How to Adopt

Thinking about adopting a new best friend? When you adopt your new pet from the Animal Rescue League of Berks County Inc. you’re not only getting a great pal but you’re also giving that special animal companion a second chance at life.

On any given day, there are many wonderful pets just waiting to be adopted. Visit with us and tour our dog kennels, cat colonies, critter room and barn to find that special pet to make your life complete.

Below you will find what you need to know about adopting a pet from the ARL.

Things to Know Before You Arrive

If you are coming to adopt, please note the following policies:

• The whole family must be present to meet the new pet;

• If you have another dog, it must come in to meet the new dog;

• All pets must be current with rabies vaccinations;

• If you rent your home, permission from the landlord must be presented for you to own a pet;

• Out-of-county adoptions require a $100 deposit which is refundable once the pet is spayed/neutered.

If you have a copy of your lease and your current pets' vaccination records, that will speed up the adoption process.

Adoption Process

Adopting a new family member should not be an impulsive decision. When you come into the shelter, take your time and look around! If a pet catches your eye, spend time with him or her to begin to get to know each other. Once you have made your decision, the adoption process may take up to an hour. All adoptions must be initiated at least 15 minutes prior to the shelter's closing time.

You will need to complete an adoption application which can be downloaded by clicking the link above. You can complete the form and bring it with you.  At the front desk, an ARL staff member will review your application and will be doing the following:

• Verifying that your name and address on the application matches what is on your driver's license;

• Verifying that you are not on the No Pet List;

• Accessing the Berks County Tax Assessment (BCTA) database to verify that you own your home;

• If you rent, we will verify the landlord's ownership of the property in the BCTA and if you don't have a copy of your lease, we will need to call your landlord for permission to have a pet;

• We will call your current pets' veterinarian to determine if all pets are current with vaccines;

• If you are adopting a dog and currently have a dog at home, you will need to come back with your dog for a meet and greet. You will not be able to take home your new dog until that happens;

• Once you have been approved to adopt, the pet needs to be microchipped (if not already);

• If the pet has not been spayed or neutered, we will schedule the surgery appointment;

• If you are adopting a dog, a Berks County dog license must be purchased;

• Once everything has been approved, then your payment is processed, the front desk personnel will review the contents of the adoption packet with you, and you're ready to take your new friend home!

Please note that all dogs must go home with a collar and leash which can be purchased in our lobby.

Adoption Fees

Dogs: Cost for a dog adoption is $125 which includes spaying/neutering and microchipping by Home Again.  If the dog is already spayed/neutered when it comes into the ARL, then the fee is $65.

Cats: Cost for cat adoption is $95 which also includes spaying/neutering, microchipping by Home Again, an Advantage flea treatment and a combo test. The adoption fee for cats already spayed/neutered is $50.

Critters:

Rabbits - $10
Guinea pigs - $5
Hamsters/Gerbils - $5
Domestic Rats - $5
Birds - $10+
Ferrets - $25
Pot Bellied Pigs - $25
Chinchillas - $25
Lizards/Snakes - $10+

Farm animals: The ARL also provides shelter for large animals, such as horses, pigs, goats, chickens and turkeys. We ask for a donation at your discretion as their adoption fee.

Also included in our adoption fee is a complimentary health exam for your new pet at VCA (Veterinary Clinics of America) Detwiler Animal Hospital in Kenhorst or VCA Cacoosing Animal Hospital in Wernersville.

And to help you and your new pet adjust to your new life together, the Animal Rescue League will give you a special pet adoption folder filled with all kinds of information about pets-- from the Pennsylvania Dog Law and tips on puppy-proofing your home to animal safety awareness.

Our corporate friends also want to wish you the best with your newly adopted friend. When you adopt from the Animal Rescue League, you are entitled to a $10 gift certificate from Pet Supplies “Plus” in the Shillington Shopping Center, and a Pet Adoption Gift Booklet with discount coupons for merchandise from Petco in the Broadcasting Square Shopping Center in Spring Township.

Thank you for considering adoption from the Animal Rescue League!