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Adoption Policy and Rules & Regulations

Adoption Policy

After meeting the pet you would like to adopt, the ACO or a volunteer will perform a brief screening and may require references.  Animals with multiple interested parties will be placed with the best match for the animal. When the animal will be able to leave the shelter is dependent upon age and veterinary status.  All animals over the age of six months must be spayed/neutered prior to leaving the shelter.  Kittens and puppies not old enough to spay/neuter require prepayment of the cost of spay/neuter prior to leaving the shelter.  Low cost options are available.  Please inquire for more info.

We reserve the right to deny adoption for any reason.  It is the mission of this department to place our available pets in the most suitable homes for each individual animal.

Adoption Donations:

Cats and kittens:  Minimum $150/175 donation.  This includes spay/neuter, rabies and distemper vaccine, and Felv/FIV testing.  Kittens not yet old enough for spay/neuter require prepayment of the cost of spay/neuter and vaccines plus $25 donation.  Low cost options available.

Dogs and puppies:  Minimum $300/400 donation includes spay/neuter, rabies and distemper vaccine, and heartworm/lyme/4dx test (age appropriate).  Puppies not yet spayed/neutered require prepayment of the cost of spay/neuter and vaccines plus $50 donation.  Low cost options are available.  Please inquire for more info.

Rabbits:  Minimum $85 donation.  Rabbits will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

Rules & Regulations

  • The Town of Burrillville requires that all dogs are to be on a leash when off the owner's property. Violators will receive a Written Warning for a first violation, $100 fine for second violation.  Additional offenses may result in a summons to Municipal Court.
  • All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against Rabies.
  • All dogs must have a dog license which can be purchased at Town Hall.  A valid Rabies certificate is required to obtain a license, and licenses must be renewed every April.  
  • Three dog limit per single family dwelling or two dogs per unit in duplex/multi/apartment/condo.  Kennel licenses required for the keeping of additional dogs.
  • Click here for Chapter 4 Animals of the Burrillville General Ordinances.