Adopt a Pet in Jackson, Michigan

Every dog and cat at Cascades Humane Society is health-tested, enrichment-stimulated, and genuinely known by our staff before they meet you. We're a no-kill shelter — which means the animal you're looking at today has been given every opportunity to be ready for the home they deserve.

Browse Available Pets

Wonderful Companions Waiting for Their Forever Homes

View current dogs and cats directly on this page through our live adoption listing. Animals are updated in real time, so what you see is what we have. You can also find CHS animals on Petfinder, but the most current availability is always here.

How Adoption Works at CHS

Five Steps from Browse to Bring Home

The process is straightforward — we've designed it to move at your pace, not ours.

  • Step 1: Fill out an Adoption Application

    Simply download a pdf, fill it out, and either e-mail it to adopt@chspets.org, or bring it with you to Cascades Humane Society. Paper copies are also available in our lobby at CHS. Adopters must be 18+ years old.


    This application saves you time when you arrive, it does not hold an animal for you. Please feel free to not wait for us to call you regarding your application, as we have limited staff and we get extremely busy. We strongly encourage you to come directly to CHS (or one of the local pet stores that houses cats for us) to meet the animal you are interested in. 

  • Step 2: Make Sure You are Prepared

    The ASPCA says it best: “Caring for a companion animal goes far beyond providing food, water and shelter. It takes research and careful planning to bring the right pet into your home, and to make sure your lifestyle is the right one for your pet.” Click here to read more on how to choose the right pet and how to prepare yourself and home.

  • Step 3: View Adoptable Animals at CHS

    When you arrive at CHS, you may look at all the pets available for adoption! (You can also view adoptable animals online, but visiting in person ensures the most up-to-date information.) Once you have viewed the available animals and have some in mind that you would like to meet with, we will ask you to fill out an Adoption Application and Visitation Form (as mentioned above). If you have already filled one out within the last two months or submitted one online, let staff know. Our application helps us get an idea of which pet would be a good match for you and your living situation. The adoption counselors may even have suggestions on who they think would be a great fit for you!

  • Step 4: Visit with Adoptable Animals at CHS

    Next, you can visit with any pet you like in a visitation room. Though not required, we highly recommend bringing other members of the household with you to visit the animals you may potentially adopt to ensure a good fit for everyone. If you find a pet you like and want to adopt, you can do so the same day as long as everything on your application is approved. We do our last adoptions of the day at 5:30 p.m. in order to have enough time to process paperwork prior to closing at 6 p.m.


    The adoption process will take approximately 20-30 minutes.

  • Step 5: Place a Hold or Finalize the Adoption

    Once you've met a pet you love, you can place a $25 hold while you make your final decision — no commitment required until you're ready. When you're ready to move forward, we'll finalize the paperwork and send your new family member home with you.

What Your Adopted Pet Comes With

Every Animal Is Fully Prepared Before Adoption Day

Adopting from CHS isn't just bringing an animal home — it's bringing home an animal that's been fully prepared for the transition. Every pet adopted from Cascades Humane Society leaves our Jackson shelter with the following:


  • Spayed or neutered prior to adoption
  • Core vaccinations completed
  • Microchipped and registered
  • Dewormed and flea-treated
  • Heartworm-tested (dogs) or FIV/FeLV-tested (cats)
  • One complimentary veterinary wellness check
  • A collar and an ID tag


The adoption fee covers a portion of the care every animal receives while in our shelter. For current fee information, contact us at (517) 787-7387 or ask when you visit.

Adoption Questions, Answered

What Most People Ask Before They Come In

  • How do I adopt a dog from Cascades Humane Society?

    Browse available dogs on this page, complete a short inquiry form, and come visit us Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 to 6:00 PM at 1515 Carmen Drive in Jackson. No appointment is needed. A meet and greet with any current household dogs is required before finalizing a dog adoption.

  • What dogs and cats are currently available for adoption in Jackson, Michigan?

    Available pets are listed in real time on this page through our PetPoint integration. You can also find CHS animals on Petfinder, but our on-site listing is always the most current. Availability changes frequently, so check back often.

  • What is the adoption fee at Cascades Humane Society?

    Adoption fees vary by animal and help offset the cost of spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, and other care every pet receives while in our shelter. Call us at (517) 787-7387 or ask during your visit for current fee information.

  • Can I place a hold on a pet I'm interested in?

    Yes. After meeting a pet in person, you can place a $25 hold while you finalize your decision. The hold keeps the animal available for you without requiring an immediate commitment.

  • I'm a renter — can I still adopt?

    Yes, with written landlord approval. We require documentation before finalizing the adoption. If you come prepared, the process moves forward without delay. Reach out in advance if you have questions about what to bring.

  • Are there cats available at the Jackson, Michigan animal shelter?

    Yes. CHS typically has cats and kittens available for adoption alongside dogs. Browse current availability directly on this page, or call us at (517) 787-7387 to ask about specific animals.