Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the first step in the adoption process? 
• The first step to adopting is to fill out an application! This allows you to put your name in line for animals of interest and helps the Animal Adoption Center team find you your perfect animal. 

• Where do the dogs and cats come from?
• The Animal Adoption Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and closed admission rescue. All of the animals in our program come from overcrowded and kill shelters regionally and nationally. We do not accept strays or owner surrenders (unless the animal was adopted through us) to prioritize animals that are in the biggest need. 

• Are the dogs and puppies potty and crate trained? 
• We cannot guarantee any training of the dogs and puppies that are apart of our program because we likely have little to no history of their backgrounds. We ask all fosters and potential adopters to have grace and understanding. The Animal Adoption Center team will set you up with resources and supplies to set you and the dog or puppy up for success.

• Do the cats get fostered? 
• All of the cats permanently reside in Kitty City until they find their forever homes. Cats are not fostered because they do not adjust well to constant change and new environments. Until they find their adoptive people they reside in their free-roaming living spaces and are spoiled by loving volunteers and staff. We occasionally have foster opportunities for medical cases or kittens. If you are interested in adopting a cat fill out an application and we will set up a meet and greet. If the meet and greet goes well we move forward with the adoption and the adopter will enter a two-week trial period. If the cat turns out not to be the cat you fell in love with we will always take the cat back into our program. Your money will be refunded within the two-week trial period.

• Where are the dogs kept?
• The dogs in the Animal Adoption Center program go home with volunteers fosters or potential adopters every night. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer foster fill out the application! This not only gives the homeless dogs patiently awaiting their forever homes a sense of normalcy but it also provides great information for the Animal Adoption Center staff to understand what its’ perfect home looks like! We require fostering prior to adopting!

• What are the adoption fees?
• Our adoption fee for dogs/puppies is $225 and cats is $80 (or two for $100)! This fee covers the spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations up to date (cannot guarantee for out of state adopters), a free month of pet insurance and a training session with a certified dog trainer for dogs under 6 months or ones needing some extra help.
• Do we adopt out of state?
• We do not want to overlook a great home just because they live out of state! However, we do not adopt animals sight unseen, provide transportation or hold animals. We do require fostering prior to adoption which requires the potential adopter to travel to the greater Jackson area. This is put in place to ensure that it is a good fit for everyone involved. If adopting out of state the Animal Adoption Center will not cover any pending vaccinations and the adopter will be responsible for completing. 
• What is the adoption age?
• Since adopting an animal is a big decision and is upwards of a 10-20year commitment we have an adoption age of 24. If you are under 24 and ready to bring an animal into your life we require a cosigner above the age of 24 that will agree to take responsibility of the animal if anything were to happen and circumstances were to change.
• What makes the Animal Adoption Center unique?
  • The AAC has many reasons why it is a unique rescue. First, all of the animals that have come from overcrowded or kill shelters have no time limit in our program. Second, all of the dogs in our program get to lead a normal life in foster care while they wait for their potential adopter. We understand that adopting a dog is a big decision and that is why we require fostering prior to adopting to ensure it is a good fit. Third, thanks to our generous supporters we are able to say “yes” to animals that would otherwise be deemed unadopted due to medical conditions. Lastly, all of the animals adopted through our program are always welcome back if needed. This ensures that they will never find themselves in a bind again.