canine Director), we do not generally allow potential adopters to bring their cats into the shelter. Instead, our staff will offer guidance on the proper steps for introducing new animals in the home and inform you of how long you should expect it to take for your new and old companions to adjust. Fostering-To-Adopt is a popular option in these situations.
If necessary, we will help recent adopters return animals that cannot adjust to their new homes.
