(Click each animal's image to view our adoptable animals on 24PetConnect)

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Adoptions are conducted by appointment only. Applications must be submitted online before an appointment will be scheduled.

Once approved, we will email you to set up a Meet and Greet appointment with the animal(s) of your choice. Appointments are scheduled using our online appointment scheduling program. Your approval email will contain this link and any other information you should be aware of leading up to your appointment.

Cat Adoption Fee: $100.00

Dog Adoption Fee: $100.00

Rabbit Adoption Fee: $40.00

Small Animal Adoption Fee: $10.00

(May vary in special exotic species)

INCLUDED WITH YOUR ADOPTION:

Our cat adoption fee of $100.00 includes:

• Exams from head to tail by our Registered Veterinary Technician
• Completion of a spay/neuter prior to adoption
• Vaccinations for Rabies & FVRCP
• A test for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) & Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) & Heartworm status
• Tests for intestinal parasites at a laboratory & treatment for any identified intestinal parasites
• A flea preventative
• A microchip with 24PetWatch (Lifetime registration included)
• A carrier to get the cat safely home
• A starter kit of their shelter diet to help transition to their home diet
• A folder with their full, detailed medical records
• A post-adoption email with informational links and PDFs to start your journey with them, as well as an electronic attachment of the medical history summary.

Our dog adoption fee of $100.00 includes:

• Exams from head to tail by our Registered Veterinary Technician
• Completion of a spay/neuter prior to adoption
• Vaccinations for Rabies, DHPP & Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
• A test for heartworms & a current heartworm preventative
• Tests for intestinal parasites at a laboratory & treated for any identified intestinal parasites
• A flea preventative
• A microchip with 24PetWatch (Lifetime registration included)
• A collar, leash, and ID tag to get the dog safely home
• A starter kit of their shelter diet to help transition to their home diet
• A folder with their full, detailed medical records
• A post-adoption email with informational links and PDFs to start your journey with them, as well as an electronic attachment of the medical history summary.

Our rabbit adoption fee of $40.00 includes:

• Exams from head to tail by our veterinary technician
• Completion of a spay/neuter prior to adoption
• A microchip with 24PetWatch (Lifetime registration included)
• Treatment for parasites as needed
• A carrier to get the rabbit safely home
• A folder with their full, detailed medical records
• A post-adoption email with informational links and PDFs to start your journey with them, as well as an electronic attachment of the medical history summary.

Our small animal adoption fee of $10.00 (may vary for special exotic species) includes:

• Exams from head to tail by our veterinary technician
• Treatment for parasites as needed
• A carrier to get them safely home
• A folder with their full, detailed medical records
• A post-adoption email with informational links and PDFs to start your journey with them, as well as an electronic attachment of the medical history summary.

Adoptions are conducted by appointment only. Applications must be submitted online before an appointment will be scheduled.

Once approved, we will email you to set up a Meet and Greet appointment with the animal(s) of your choice. Appointments are scheduled using our online appointment scheduling program. Your approval email will contain this link and any other information you should be aware of leading up to your appointment.

At the Ames Animal Shelter, we are committed to increasing adoptions and decreasing euthanasia. We do not believe an animal deserves to be put to sleep simply because they have not been socialized around humans. This often happens in the case of feral cats who have lived outdoors their entire lives and don't know that humans can be trusted companions. There is a very narrow window of socialization in a kitten's life where they can be easily socialized to live with humans, and while this can be overcome in some cats when that window is missed, that is not always possible.

To address this concern, we created our Working Cat Program. Cats who have been identified as feral cats by our team will have a "Working Cat" banner their profile photo. This indicates they are a participant in our Working Cat Program. (It is important to note that cats who DO NOT have this sticker on their photo are NOT eligible for our Working Cat Program.) Working Cats live in facilities such as barns, warehouses, garages, or any other space where they "work" for their human guardians to control the rodent population.

Click Here to Apply for a Working Cat!

FAQs About Our Working Cat Program

• How will I know which cats are in your Working Cat Program?
  • All cats in our Working Cat Program are identified on their pictures with a “Working Cat Program” banner.
• What is the cost to adopt a working cat?
  • NONE! Working cats are a FREE adoption!
• What sorts of medical care have these cats received?
  • All cats in our working cats program are:
    • Spayed/Neutered
    • FeLV/FIV negative
    • Vaccinated for rabies and distemper
    • Tested for intestinal parasites and dewormed as appropriate
    • Had a topical flea preventative applied
    • Are implanted with a microchip – This helps get them back to you if they wander to another property and are caught as a stray cat and taken to an animal shelter, rescue, or veterinary clinic
• Do I need to fill out an application?
  • YES! We want to make sure they will be living in a safe/appropriate area.
• Do I need to buy anything to help my cat get set up?
  • Yes and no. You will need the basics such as food and water dishes, and a litter box should you want to provide them with something other than the dirt around your property. Our staff loans out for a one-month period the wire kennel and feral cat box you’ll need to introduce the cat to their new property.
• What sort of care will the cat require?
  • The benefit of barn cats to a lot of people is that they’re very low maintenance. You’ll want to ensure you have a large, warm space for them during times of inclement weather. 
  • Despite some beliefs, outdoor cats still require food and water to be offered to them. Providing regular food and water will keep the cat healthy, and will help them even more to feel like your property is "home" because of the constant meeting of their needs.
  • During colder months you'll need to make sure that water isn't freezing (there are watering bowls available that you can plug in and keep the dish warm and prevent water freezing).
  • During warmer months you'll need to make sure water is plentiful and cool to help them stay hydrated. You'll also want to watch their food for signs of insects.
  • CATS WHO RECEIVE FOOD/WATER FROM THEIR CARETAKERS WILL STILL HUNT ON THE PROPERTY. It's more out of instinct than hunger that cats hunt and kill vermin around properties.

Fill out a request using the links below to be notified automatically by our database if we get a specific breed in within the next 30 days. 

Request a Specific Breed Notification