Adopt a Dog

Bring Family Members
When possible, bring any family members you would like to meet the dog you are considering to adopt. It’s important that everyone in the household has a chance to connect before adopting.

Allow Enough Time
Finding the right match takes time! Please plan for enough time to meet with our team, spend time with the dog(s), and complete the adoption process if you choose to adopt.

Peak Times
Our shelter is often busiest on weekends and weekday evenings between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. We appreciate your understanding and patience during these times, as wait times may be longer.

We are here to support you every step of the way and look forward to helping you find your new best friend!

The first step to adopting a dog is to visit our Adoption Center and meet our adoptable dogs and puppies in-person.

No appointment or pre-application is needed.

Our team will be available to answer your questions, walk you through the adoption process, and introduce you to dogs that may be a great match.

Most adoptions and foster-to-adopts are completed same day. 

Whether you are ready to adopt or just beginning your search, we look forward to welcoming you in!

You may also visit view current adoptables, with real-time updates on our website. 

Not sure which dog is the right fit? Have questions about adopting? 

Our team is here to help!

During your visit, you will have the opportunity to meet with an Adoption Counselor to talk about your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a dog.

You are welcome to meet and spend time with as many dogs as you would like in our private meet-and-greet rooms or spend time in our outdoor play areas.

Together, we will help you find the best possible match for your home.

Once you find a dog you would like to meet, remember the dog's name or kennel number and check in at the front desk with a staff member.

When you’re ready, you’ll have the chance to meet the dog(s) of your choice in a private meet-and-greet room or outside in our large, fenced-in play yards.

This one-on-one time helps you get to know each dogs' unique personality outside the kennel.

You are welcome to meet and spend time with as many dogs as you would like.

Our team is here to help with introductions, answer your questions, and support you throughout the adoption process.

After meeting with adoptable dogs, you can decide if adoption, or foster-to-adopt, is the right next step for you.

Most adoptions and foster placements are completed the same day. 

Once you’ve found a great match, our team will guide you through the final steps to adopt or begin a foster-to-adopt trial.

Our team will go over helpful information to get you started and make sure you feel comfortable and prepared to bring your new dog home.

Most adoptions and foster placements can be completed the same day.

Adoption fees help cover the care each dog receives while at the shelter and includes their spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchip, preventatives, a Franklin County dog license, and more.

• Puppies and dogs under 5 years old: $123 adoption fee

• Dogs 5 years or older: $73 adoption fee

• Shelter Favorites: $18 adoption fee

We often have adoption promotions or reduced-adoption fee events, so be sure to ask what might be available during your visit.

We accept cash or credit cards, along with a valid form of identification, when completing your adoption and purchasing your dog license.

Congratulations and thank you for choosing adoption!

While you are completing the adoption process with our team, your new dog will visit our on-site clinic for a final check by our medical staff.

All adoptable dogs are already spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.

 You will also receive a complimentary collar and leash, along with an information packet to help you get started at home.

Our team will go over your dog’s records and answer any final questions.

We recommend scheduling a follow-up visit with your own veterinarian within 10-14 days of adoption.

If you are fostering-to-adopt, your dog will continue to receive medical care through our shelter team during the foster period.

We will provide support and guide you through the next steps toward finalizing the adoption.

Congratulations and thank you for choosing to adopt a dog!

Thank you for choosing to adopt a dog from the Franklin County Dog Shelter. We know there are many other places to find a new dog, and we truly appreciate your support.

If you have any questions or concerns about your new dog, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help for the lifetime of your new best friend! 

Don't forget to sign up for a free training class, available to all adopters!