Ready To Adopt a Pet?
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through our adoption process.
1. FILL OUT AN APPLICATION
Applications are located by Customer Service and only take a few minutes to fill out. The application will ask for your ID and a to answer 12 questions. The application is good for 6 months, so there is no rush when trying to find the right pet for you and your lifestyle!
2. SELECT A PET
All available pets can be found on our in-shelter adoption board, which updates manually throughout the week. To ensure that you can see ALL pets as they become available check out our website at http://24petconnect.com/AACCAdoptablePets. This website update on the hour every hour, so you wont miss the moment when a new pet becomes available for adoption!
3. DO A SHOWING
Pet available for adoption are brought out one at a time for showings. This allows them relief from their kennels and a more personal experience for the adopter. We can do a dog-to-dog meet-and-greet to make sure everyone in the home is ready for a new best friend.
4. ADOPT!
Adopting a pet is a big, yet rewarding commitment that can bring so much love and joy to your life. If you are ready to adopt the pet that you have met, your next step will be to head back to the Customer Service and check out. We accept cash, check, or card to pay for the adoption. You can leave with pet same day, or if you need a little extra time to get things ready to make your home their forever home.
General Adoption Fees
AVAILABLE DOGS
$72 Spayed/Neutered before arriving to AACC, $162 Adults AACC sterilized before Adoption
$162 Adult Dogs who still need to be Sterilized, $195 Puppies under 6 months $205 Small Breed Dogs
AVAILABLE CATS
$62 Spayed/Neutered before arriving to AACC, $152 Adults AACC sterilized before Adoption
$ Adult Cats who still need to be Sterilized, $195 Kittens under 6 months
AVAILABLE OTHERS
Rabbits: $20 Single Bunny, $30 Bonded Pair Birds: $5 Chicken/Quail, $10 Parakeets, Pigeon: $15
Ferrets: $60 Single Ferret $90 Bonded Pair, Reptiles: Ball Python $25, Slider Turtle $10
Pets Not Spayed/Neutered by AACC
Not all dogs and cats have been sterilized. It will be the adopter's responsibility to get the pet spayed/neutered within 60 days of adoption, if AACC does not sterilize before adoption. These pets will go out on a $90 spay/neuter deposit (included in overall cost) that can be refunded as a mailed check by the Anchorage Health Department, when proof of sterilization is provided within the given due date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why can't we walk through the back to look at the adoptable pets?
A: In 2019, we found that by closing the kennels to the public, the health and behavior of the pets in our care significantly improved, leading to better showings, more adoptions, and better mental and physical health for pets that may not be adopted right away or have had a longer stay with us. To help adopters get a chance to spend time with the pet they are interested in, we have one on one showings that allow adopters to learn the pet's personality and see them in a space that the pet feel safe and free to roam in.
Q: What times are the showings?
A: Show times for pets starts from when we open to an hour before close, for Monday through Friday this is until 6:00PPM, and on the weekend it is until 4:00PM. Some days we may need to close sooner due to a lack of available staff and we will put up signs or make a social media post letting the public know when this is happening.
Q: What if I want to hold off on spaying or neutering this pet?A: Some veterinarians prefer an animal wait until it is a certain weight, health or age before being sterilized. You will need to get a signed, medical letter of recommendation stating why the vet would like to suspend the procedure, as well as a future date that the vet office expects the procedure to be done. For cases involving medical, not growth, suspension the vet will need to pet the estimated amount of time the pet will need before having the sterilization procedure. This letter can be emailed to us at accs@anchorageak.gov, sent in the mail, or brought in person, the letter must arrive BEFORE the adopted pet's sterilization due date: 60 days from the date of adoption.
Q: What if the pet I adopt has medical needs after I adopt it?
A: While we do our best to make sure that the animals we adopt out are in good health, AACC can make no guarantees as to the current or future health of any animal adopted from our shelter. Likewise, while we do perform behavioral evaluations, we cannot guarantee how any animal will behave in your home or with other animals. By adopting this animal, you are accepting responsibility for their wellbeing and care, which includes any veterinary needs that may arise.
Q: What happens if the pet I adopt doesn't fit with my family or pet at home and I want to return it?
