Pet Adoptions

Adoption Process

Use these helpful tips to make the adoption process go as smoothly as possible:

• Apply for Adoption: Applications can be completed at the shelter or submitted through the application form. Before applying to adopt an animal, please be ready to process the adoption and pick up the animal as soon as you are approved. Extended hold times are not possible in an open-intake shelter without putting other animals at risk. If you are not yet ready to adopt, please do not apply.
  • Be sure to properly indicate the status of home ownership/rental. If renting, or another person or family member is the listed property owner, please include the property owner's information on the application. Applications which state the applicant is the property owner but do not match the tax records will be discarded. Verification that pets are allowed on the property is required and the animal control department may call property managers/owners.
  • Adoptions are not first-come-first-serve. Adoptions are at the full discretion of the department and WCAC reserves the right to decline any application for any reason, and may also select the order of applicants, or may choose reputable rescues over adopters.  
• Spay & Neuter: GA State law requires all pets adopted from animal shelters be spayed/neutered. If the pet you are adopting is not already spayed/neutered, you must sign a contract to have it done within 30 days or by sexual maturity. You must provide the shelter with the receipt from the veterinarian once the surgery is complete. Arrest warrants are issued for those who fail to comply with the sterilization requirements.