Adopt

Provide a “furever” home. Gain a forever friend.

Adoption Process

Visit our Adoption Center(s) during adoption hours:

MERRITT ISLAND ADOPTION CENTER:

Monday- Sunday:
8:00 am – 6:00pm

• Complete our Adoption Application in advance.
• Bring a valid photo ID and payment for the adoption fee (cash and major credit cards only).

Meet with an Adoption Counselor to discuss your application and the pets you would like to meet.

Visit with the pet(s) you are interested in during a Meet and Greet.
You and your family* will interact with pets and work with an Animal Care Associate to see if this is the right pet for you. The Brevard Humane Society does not “hold” pets for adopters, so if you want to finalize your adoption, please come prepared with all necessary household members for the Meet and Greet.

*Please note: For dog adoptions, the Brevard Humane Society requires that all household members meet and interact with the dog during a Meet and Greet before an adoption can be approved or finalized. Should you already have another dog or pets at home, they too must come to the shelter for a Meet and Greet to make sure all the animals get along.

If the Meet and Greet is a success, an Adoption Counselor will complete your adoption paperwork to make it official!

Take your new family member home and begin your life together.

Why Adopt?

Thinking of adding a new pet to your family? Here are the top 10 reasons to adopt your new best friend:

• You’ll Save A Life. According to the Humane Society of the United States, each year, 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the U.S., simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet. The number of euthanized animals could be dramatically reduced if more people considered adopting rather than buying their pets. When you adopt, you save a loving animal by making them part of your family and open space for another animal who might desperately be in need of it.
• You’ll Receive A Great Companion. Animal shelters and rescue organizations are brimming with happy, healthy pets just waiting for someone to take them home and love them. Most abandoned pets wound up there due to a human issue like a move or a divorce, not because the animal did anything wrong. Also, many are already housebroken and comfortable living with families.
• It’s More Cost Effective. Typically when you adopt a pet, the cost of spay/neuter and first vaccinations is included in the adoption price, which can save some of the initial up front expenses associated with adding a new member to your family. Depending on the animal, you may also save on housebreaking and training expenses.
• It’ll Fight Puppy Mills. When you buy a pet, you not only deny a homeless pet a home, but you are supporting an industry that thrives on short-changing the welfare of animals. Puppy mills are factory-style breeding facilities that place profit above the welfare of their animals. Animals sold from puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor conditions with improper medical care, and are therefore often very sickly and behaviorally troubled as a result.
• You’ll Be Giving A Pet A Second Chance. Adopting an abandoned pet, especially a mature or adult pet, not only gives animals a second chance, but it often means introducing them to your family will be much easier. After all, adopting an adult dog who’s already house-trained and knows basic cues is often much easier than adopting a puppy, who must be taught these things.
• Pets Are Good For Your Health. Not only do animals give you unconditional love, but they have been shown to be psychologically, emotionally and physically beneficial to their companions. Caring for a pet can provide a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and lessens feelings of loneliness. And when you adopt, you can also feel proud about helping an animal in need!
• It’s A Better Investment. A mixed-breed animal is more likely to live longer and cost less in vet bills than a pure breed. Plus, most pet stores don’t provide any support if you have questions or concerns regarding your new pet. When you adopt, you usually know the background or history of the animal. The rescue organization will also help with the familiarization period because they are invested in providing a good home for that animal.
• You’ll Find A Perfect Fit. Though puppies and kittens are cute and cuddly, they can also be a handful. An adult or older pet may be a better fit for you, your lifestyle, and your family.
• It”ll Help More Than Just One Animal. Unfortunately, rescue organizations take in millions of stray, abused, and lost animals every year. By adopting an animal, you will make room for countless others, give more animals a second chance, but perhaps more importantly, the cost of your adoption goes directly towards helping care for all the animals they take in!
• You’ll Change A Homeless Animal’s Entire World. An adopted pet is every bit as loving, intelligent and loyal as a purchased pet, even an adult or older animal. What could possibly be better than that?

Preparing to Adopt

Opening your heart and home to a homeless dog or cat is one of the most wonderful things you can do. Pets have been shown to decrease people’s blood pressure, increase lifespan and bring immeasurable happiness and joy—but only if you’re ready for the commitment. At Brevard Humane Society we want your adoption to be a perfect match, one that lasts a lifetime, so we’re excited to give you some tips!

• Think about the type of pet you want and whether or not your work schedule will allow you enough time to tend to your pet’s wants and needs.
• Think about the additional expenses associated with a new pet such as food, veterinary care, and routine shots and medications.
• Think about the rest of your family and whether or not they are ready and willing to add a new family member.
• Think about the steps you’ll need to take in order to create a safe environment for your pet like making sure cabinets are tightly sealed, valuable belongings are out of reach, etc.

Adopting a Senior Pet

In a perfect world, every senior pet would spend its twilight years surrounded by a loving family. But sadly, senior pets that end up in shelters often do not have the luxury of a second chance. Below are the top 10 reason we believe you should adopt a senior pet.

• Seniors are Super-Loving. Chances are that when adopting a senior cat or dog, you have rescued a wonderful, loving animal. A senior pet can sense that he or she has been rescued and will be eternally thankful and loyal to his or her new “furever” family.
• They’re Not a 24-7 Job. Senior pets don’t require the constant monitoring puppies or kittens do. Senior animals are mellow, relaxed and ready for their new home. Most senior pets are happiest sitting at your feet or curled up in their bed next to yours.
• They Settle in Quickly. Senior animals are “been there, done that” kind of pets. They have already learned what it takes to become a part of the family and what is expected of them. They know, for example, that shoes are for walking and bones are for chewing.
• WYSIWYG (“What you see is what you get.”) Senior pets are full grown and their personalities are completely developed. When you meet with your senior dog or cat, you will know what kind of wonderful, loving animal he or she is and will always be. Knowing this information beforehand ensures the perfect connection, one that will last a lifetime.
• Fewer Messes. No torn up shoes, carpet, and furniture!
• Easy to Train. Senior animals can learn new tricks and become valuable family and community members. Senior pets are great at focusing on you and the task at hand. They have both the attention span and the impulse control making them easier to train than their younger counterparts.
• They Enjoy Easy Livin’. Couch potato, know thyself! Most senior pets do not demand the time and attention that a younger dog or cat does and are satisfied with casual walks, cuddling, and short play time. Many senior pets snooze the day away while you are busy at work and are waiting calmly at the door for you when you return home.
• Companionship For All. Senior pets make wonderful companions for everyone, from senior citizens to busy, young professionals. Providing a loving home for a senior pet in their golden years is not less of a commitment, but it can be a shorter one for those who crave companionship and worry what may happen in years to come.
• Stress Reliever. Life today can be very hectic. Studies have shown that animal companionship can decrease blood pressure levels and reduce stress. Senior pets enjoy leisurely walks and gentle play, which will encourage you to exercise for even a few minutes on your busiest days.
• Save A Life. Senior dogs and cats are often overlooked. Passed over for cute and cuddly puppies and kittens, they often have a lesser chance of being adopted. Saving a senior pet offers an unparalleled emotional return on your investment, a reward that you will feel every day you spend together!