Every animal at Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter is loved as if they were our own. We believe there is a perfect home out there for each and every one of them, and we hope that home may be yours.

Some pets find families quickly, while others take a little longer. No matter how long it takes, we are honored to be their safe place between homes.

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Adopting from Ayres

Our goal is simple: forever homes.

We work hard to match each pet with the family that best fits their personality, needs, and lifestyle. We pride ourselves on being honest about every animal in our care, including any special needs or quirks they may have. Bringing a new pet into your family is a big decision, and we're here to help make the process as successful as possible.

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Found a Pet You're Interested In?

Contact us to learn more about the animal and confirm availability:

Email: adopt.ayresshelter@gmail.com
Phone: (518) 673-5670
Facebook: Send us a message through our Facebook page

Our staff will be happy to answer your questions and help determine whether a particular dog or cat may be a good fit for your family.

How Do I Meet a Pet?

Meet-and-greets are scheduled by appointment with approved applicants.

Because some of our pets may be in foster care, participating in outings, receiving training, or spending time away from the shelter, appointments help ensure the animal is available when you visit.

Applications can be:

• Completed online

• Picked up at the shelter

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Do My Current Dogs Need to Meet the Dog I'm Adopting?

Yes.  Just like people, not every dog gets along with every other dog. Meet-and-greets help us ensure everyone is comfortable and that the new addition has the best chance for success in their new home.

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What Happens After I Apply?

Please allow up to one week for staff to review your application.

Once approved, a staff member will contact you to discuss the next steps and schedule a meet-and-greet or adoption appointment.

For some dogs, we may conduct a home visit. These visits are not intended to judge your home. They simply help us ensure a safe and successful transition for both your family and your new pet.

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Why Is There an Adoption Fee?

We are incredibly grateful whenever someone chooses adoption.

While adoption fees do not cover the full cost of care, they help offset a portion of the medical treatment, food, housing, enrichment, and daily care each animal receives while at Ayres.

When you adopt from Ayres, you aren't just saving one life—you are helping us save the next one, too.

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Where Do Our Animals Come From?

Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter is dedicated to helping homeless, stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals throughout Montgomery County and surrounding New York communities when space allows.

The animals in our care typically come from the towns and villages we serve, including Mohawk, Minden, Palatine, Root, Charleston, Glen, Canajoharie, Fort Plain, St Johnsville and Fultonville. We also regularly assist animals from neighboring counties such as Herkimer, Fulton, and Schoharie.

Our focus has always been on helping local animals and supporting the communities that rely on us. While we occasionally assist animals from other areas of New York when resources allow, our priority remains providing care and shelter for animals in need right here at home.

By adopting from Ayres, you're giving a deserving New York animal a second chance while helping us continue our mission of serving pets and people throughout our region.

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Adoption Fees

Adult Dogs (7 Months and Older) — $175

Your adoption includes:

• Rabies vaccination

• Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPv vaccination

• Bordetella vaccination

• Microchip

• Heartworm and Lyme testing

• Heartworm and/or Lyme treatment if needed

• Spay or neuter surgery

• Deworming and flea treatment if needed

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Puppies (7 Months and Younger) — $250

Your adoption includes:

• Age-appropriate vaccinations

• Deworming

• Microchip

• Spay/Neuter appt with our participating vets

Puppies are not adopted before 9 weeks of age.

The spay/neuter deposit is refunded when the puppy is altered through your veterinarian or may be applied toward a spay/neuter appointment with one of our participating veterinarians.

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Adult Cats (7 Months and Older) — $75

Your adoption includes:

• Rabies vaccination

• Nobivac 1-HCPCh vaccination

• FIV/FELV testing

• Spay or neuter surgery

• Deworming and flea treatment if needed

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Kittens (6 Months and Younger) — $100

Your adoption includes:

• Age-appropriate vaccinations

• Deworming

• FIV/FELV testing

• Spay/neuter appt with our participating vets.

The spay/neuter deposit is refunded when the kitten is altered through your veterinarian or may be applied toward a spay/neuter appointment with one of our participating veterinarians.

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Thank You for Choosing Adoption

Every adoption creates space for another animal in need and helps us continue our mission of providing compassionate care, shelter, and hope to homeless animals throughout our community.

Whether you're adopting your first pet or welcoming another companion into your family, we are honored to be part of your journey.