top of page

Adoption FAQs

Where do your dogs and cats come from?

They come to us in a variety of different ways, there is not one specific avenue that brings our dogs and cats to us at The Little Guild. One thing is for certain though, each resident who comes through our doors comes with a story to tell, and in need of a safe loving environment to stay in until their forever family comes to take them home.

What does Limited Admission and No Kill mean?

At the Little Guild, we are proud to be a lifesaving organization committed to the preservation of life. We do not euthanize animals due to space limitations, time constraints, age, breed, or color. Every animal in our care receives the time, attention, and resources they need to find a loving home. Euthanasia is considered only in rare cases when it is the most compassionate choice to end suffering caused by terminal illness, severe injury, or significant behavioral challenges that cannot be safely resolved. Our focus is always on providing a safe, caring environment for every animal who comes through our doors.

How old do I have to be to adopt?

At The Little Guild, you must be at least 18 years old to adopt a cat and 21 years old to adopt a dog.

​How can I see your available animals?

The quickest and most convenient way to see our available animals for adoption is online. You can also come in during visiting hours.

Why can't I walk through the kennel?

Our dogs are always happy to see a human enter the kennel area. Generally speaking a human visitor means a walk, dinner, treats and/or attention and all of those things are very exciting to the dogs. Once a single dog is excited and barking all dogs are excited and barking, and that creates a bit of a chaotic environment for everyone. We try our best to keep our kennel area calm for the dogs by limiting access, and playing music as background noise that is calming. Lack of kennel access is simply to help keep their home a comfortable and calm place where they can relax and feel safe. We are happy to bring any dog that you are interested in meeting out to see you in a calm environment where you will be much better able to observe their true personality and enjoy a comfortable visit.

I heard through the grapevine that you had a dog that I don't see listed on your web site, why isn't he/she there?

We frequently have both dogs and cats "in house" who do not show as available for adoption. That is because when an animal is received at The Little Guild they go through a period of quarantine during which we make sure that the animal is both safe and healthy to be available for adoption. The amount a time an animal remains in quarantine depends on many factors including how much information we have about the animals personal history and health, any medical or behavior concerns, and making certain that all vaccines are Up To Date. The day an animal is ready for potential adoption they are made available on our site.

How do I start the adoption process?

The first step in any adoption is to fill out the online adoption application, the application is not tied to a specific animal but is simply a general application for approval to adopt a cat or a dog. The initial application includes things like checking personal, landlord and veterinary references.

Can I come in & pick out my animal first?

We do welcome visitors to see our facilities and to meet our residents. If your goal is adoption though we strongly encourage you to have your application filled out first. If you come to meet and greet and fall "in love" with someone on your visit, there is still the entire application process that would need to be completed before you could matched with your new love interest. That process can take anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks depending on if your vet office is open, and how long it takes contacts to return our calls. As we do not HOLD animals there is always the possibility that the animal you are interested in could potentially be adopted by someone with an already approved application in the meantime.

​How long does the adoption process take?

The initial application approval can take anywhere from a single day to a couple of weeks depending on several factors. Ensuring that your application is complete before you send it is important, and it's always good to let your veterinarian and your references know that we will be calling. Delay's can be caused by our need to request more information, the vet office not being willing to speak to us because you have not authorized them to do so, and/or waiting on references and landlords to return our calls. Based on the many variables involved it's impossible for us to give a specific time frame to be approved or denied. We do process applications daily and do our best our best do get you an answer as quickly as possible.

Do I have to own my home?

You do not need to own your own home in order to adopt from The Little Guild. If you rent we just need your landlords contact information on your application, and we will speak with them directly to confirm that the adoption is an acceptable placement for their location

Why do you need to talk to my landlord?

If you rent we need to speak to your landlord to verify that the placement of an animal at their location is acceptable. Please note that sometimes landlords have breed and/or size restrictions which we will need to abide by when matching you with an animal.

Why do you need to see my photo I.D.?

An adoption contract is a legal and binding contract, and it's important for the welfare of our animals for us to ensure that we know who the animal is going home with.

Will you hold a dog/cat for me?

We do not "hold" animals, having an approved application is the only way to be matched with an animal for placement.

If I "apply first" that means that dog
or cat is mine right?

We do not handle our adoptions on a chronological basis but rather on a BEST MATCH basis. Our goal during the application process is to get to know you and your family, and to ensure that we are matching you with an animal for placement who is a good fit for your home and family. The only time that chronological placement would be a factor is if we have two fully approved applications, that are a 100% equally good fit for the animal. This is an extremely rare occurrence, and our gold standard is to place each animal with the BEST FIT.

