Adoption Process
Our adoption process is a fairly, depending on if the adopter is ready and if the pet is ready to leave the building. We want to make the best connection for your family, and we are committed to finding that best match for you.
One of the first steps is to visit our shelter during business hours, which is Tuesday to Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM. We will remain closed on Mondays for deep cleaning of our shelter. Once you have visited with a pet, you can then submit an application for adoption.
Check out or FAQs below for any other questions you may have.
I saw a pet online, how do I start the adoption process?
We believe in the love of meeting a pet in person! We no longer accept online applications. One of the first steps is to visit our shelter during open business hours, speak to a staff member about meeting the pet you’re interested in, and then submit an application.
The animal I want to submit an application on already has an application, what now?
GMHS does operate on a first come, first serve basis for adoption applications. However, we do accept up to three applications on a pet in case an application may fall through.
Do you accept holds on pets?
GMHS does not accept holds on animals beyond an honored 24 hour hold on animals six months and older. We allow 24-hour holds in case you need to buy supplies, get a room ready, etc. This is only honored, but not required. If the pet is ready to leave and you’re ready to adopt with an approved application, then you can adopt.
Can I pay for the animal’s adoption fee or a boarding fee to hold the animal for me?
As we are not a boarding facility, we cannot accept payment to hold an animal. We always have new pets coming into the shelter, so we are positive we can find the match for you!
Can I leave my information when you have a certain cat breed in or a dog breed?
We do not have waiting lists or a request list at GMHS. We are committed to finding the best match for you from our pets that are actively available.
What is included during the adoption?
All pets at GMHS come spayed/neutered, rabies vaccinated (if the animal is at an appropriate age), basic inoculations, microchip, and heartworm treatment for dogs that are heartworm positive.
How old do you have to be to adopt?
In the state of Virginia, you must be eighteen years or older to adopt a pet.
I don’t live in Gloucester or Virginia, can I still adopt?
Of course! However, if a your pet needs to be returned and you do not have a safe placement you trust such as a close family member or friend, the animal would need to be returned to GMHS.
Do you need a current veterinarian to adopt?
You do not need a current veterinarian to adopt. However, we do ask to have a veterinarian in mind to bring them for their first wellness visit and we are happy to provide recommendations.
Do you do landlord or homeowner checks?
We do conduct landlord checks to make sure the pet policy allows for pets, or allows for additional pets if a pet is already in the home. If you do not own your home, but you live with someone who does, we check in with homeowners to make sure the pet is allowed.
I saw an animal at the shelter I want to adopt, but it is not on the website, now what?
We only accept applications on animals that are available, meaning listed on our website. For animals not available yet, you can keep an eye on our website for when the pet will be available.
Can I do a dog meet and greet with my dog and the dog I am interested in?
Yes! With an approved application, we can conduct a scheduled dog to dog meet and greet. However, if one of our dogs is labeled as needing a single dog home, then we reserve the right to conduct the meet and greet, or decline one.
Do you allow for foster to adopt?
In certain situations, we do allow for foster to adopt, but this is not always the case for every animal. Heartworm positive dogs can be fostered to allow for their heartworm treatment, and when completed then be adopted. Foster to adopt needs to be approved by management.
What should I bring during my adoption?
Please bring a driver’s license or a photo ID during your appointment, as well as a credit card, cash or check for the payment of your adoption fee. If you rent, it would be helpful that you have your pet policy from your landlord, or a written letter stating you can adopt.
Please call our Adoption Team at 804-693-5520 ext 102 with questions about the adoption process.
Do you have a military discount?
Yes! We offer a 20% off military discount for active military, retired military and military spouses.
Do you have a senior citizen discount?
Yes! The Seniors for Seniors adoption program is designed to help senior citizens (65+ Years) rediscover the joys of having a cat or dog in their lives.
Senior citizens may enjoy a lowered adoption fee for senior dogs ($50) and senior cats ($30).
One of the first steps is to visit our shelter during business hours, which is Tuesday to Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM. We will remain closed on Mondays for deep cleaning of our shelter. Once you have visited with a pet, you can then submit an application for adoption.
Check out or FAQs below for any other questions you may have.
I saw a pet online, how do I start the adoption process?
We believe in the love of meeting a pet in person! We no longer accept online applications. One of the first steps is to visit our shelter during open business hours, speak to a staff member about meeting the pet you’re interested in, and then submit an application.
The animal I want to submit an application on already has an application, what now?
GMHS does operate on a first come, first serve basis for adoption applications. However, we do accept up to three applications on a pet in case an application may fall through.
Do you accept holds on pets?
GMHS does not accept holds on animals beyond an honored 24 hour hold on animals six months and older. We allow 24-hour holds in case you need to buy supplies, get a room ready, etc. This is only honored, but not required. If the pet is ready to leave and you’re ready to adopt with an approved application, then you can adopt.
Can I pay for the animal’s adoption fee or a boarding fee to hold the animal for me?
As we are not a boarding facility, we cannot accept payment to hold an animal. We always have new pets coming into the shelter, so we are positive we can find the match for you!
Can I leave my information when you have a certain cat breed in or a dog breed?
We do not have waiting lists or a request list at GMHS. We are committed to finding the best match for you from our pets that are actively available.
What is included during the adoption?
All pets at GMHS come spayed/neutered, rabies vaccinated (if the animal is at an appropriate age), basic inoculations, microchip, and heartworm treatment for dogs that are heartworm positive.
How old do you have to be to adopt?
In the state of Virginia, you must be eighteen years or older to adopt a pet.
I don’t live in Gloucester or Virginia, can I still adopt?
Of course! However, if a your pet needs to be returned and you do not have a safe placement you trust such as a close family member or friend, the animal would need to be returned to GMHS.
Do you need a current veterinarian to adopt?
You do not need a current veterinarian to adopt. However, we do ask to have a veterinarian in mind to bring them for their first wellness visit and we are happy to provide recommendations.
Do you do landlord or homeowner checks?
We do conduct landlord checks to make sure the pet policy allows for pets, or allows for additional pets if a pet is already in the home. If you do not own your home, but you live with someone who does, we check in with homeowners to make sure the pet is allowed.
I saw an animal at the shelter I want to adopt, but it is not on the website, now what?
We only accept applications on animals that are available, meaning listed on our website. For animals not available yet, you can keep an eye on our website for when the pet will be available.
Can I do a dog meet and greet with my dog and the dog I am interested in?
Yes! With an approved application, we can conduct a scheduled dog to dog meet and greet. However, if one of our dogs is labeled as needing a single dog home, then we reserve the right to conduct the meet and greet, or decline one.
Do you allow for foster to adopt?
In certain situations, we do allow for foster to adopt, but this is not always the case for every animal. Heartworm positive dogs can be fostered to allow for their heartworm treatment, and when completed then be adopted. Foster to adopt needs to be approved by management.
What should I bring during my adoption?
Please bring a driver’s license or a photo ID during your appointment, as well as a credit card, cash or check for the payment of your adoption fee. If you rent, it would be helpful that you have your pet policy from your landlord, or a written letter stating you can adopt.
Please call our Adoption Team at 804-693-5520 ext 102 with questions about the adoption process.
Do you have a military discount?
Yes! We offer a 20% off military discount for active military, retired military and military spouses.
Do you have a senior citizen discount?
Yes! The Seniors for Seniors adoption program is designed to help senior citizens (65+ Years) rediscover the joys of having a cat or dog in their lives.
Senior citizens may enjoy a lowered adoption fee for senior dogs ($50) and senior cats ($30).
Adoption Fees
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Adoption Fees include:
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