Find your match, and bring them home the same day.*
We'll guide you every step of the way.

Our adoption process is designed to help you find the right animal for your home and lifestyle. Most in-shelter adoptions are completed the same day.

Browse Available Animals

*Adult dogs arriving on transport will become available to go home the following day. This allows the dog to decompress after a long day of travel, and gives our behavior team an opportunity to assess them.

Adoption Hours

Mon–Wed, Fri–Sun: 1:30 – 6:00 pm Thursday: 3:00 – 6:00 pm

Adoption Fees

Every adoption fee covers spay or neuter surgery, a microchip, and all age-appropriate vaccinations — services that typically cost $300–600+ at a private vet. Your new pet also goes home with a supply of the food they were eating during their stay.

Dogs

Puppy (under 5 mo.)$500
Adult (5 mo.–8 yr.)$375
Senior (8+ yr.)$200

Cats

Kitten (under 5 mo.)$250
Adult (5 mo.–8 yr.)$200
Senior (8+ yr.)$100

Small animals

Rabbit$50
Guinea pig$40
Rat / Hamster$10
Mouse$5
Adopting a pair? Adopt one, get the second at half off (applied to the lower fee). Adopters also receive 10% off leashes at Buddy's Boutique.

Adoption Process

Your journey — shelter adoption

1
Online

Browse available animals

Profiles and photos update in real time at sthuberts.org. Filter by species, age, and size. Animals marked "In foster" are not at the shelter — see the foster path for those.

2
In person · No appointment needed

Visit the shelter

Come to 575 Woodland Ave, Madison, NJ during adoption hours. We cannot hold animals in advance, but our counselors are skilled at finding great matches even if your first choice isn't available.

Plan to arrive before 5:30 pm

3
With an adoption counselor

Meet your match

Check in at the main reception area. An adoption counselor will introduce you to the animal, answer your questions, and help you assess the fit for your household.

Allow 30–60 minutes

4
Same day

Take your new pet home

Adoptions are finalized the same day. Your pet goes home with food they're used to. A temporary leash is provided — visit Buddy's Boutique for supplies.

Your journey — foster adoption

1
Online

Find an animal marked "In foster"

Browse sthuberts.org for animals listed as "In foster." These animals are in private homes and are not available at the shelter directly.

2
Via email

Contact the foster directly

Each listing includes a direct email for the foster parent. Reach out to ask about the animal's personality, behavior, routine, and needs. The foster knows this animal best.

3
In person or virtual

Meet the animal

Arrange a meeting at the foster's home, at the shelter, or via video call (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.). Ask questions and see how the animal responds to you.

4
Online + at the shelter

Apply and finalize

The foster will send you a link to our adoption questionnaire. Once submitted, our staff will contact you within 48 hours. If it's a good fit, adoption is finalized at our Madison shelter.

Staff responds within 48 hours

Before you shop

Wait until after adoption to buy supplies.

Every animal is different. The right bed, food, and gear depends on the specific pet you bring home. Buying in advance often means returns.

Shop Buddy's Pet Supply right here at St. Hubert's after you've met your new companion.

10%

off your first purchase for all adopters

In-store or curbside pickup available.

All proceeds go directly back into the care of St. Hubert's shelter animals.

Shop Buddy's

Frequently Asked

  • We only allow temporary hold on adult dogs arriving from transports.

    Potential adopters may request to meet a transport dog on the day of arrival. For a $25 non-refundable deposit, they can reserve the dog for adoption the following day.

    Adopters may also reserve a dog they've seen on our social media by calling the shelter, Adopters may also reserve a dog they've seen on our social media by calling the shelter, under the same terms.

    If the adopter does not return, the $25 deposit is retained as a donation.

    Our animals' wellbeing is our priority.

    Placing holds can mean an animal waits in its kennel while a confirmed adopter isn't available, which isn't fair to the animal.

    Our counselors are great at helping you find the right match even if your first choice isn't available — many adopters say their "second choice" turned out to be the perfect fit.

  • Yes, we encourage it so that our behavior team can assist in supervised meet-and-greet.

    They'll be able to assess the body language and advise whether it is a match or not.

  • For in-shelter adoptions, plan for 1–2 hours from arrival to going home with your new pet.

    For foster adoptions, the process typically takes a few days including emailing the foster, meeting the animal, and completing the questionnaire.

  • Adjustment periods are normal and expected.

    St. Hubert's offers professional dog training classes, behavior help resources, and post-adoption support.

    You're not on your own after the adoption is complete.