Why does everyone in my home have
to meet the animal being adopted?

When you take home a new animal they become part of the whole of your home and your family. It's important that everyone who lives in that home is on board with the adoption, and that there are no personality clashes between an existing family member and the new animal. The best way to gauge the suitability of placement is to have the ENTIRE family meeting with and approving of the placement BEFORE the animal goes home.

Can I bring my dog in to meet and
greet the dog we want to adopt?

We do require that any home with an existing dog(s) also has a doggie meet-and-greet with any potential new dog to be brought home. It's important to note that you should never bring your existing dog to the shelter without scheduling ahead with staff. The dog meet and greet would happen only AFTER the initial meeting with the family. Additionally, when you DO have a meet-and-greet scheduled - please do NOT come into the shelter with your dog. We frequently have animals in our lobby, and not all of our animals get along with other animals. When coming for a scheduled doggie meeting please leave your current dog(s) in the car, come into the lobby and let staff know you are here. Staff will then handle setting up the meeting in a certain area and with full control of all animals for everyone's safety.

Can I take my dog/cat home same day?

We do not offer "same day adoptions". We do want our animals to go to your wonderful forever home, and we we want nothing more than to help you find your match made in heaven. Taking on ownership of an animal is a tremendous commitment in many ways, and we want to ensure that when we send an animal home we are sending them to their FOREVER home. Failed adoptions are traumatic for both the animals and the people involved, and our aim is to have a 100% successful placement rate. To that end we think that it's important that our adopters be committed to doing what is necessary to assist us in finding the RIGHT placement for your wonderful home.

Do you guarantee age / breed / size?

We do our best in working with our veterinarian to attempt to determine the age and breed of the animals we care for. However as our animals come from a variety of situations and backgrounds we are often not able to know with 100% certainty the age, breed or potential size. We do our best to provide the most accurate information possible within our capabilities, but we can make no guarantees as to these things.

Will my dog/cat be vaccinated?

All of our animals are fully vaccinated prior to adoption. If there are vaccines that are not yet complete due to the age of the animal or some medical condition - you will be provided with a voucher for those things to be done at our vet when appropriate.

Will my dog/cat be spayed or neutered?

All of our animals are spayed/neutered prior to adoption. If their spay or neuter is NOT done due to the age of the animal or some medical condition - you will be provided with a voucher that will cover the cost of the procedure at our vet when appropriate.

Will my dog/cat be microchipped?

All of our animals are microchipped prior to adoption. If their microchip has NOT been placed due to the age of the animal or some medical condition - you will be provided with a voucher that will cover the cost of the procedure at our vet when appropriate.

How do I register the microchip?

We recommend that you visit www.freepetchipregistry.com to register your microchip. We have tried and tested this site with our own animals and have found it to work splendidly. There is no costs, and it does not matter who the manufacturer of the chip is. When you adopt with us you will have an information sheet in your adoption packet with instructions on how to use the site. Registering your animal is important, even if they are "indoor only", you never know when an escape can happen and having that chip registered can be the difference between your being reunited with your fur-baby or them being lost forever. It's important to remember to update the information even after you initially obtain your animal, if you move - or if your phone numbers change - regular updates are critical!

What if my dog/cat gets sick after I adopt?

Before we place an animal up for adoption they are in quarantine and fully vetted here at the Little Guild. If there are any existing or known medical concerns or conditions those will be disclosed to you prior to adoption. We cannot control or predict possible future medical issues that may arise, and once you have adopted an animal they are in fact your responsibility. This is one of the many reasons that we ask our adopters to take their time and consider FULLY the responsibility they are taking on in the adoption of a new animal.

What if we have adjustment problems when we get home - how can I get help?

Our staff are always available for questions after adoption, and we will do our best to help you work through any adjustment issues that may arise. Additionally we also have a trainer who works with our dogs, and if you have additional needs we can set you up for a consultation with our trainer. We do spend some time during the adoption process trying to educate our adopters about potential issues that may come up and different solutions to help work through them, our education page is also a great resource for additional information.

What if it's still not working out after I get help?

