Lots to Learn!
Adoption FAQs

How long does the adoption process take?
The adoption process will take at least an hour altogether. To start, we require adopters to spend a minimum of 15- 30 minutes bonding with their chosen animal. Our outdoor dog park is available for time with adult dogs. Adopters will then spend at least thirty minutes reviewing the NWA Humane Society for Animals, Inc. adoption contract and the animal’s medical summary with an Adoption Counselor. Finally, each of our Adopters spends approximately ten minutes reviewing post-adoption care before leaving with their new forever friend!
Will my new pet be spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccines when I adopt him/her?
Yes. All our animals are spayed/neutered before leaving our facility. Some animals may be pre-adopted if they have not yet received spay/neuter surgery at the time of adoption. This means that you can adopt the animal, but you will come to pick up your pet after he/she has received surgery and been released to go home.
All animals receive vaccinations on a set schedule while staying at the NWA Humane Society for Animals, Inc. However, some animals will still require additional rounds of vaccines after you adopt. You will be given the animal’s medical and vaccine records, and your vet will recommend the proper scheduling of any remaining vaccinations.
I am interested in adopting a specific breed. Do you ever have purebred or “designer” pets (such as doodles or hypoallergenic breeds)?
Certain types of animals or breeds do not end up in shelters very often. This includes purebred animals, designer mixes such as Goldendoodles, or hypoallergenic animals. We do have them on occasion.
May I put an animal “on hold” to adopt later?
No. Experience has proven that, despite good intentions, many people who asked to place an animal “on hold” never return to adopt that pet. While waiting, the animals may have missed an opportunity to find a home forever. All potential adopters must be present for the adoption process. No payments for adoptions can be taken over the phone.
Can I bring my other pet in to meet my potential new pet at your Adoption Center?
Yes. We recommend potential adopters bring in their dog(s) to better ensure a harmonious relationship between their dog(s) and the new addition. We require proof that your pet is up to date on vaccinations.
Missing pet? Petco Love Lost may be able to help.
With just one simple photo upload of a missing dog or cat, Petco Love Lost immediately scans the image using the latest facial recognition technology to determine whether there is a match at a participating shelter or with a neighbor in the community. Visit lost.petcolove.org to learn more!
In Northwest Arkansas, fill out this handy form to send your lost pet’s details to 13 different local shelters!
Thank You To Walmart Distribution Centers
Thanks for the following Walmart distribution centers for recommending the generous local community grants for us!

- Facility # 7842 distribution center at 5800 SW Regional Airport Blvd in Bentonville
- the Walmart fashion distribution Ctr. on SW Regional Blvd
- distribution center # 8600 at 1108 Se 10th St in Bentonville
- Facility #4376 Bentonville Neighborhood market on Walton
Your support is much appreciated!
If I find a stray dog or cat, who do I contact?
If you find the animal inside an incorporated area, please contact the local city animal shelter first.
If no shelter exists in that town, please contact the appropriate County Animal shelter. Numbers for some local towns are listed below. Download a PDF with more listings.

- Bella Vista Animal Shelter: 479.855.6020
- Benton County Animal Control: 479.273.5532
- Bentonville Animal Services: 479.254.2055
- Centerville Animal Services: 479.795.0078
- Humane Society of the Ozarks (Fayetteville): 479.444.7987
- Rogers Animal Services: 479.621.1197
- Springdale Animal Services: 479.759.8166
Thank you Sam’s Clubs and Walmart Facilities!
We would like to thank Sam’s Clubs in Springdale and Bentonville for their generous support of the Humane Society with their recent Local Community grants! We are also very thankful to the Walmart Distribution Center in Bentonville as well as the Walmart Neighborhood Market Store #3654 on 8th Street in Rogers. We are so appreciative of your faith in our mission!
Shelter Animals Count
Learn about animal shelters and shelter animals at the Shelter Animals Count data site. Did you know that the 200+ shelters in the state of Arkansas report an average of just over 19 adoption per year? Explore the site for many more tasty facts.