A: We have a 30 day free return policy. As long as the pet is returned to us within 30 days we can take the animal back, you will need to fill out a surrender form but there will be no cost to you. We will also refund any deposits, such as spay/neuter deposits, that will be mailed to you in the form of a check from the Health Department. This process can take up to 4 to 6 weeks. After the 30 day window, you will need to add this pet to our Owner Surrender Waitlist until space can be made available.
The Adoption Contract
When you are ready to adopt you will be presented with the Adoption Contract. This is an agreement between the adopter and Anchorage Animal Care & Control that states the responsibilities of both parties. Before signing, it is always best to read through each section and ask any questions you may have. Our staff is able to help you understand each section so that you know exactly what you are signing and what it means for you and your new pet.
What Does the Adoption Contract Look Like?
Below is the contract you will be asked to read. The highlighted parts are some of the most overlooked sections:
This contract is made on (today's date) between Anchorage Animal Care and Control (AACC) and (I) the adopter. By signing, (I) acknowledge the receipt from AACC of my: (chosen adoptable pet). In addition, I acknowledge and agree to be bound by and to comply with the following terms and conditions:
1. I affirm that I am 18 years of age or older, and that my legal name, address and telephone number indicated at the bottom of this page are current and accurate.
2. I am aware that I have until close of business (tomorrow) to come pick up this animal or my contract will be voided and this animal will go back up for public adoption. I understand that only deposits will be eligible for refund, all other fees are non-refundable.
3. I will not hold the AACC liable for any present or future illness of this animal or for any damage the animal may do to any person or property.
4. I am aware that if this animal is not already spayed/neutered or vaccinated for rabies, I must have this animal spayed/neutered and/or vaccinated against rabies within 60 days of adoption. In this case, I am required to have a licensed veterinarian complete the Spay/Neuter Verification portion of this contract below and submit the original receipt, original adoption contract, and rabies certificate to AACC for a refund of the spay/neuter and/or rabies deposits. Failure to do so is a violation of AMC Title 17, and may result in a citation and/or being prohibited from adopting from AACC in the future.
5. I am aware that I am required to attach a signed veterinarian's statement detailing any medical reasons for a spay/neuter or vaccination delay within 60 days of this adoption. Failure to do so is a violation of AMC Title 17, and may result in a citation and/or being prohibited from adopting from AACC in the future.
6. I am aware that if this animal was adopted on a spay/neuter deposit, and is determined by a licensed veterinarian to have been previously spayed or neutered, the adopter is eligible for a spay/neuter refund. A request for refund must be made within 60 days of the adoption. To request a refund the adopter must bring to AACC the original receipt, original adoption contract and proof of sterilization given to them by their veterinarian.
7. I am aware that this animal will be implanted with a microchip for identification purposes.
8. If it becomes impossible for me to care for this animal I agree to return the animal to the AACC, or notify AACC of the new owner's name, address and phone number. If I return this animal to AACC within 30 days of adoption only deposits will be eligible for refund. All other fees are non-refundable.
9. I will not permit this animal to run at large or become a public nuisance, and further agree to retrieve the animal from the AACC if impounded.
10. I will provide safe and necessary control, confinement and appropriate space; adequate veterinary treatment, wholesome food and water; heat ventilation, and sanitary shelter from wind, temperatures, precipitation and sun conditions detrimental to its health; all of which are consistent with or dictated by the animal's normal requirements, veterinary needs, feeding habits, and its condition, size, species, age, and breed.
11. I understand it is unlawful to use or provide this animal for the purpose of scientific research, medical purposes, blood donation, consumption, fighting, gaming, auction or illegal purposes.
12. I agree to pay the Municipality of Anchorage the sum of $150.00 as liquidated damages in the event the terms of this contract are breached. Payment of liquidated damages does not bar the Municipality from seeking return of the animal by a judicial process or other legal means. I agree to pay reasonable attorneys fees and court costs in the event this matter is forwarded to an attorney for enforcement.
13. I acknowledge that I have read, or have had read to me, this agreement and fully understand the terms and conditions herein.
Each pet will have their own individual contact with a single primary owner, multiple owners may be added to the pet's microchip through the manufacturer's website. In the event of a return or surrender the primary owner on the document will be the one responsible for the pet's return transfer of ownership. For any questions you may have you can reach out to our Customer Service phone at: 907-343-8118 , email: accs@anchorageak.gov, or in person.