We’re always here for you — even after you bring your new family member home. If you have any questions or need support during the adjustment period, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team will do everything we can to help you work through any issues that come up. We also work closely with a wonderful trainer who knows our dogs well, and if needed, we can help arrange a consultation with them. During the adoption process, we spend time preparing our adopters for potential challenges and sharing tips for a smooth transition. You’ll also find lots of helpful information on our Education page, which is a great resource if you’d like to learn more.

What if we have adjustment challenges after bringing our new pet home? How can we get help?

We know that bringing a new pet into your home is a big change — for you and for them. That’s why, when you sign our adoption contract, you’re agreeing to give your new pet time to settle in, understanding that a successful transition may take several weeks (or even months). It’s also a commitment to working with your new companion, including seeking professional support if needed. At the Little Guild, we take finding the right home for every animal very seriously, and we’re so grateful that you do too. Adopting a pet is a significant commitment of both time and resources, and we encourage all adopters to think carefully about this responsibility. If, after doing everything you can, you find that things still aren't working out, we ask that you contact us directly. Our adoption contract requires that the animal be returned to the Little Guild rather than being rehomed independently — we’re here to help find the best possible solution for everyone.

Adopting a Pet

Bringing animals and people together in their forever relationships is a special task.  We want you and your new pet to enjoy a long and fulfilling life together.  We know that, as we get to know you and help you make your perfect match, the adoption process can be time consuming, and will often include more than one visit.  From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your patience and cooperation! We promise that the right match makes it all worthwhile!

Jump to Adoption FAQs

Adoption Fees

DOGS

Under 1 Year - $ 450.00

1 to 6 Years - $ 350.00

7 and Over - $ 200.00

​

Dog adoptions include Spay/Neuter, Microchip, Two Fecal Tests, 4DX Test, and all animals are up-to-date on Rabies / Distemper / Leptospirosis Vaccines. 

 

CATS

​​Under 1 Year - $250.00

1 to 6 Years - $ 200.00

7 to 10 Years - $ 150.00

11 and Over - $ 100.00
Barn Cats - $ 50.00

​

Cat adoptions include: Spay/Neuter, Microchip, Two Fecal Tests, Combo Test, and all animals are up-to-date on Rabies and  Distemper Vaccines

Are You Ready?

Caring for a pet is a big commitment that requires careful consideration.  Please review our "Are You Ready" flyer on our education page to review the checklist we've developed to help you determine if this is the right time for you to adopt.​

Adoption Process & Requirements

  1. ​Adopters must be 18 years of age, participate in all pre-adoption interviews as well as read, sign and abide by a legal adoption agreement.
     

  2. The 1st step is to fill out an adoption application online.
     

  3. The initial application will include veterinary, personal and landlord references, if applicable. It helps to expedite the process if you let these people know that we will be contacting them and give permission for them to speak with us.
     

  4. The next step is to schedule a visit at our facility where you can do a meet-and-greet with animals who we think might be a good match for your home and family.  If you have existing dogs, we also need to schedule meet-and-greets for the them. See our FAQs for more details.
     

  5. We ask that the person who will own the animal participate in all of the steps of the adoption process.
     

  6. Please note, due to their interstate adoption regulations, we are not able to adopt to the states of Massachusetts or New Hampshire. 

After You Adopt

Welcoming Your New Pet

Bringing a new dog or cat into your home is a wonderful and rewarding experience. Please allow at least 30 days for your new family member to adjust. Major life changes can affect behavior, and with time, patience, and love, your pet will begin to feel safe and settled.

​

Schedule a Veterinary Visit
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian within 14 days of adoption. Building a proactive relationship with your vet is an important step in supporting your pet’s long-term health and well-being.

​

Training and Bonding
Even if your dog already knows some basic commands, ongoing training is a vital part of the bonding process. It strengthens your connection and helps your dog feel secure in their new environment. 

​

A Lifetime Together
We understand that life can bring unexpected changes. If you ever find yourself needing to move, we encourage you to plan ahead so your pet can stay by your side. Your new family member depends on you, and finding pet-friendly housing helps ensure you can continue your journey together.

​

When Challenges Arise
Despite best efforts, sometimes adoptions don't work out as planned. If you encounter challenges, please contact the Little Guild before making any decisions about rehoming your pet. We are here to help and support you and your animal every step of the way!

The Mission of The Little Guild

Strengthening the loving bonds between people and pets in our communities. 

The Little Guild is dedicated to rescuing and nurturing homeless dogs and cats for adoption into safe and caring homes. To improve well-being, we also provide educational programs and training, as well as medical, food and social services support to pet owners in need.

bottom of page