How to Adopt
*In the interest of doing our part to keep our community safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19, Cheyenne Animal Shelter has modified some of our services. We appreciate your patience as we all adapt in our changing world. We have temporarily changed our hours of operation, to ensure that our animals have the care that they deserve and that our staff is able to complete their work in the most efficient and safe manner possible.*
Adoptions
Currently, our modified adoption process is in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
To ensure that we do not have too many people in the building, we require adoption appointments. This gives you 1 hour of one-on-one time with an adoption counselor and are able to see 3 animals of your choosing. We do require an approved application before we can schedule your adoption counsel.
What should you bring to your adoption counsel?
You will want to bring a collar and leash if you are planning to adopt a dog. All dogs MUST leave the premises with a collar and leash. We sell collars and leashes in our store that is an additional cost to the adoption fee. If you are planning on adopting a cat please bring some form of carrier. If you do not have one we have cardboard carriers for sale.
Animal Viewing
- Walk-throughs to view adoptable animals are available daily from 3 pm to 5:30 pm, or our available animals can be viewed online any time at CheyenneAnimalShelter.org/animals
*Please note you will not be able to adopt an animal without an adoption application, which will be reviewed by our team, followed by a scheduled appointment.
Adoption Process
- If you wish to adopt, you must fill out our application, found here.
*We are currently looking to improve our application, and it is a work in progress, so please bear with us as we work out the kinks.
- You can also pick up, and fill out the application at the Shelter during our business hours. 8 AM – 6 PM
- Your application will be reviewed by our team. And you will be notified within 3-5 days of your application status, at that point you will be able to schedule your “Meet and Greet”.
Application Review
What are we reviewing?
Our management staff will review your application to ensure the animal(s) you are interested in is a good fit for you and your family and that local animal laws are being followed. Some animals take extra special care, and it’s our responsibility to ensure we place them in a home where their needs will be met.
Next Steps:
- “Meet and Greets” are scheduled in hour-long periods, during that time you can meet with up to 3 of our available dogs for adoption.
- If you have any other dogs in the home and are planning to adopt a dog, we do require a “Meet and Greet” of the dogs at our facility to ensure that there will be no problems once you get home.
- We want to make sure that you and the potential animal(s) you are interested in are the best matches possible! So we will ensure that one of our esteemed Adoption Counselors are available to answer any questions you may have.
- If it’s love at first bark- you can finalize the adoption process adopt, pay the applicable adoption fees and take your new family member home that day.
*in most cases
Why the change?
COVID has required many of us to adapt and change, Cheyenne Animal Shelter included, however with these changes, we have found a few positives.
1.Our returned animal numbers are lower Potential adopters have more time to think about the commitment they are making when choosing to adopt an animal and add to their family.
2. The staff has more time to dedicate to the care of the animals, not only physical health but mental help as well.
3. The dogs are less stressed out. They do not have their hopes let down, by meeting with many potential families, only to be not chosen or returned. There are fewer people staring into their kennels at a time, avoiding “Kennel craziness”
4. Many Shelter across the United States use this method to great success. It ensures we have the time to give you devoted one-on-one attention to ensure that the animal you are taking home is a good fit for you and your family.
Surrenders:
What if I need to surrender my pet?
- Owner surrenders are by appointment only so please call 307-632-6655 from 8 am- 6 pm.
- Why do I have to make an appointment?
Effective April 15, 2019, CAS adapted a Managed Admission policy (see release here). This allows our staff to be able to obtain a more detailed history so that we can provide a more appropriate placement in the future.
It also ensures that we have the staff available to take and care for that animal at that time. On some occasions, kind patrons will bring in a litter of kittens at a time to surrender. The care of a litter of kittens requires (insert data about how many hours our staff spends with new kittens)
- You can also utilize our pet rehoming program here.
- All you need to do is create your pet’s profile in less than 10 minutes. Once complete, your pet’s profile will be posted on Adopt-A-Pet.com and be seen by millions of visitors each month. Your pet ca n remain in your home, and in your loving care during this time.
How can you help?
- COVID-19 has affected all of us, in different ways. However, we can still use your help! Please consider donating to our cause and the over 6000 animals that come into our care each year.
- You can mail a check payable to Cheyenne Animal Shelter, 800 Southwest Drive Cheyenne WY 82007, or stop in during our business hours.
- We can always use materials, and supplies that can be found on our Amazon wish list:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3MJOSNL3BRGZ8?ref%5F=bnav%5Ftopnav%5Flists%5F1&pldnSite=
- Cheyenne Animal Shelter is looking to grow our foster and volunteer groups as well! Currently, we are pressing “pause” as our wonderful coordinator is out of the office, but if you email: as soon as they return we will be in contact with you.
- Last but not least we are always needing community assistance in our local and state governments to gauge not only financial support but ensure we are enforcing animal cruelty laws to the full extent. Please contact your local city council members, county commissioners, and representatives and let them know you wish for them to support CAS.
Animal Adoption faq
How do I adopt a pet?
While visiting the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, a pet adoption counselor will help you find the pet that is the best match for your family and lifestyle. After you select a pet, you’ll complete an adoption application and, once approved, a Cheyenne Animal Shelter staff person will begin the adoption process, which often takes as little as an hour. Once you have reviewed all adoption paperwork, you’ll pay the adoption fee. Then, you’re ready to take your new furry family member home.
Adoption Package Includes (worth roughly $370):
Microchip and national registration: $50
One month of pet health insurance for $1
At least one set of vaccinations: $40
De-worming: $30
Pet information
A certificate for a free veterinary exam
How many pets do you adopt out each year?
Do you adopt out purebred cats and dogs?
Why do I have to pay an adoption fee?
Why do you have different adoption fees for the animals?
Can my pet meet a potential adoption first?
How long do pets remain up for adoption?
Can I adopt a pet as a gift for someone?
We do not adopt out pets as surprise gifts to family and friends. At the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, we believe it is very important for individuals to choose their own pet so they can find the perfect match for their family, lifestyle and expectations. However, we do offer Cheyenne Animal Shelter gift certificates. To order, contact (307) 632-6655 or [email protected].