Adoption Procedures

We strive to place each of our animals into the home that offers the greatest likelihood of success and permanency.  Please understand that our strict adoption policy is designed to ensure the well being of our animals, not impede you from finding the perfect companion, and we thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Before you can adopt a dog from The Simon Foundation, Inc. you must first fill out an Application to Adopt A Pet.  We will contact your vet reference and your landlord (if you rent your home) to verify your information, and notify you as soon as your application has been approved.  We appreciate that it takes time to fill out the application, but in the long run it will help expedite the adoption process, and may even be the determining factor in whether you get the dog of your dreams or someone else does.  It is also helpful if you call your vet in advance and give them permission to release your records to us. 

We do not allow our animals to leave the shelter with their new owners prior to a home visit. Depending on the dog and the situation, we generally schedule a convenient time for us to deliver him or her to your home. 

To submit your application via fax or email, please print the PDF version of the application (located in the right-hand column) and:

  • Fax it back to us at: (860) 216-5637
  • Scan and email it as an attachment to: ADOPT@thesimonfoundation.org

Adoption Fees:

Dog adoption fees include one of the following training options:
  • one 6-week group training class in our state-of-the-art training facility
  • three one-hour private training sessions in your home (local residents only)
Dogs: $275.00
Puppies: $300.00
Geriatric Dogs: $150.00 (8 years of age and older)

Click here to learn about our various training class offerings

Cats:  $100.00
Kittens: $125.00
Geriatric Cats: $50.00 (8 years of age or older)

All dogs are provided with the following services prior to adoption:

Spay / Neuter
Age Appropriate Vaccinations
Heartworm / Lyme Disease Testing                                                                                        Micro-Chipping                                                                                                                      30-Days Complimentary ShelterCare Pet Insurance (as of August 2010)

All cats are provided with the following services prior to adoption:

Spay / Neuter
Age Appropriate Vaccinations
FIV/FeLV Testing                                                                                                                30-Days Complimentary ShelterCare Pet Insurance (as of August 2010)

In addition, Simon Foundation dogs receive basic obedience training from one of our Trainers and staff members while they reside in our shelter.  This training focuses on the following commands:

  • Sit
  • Stay
  • Down
  • Come
  • Leave it
  • Heel
  • Go to your bed

This is not a guarantee that further training will not be necessary, but you may be surprised at how much your newly adopted dog already knows once you get him or her home. 

Remember, when you adopt a dog from The Simon Foundation, Inc., you will automatically receive a complimentary six-week group training class with one of our highly skilled Trainers.  Or, if you prefer, you may instead opt to have three private one-hour training sessions in your home.  This complimentary training offer is valid for 6 months after you adopt your dog from The Simon Foundation, Inc.

Questions About Adoption?

If you have questions about our adoption process, or regarding a specific animal, click here, or email us at adopt@thesimonfoundation.org.