Adopt

WCHS is best known for finding new homes for the pets in our animal shelter.

Each person interested in adopting an animal must complete an adoption application form. Print the form below and return it to WCHS by mail or in person.

If you own your home, or rent and have written permission from your landlord, you are eligible to adopt a pet from the Whitman County Humane Society. In the best interests of the animals, the shelter staff reserves the right to refuse adoptions. Only individuals or families qualify to adopt; we do not adopt animals to a group such as a sorority or fraternity. We do not allow animals to be adopted as a gift; however, gift certificates in the amount of the adoption donation may be purchased.

All animals have been evaluated for adoptability. Our knowledgeable staff will help you transition your pet to his or her new home.

Adoption donation

Your adoption donation helps WCHS pay for the care of your new companion. Your pet comes to you having received the following: spay or neutering, a veterinary exam, all appropriate vaccinations, worming, and a microchip with prepaid registration. These services at a local clinic would cost about $200. Additionally, cats and kittens are tested for feline leukemia (FeLV).

Adoption Success Stories

Lloyd - Jeff and Lesley Phelps, Adopters

After several months of mourning the passing of their 17-year old former pound hound Clifford, it was time for the Phelps to find a new dog. The Phelps had read about Lloyd in the Humane Society newsletter and had to take a look at him. Lloyd, a 5-year-old American Staffordshire ("pit") mix, had been at the shelter for nearly a year and had many attributes that people did not want. The Phelps took one look at Lloyd and knew that he needed to come home with them. For the first couple of weeks we wondered about our decision–he was wild and scared of Jeff–but he was also very happy to have his own space and people to love him.

As Lloyd got past being scared, he became more affectionate and very playful. He was also such a happy dog, and the Phelps could see the pure joy he had in just running in the fields. His training at the shelter was also apparent, as he sat patiently when waiting for his food, and came when they called. When the Phelps gave him his first bath, he was a perfect angel and after the bath ran around the yard like a puppy, seemingly very excited to finally be clean. Within a couple of weeks he had made significant strides and bore little resemblance to the scared dog they had brought home.

The Phelps are happy to report that Lloyd is very happy and very much a part of the Phelps family. His boundless energy and silly personality has led to the term "the Lloyd report" where the Phelps report his latest antics. He is very affectionate and seems to be so thankful to have a family to love him. His playfulness has no limits, whether retrieving his ball, playing a game of chase, or just running in the fields. He also keeps the deer out of the yard and strangers in their cars.

The Phelps' decision to adopt Lloyd has turned out to be a wonderful one, and they look forward to many years of his companionship.

Buster - Grace Urdal, Adopter

Teresa Asman, former shelter manager, arrived at work to find a crate waiting by the front door with an enormous grey and white cat inside. Attached was an anonymously written note explaining that difficult life circumstances had forced the person to give up this faithful and well-loved companion. Enclosed was the $25 surrender fee. "You could tell it was a heart-breaking decision for this person," explained Teresa. "This was a middle-aged cat that had obviously been well cared for."

Grace Urdal, 85, lost her cat of almost 11 years, Pushkin, in August 2008. In October, she adopted Buster. "He’s a loving cat; he wants to be with me all the time. He licks my ear and purrs. He paws at my hair. He thinks I’m the mama cat." Grace added that Buster was a little timid when he first arrived, and he had a few mishaps with his litter box. But he seems to be gaining confidence. "Now he’s wandering all around the house," Grace explained. "He’s got quite a little strut."