The adoption process at H.O.P.E. Animal Shelter begins with coming to the shelter, of course! We encourage you, and any family members to come introduce yourself to the cat or dog you might be interested in adopting. Plan to spend some time with the animal to get to know them better because pictures on the website can only reveal so much. Each animal has their own personality and temperament, so you'll want to pet the cat out of its cage and take the dog for a walk. The decision to adopt an animal is a serious decision; we want you to make the best choice for you and your family. The animals deserve a family who wants a pet to be a part of their everyday life.

While we want to find homes for all the animals in our care, we do have guidelines to help with our goal to provide good, loving, forever homes. This starts with the completion of an adoption application. Fill it out online or ask us to mail you one or fill it out at the shelter. The adoption form helps us provide some "pet matching" if you are undecided on a specific dog or cat.

All applications are reviewed in a timely manner, but you should not expect to come to the shelter and take an animal home the same day. Once approved, the following fees apply: WE ACCEPT CASH OR CHECKS ONLY! NO DEBIT or CREDIT CARDS.

 

ADOPTION FEES
DOGS
Puppies (2 - 6 months) $175
Adults (6 months - 7 years) $125
Seniors (over 7 years old) $50

CATS
Kittens (2-6 months) $75
Adults (6 months – 7 years) $65
Seniors (over 7 years old) $35

SURRENDER FEES
DOGS & CATS - $25
Fees go toward the care of your animal while we help them find a new home.

RECLAIM FEES
$10 INTAKE FEE - For 1st 24 hours
$10/DAY BOARDING FEE – Each additional day

$20/DAY for 3^rd & 4^th Offenses in a 6 month period

$40/DAY for 5^th  & 6^th Offenses in a 6 month period

IMPORTANT: It is our policy to put any adoptable strays up for adoption after 4-7 days of their arrival (animals with ID are held longer).

 

COUNTY DOG LICENSE INFORMATION

Gogebic County

Under Michigan Public Act 339 of 1919, all dogs are required, by law, to be licensed within the county they reside within 30 days of turning four (4) months of age, or within 30 days of acquiring a dog older than four months or within 30 days of moving to Gogebic County.  If the dog is not licensed in a timely manner, a $20 delinquent fee will be assessed.  The Gogebic County Dog License Program includes one-year and three-year licenses available for purchase throughout the year.  Licenses should be renewed by the last day of the month in which the rabies vaccination expires.  To qualify for a three-year license the dog must have received a new three-year rabies vaccination within the past 30 days.

Regular License Fees:

For newly acquired dogs or dogs just four (4) months of age, you have 30 days to obtain a license at the regular fee.  Proof of rabies vaccination is required to purchase a license(s), proof of sterilization is required to obtain the reduced fee for license(s). The expiration date of the dog license corresponds to the month in which the rabies vaccination occurred.

Cost:

1 year- Spayed/Neutered	$4.00
1 year- Female/Male	$6.00
3 year- Spayed/Neutered	$11.00
3 year- Female/Male	$17.00

Licenses by Mail

Licenses are available through the mail. You must submit your check or money order, Rabies Vaccination Certificate and proof of Spay/Neutering (if applicable).  All information will be returned to you, along with your new license.

Please make checks payable and mail to:

Gogebic County Treasurer
200 N. Moore St.
Bessemer, MI 49911

You may pay for your license  online here

As a courtesy, the Treasurer's Office will mail license renewal applications if the license has expired. The renewal notice is sent as a courtesy by our office.  Failure to receive the notice does not relieve a dog owner of their responsibility to purchase a dog license prior to the expiration date stated on the previous dog license.

To purchase a new license by mail, please send Rabies Certification and payment (see above fee schedule) to:

Gogebic County Treasurer
200 N. Moore St.
Bessemer, MI 49911