Adoption
Find Your Forever Friend at
Tupelo-Lee Humane Society
Where compassion meets responsible adoption — helping pets and people find the perfect match.
Every adoption saves a life and opens a kennel for another animal in need. Our team is here to guide you through every step.
Why Adopt From TLHS?
At Tupelo-Lee Humane Society, we believe adoption should be simple, supportive, and successful — for both pets and people. We use a matchmaking-based adoption approach to help you find a pet that truly fits your lifestyle, home, and expectations.
Every adoption includes:
Compassionate guidance from our Placement Team
Transparent animal histories whenever known
Full medical vetting (see details below)
Support and resources to help your new pet thrive long-term
Your adoption saves a life while opening space for another animal in need.
Paw-fect Matches & Happy Endings: Adoption DAY Photos
What is MatchMaking?
At TLHS, we receive daily inquiries about specific breeds, with the most commonly requested including Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, Boxers, and toy breeds such as Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers. Often, people are drawn to a breed they grew up with or recently lost, saying something like, ‘I would love to have another [breed].’
It’s important to remember that each dog or cat is an individual. While breed characteristics can provide a general idea of size, energy level, or grooming needs, they do not determine temperament or behavior. For example, breeds with longer hair may require monthly—or even twice-monthly—grooming. Are you prepared to train and care for a pet that may require more time, attention, and responsibility than its appearance suggests?
When considering a new pet, think carefully about your lifestyle. Do you work long hours or live in an apartment? Are you seeking a family pet, an outdoor companion, or a guard dog? Do you have a fenced yard, young children, or other pets? These factors are critical to ensuring a successful adoption.
To help us match you with the right pet, TLHS requires potential adopters to complete a matchmaking form. Our adoption counselors carefully review this information, considering your lifestyle, home environment, and expectations. We do not place a dog or cat into a home that is not a good fit for the animal or your family.
Our goal is to create a positive experience for both adopters and pets. Once you bring your new companion home, give them time to adjust while providing consistent exercise, nutrition, and positive reinforcement. This helps support good behavior and a happy, healthy life together.
To get started with the matchmaking process, you can either reach out to a member of our adoption team via email at placement@tupeloleehumane.org or visit us in person during normal business hours to complete a matchmaking form. Our team will review your information and help connect you with the pet that best fits your lifestyle and home.
Adoption FAQ's
Puppies under 6 months in age are $175 and puppies over 6 months and other adult dogs vary from $100
- Spay or neuter
- Rabies vaccination
- Current on routine vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick prevention
- Heartworm test (if over 6 months)
- Microchip
- Free health exam within 48 hours of adoption at a local participating vet
- Optional Pet Insurance (enrollment available during adoption processing)
Cat and kitten adoptions vary from $80-$100
- Spay or neuter
- Rabies vaccination
- Current on routine vaccinations and flea and tick prevention
- Initial Felv/FIV/HW test
- Microchip
- Free health exam within 48 hours of adoption at a local participating vet
- Optional Pet Insurance (enrollment available during adoption processing)
TLHS no longer allows adoption fee deposits or foster-to-adopt arrangements. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not maintain waitlists. Holding an animal for a potential adopter who may not complete the process can prevent other families from adopting that pet, delaying its opportunity to find a forever home. This policy ensures fairness to all animals, giving each one the best chance to be placed quickly into a loving, permanent home, and helps us prioritize the needs of every pet in our care.
For the safety and comfort of our pets—especially cats, who can become easily stressed or frightened—it is required by TLHS adoption policy to use a secure carrier when moving your new pet from inside the shelter to your car. You may bring your own carrier or purchase one of our cardboard carriers at the shelter. This helps ensure your pet stays calm and safe during the transition home.
Adoption fees are considered a donation at the time of adoption and are non-refundable. However, if the pet is not the right fit, you may return the animal to TLHS. A return appointment must be scheduled in advance by calling 662-205-4221, ext. 1000 so we can make kennel accommodations. Pets are exchangeable within 14 days of adoption for another animal with an equal adoption fee. Please also keep in mind that many cats and dogs may need up to three months to fully adjust to a new home.
Yes! All pets adopted from TLHS are required to be spayed or neutered. This is an important part of our mission to reduce pet overpopulation and help ensure the long-term health and well-being of the animals in our community. TLHS policy requires that pets be spayed or neutered prior to finalizing any adoption. For this reason, we no longer allow intact animals to go into foster care before their procedure, which helps prevent accidental pregnancies and supports responsible pet guardianship.
Yes! All pets adopted from TLHS are microchipped prior to leaving our care. We use 24Petwatch microchips, following their acquisition of the Found Animals Registry. It is important to register your pet and microchip immediately after completing the adoption process. Registration is free and should be done under the new owner’s name and contact information; otherwise, the microchip will remain linked to TLHS.
24Petwatch offers an All-in-One Pet Protection Service for a one-time fee, which can be opted out of if you prefer. Be sure to update your contact information—such as phone number, email, and physical address—on the 24Petwatch registry whenever changes occur. Always report a lost pet to your microchip company to ensure a swift reunion.”**
For more information or to register your microchip, please visit the 24Petwatch registry by clicking here.
All of our adoptions are based on a matchmaker premise. To learn more about matchmaking, click here. We believe that a breed is not a determining factor on behavior. We will match you with a pet that is best suited for your home. All of our dogs and puppies have the possibility of going into homes with a family with children. To view our adoption policy, click here. Please check with the ordinances for your city or county as this mix can have ownership restrictions.
We have a Barn Cat Program available. Please be advised that a cat may or may not “mouse.” These cats still need to have access to food, water and shelter from the elements. We do not adopt cats under 6 months to outside homes as they are prime targets of larger predators.
Whether you can take your pet home the same day you match depends on the individual animal. All pets must be spayed or neutered before finalizing adoption. If the animal is already altered, is not heartworm positive, and is not undergoing heartworm treatment, the adoption can be completed and the pet can go home the same day.
You should have received a voucher for a free health exam from a list of participating veterinarians, which should be used within 48 hours of adoption. Be sure to bring the medical records provided at the time of adoption to your veterinarian.
For dogs and puppies, all will need to remain on heartworm prevention for life to protect against heartworm disease. Additionally, it is important to use flea and tick prevention, which helps control pests and prevent related parasites. Dogs will also need to be dewormed regularly—typically every 3 months or as advised by your veterinarian—and vaccinated as needed according to their age and health status.
For cats and kittens, it is also important to use flea and tick prevention and to keep them dewormed regularly per your veterinarian’s recommendations. Vaccinations should continue according to your cat’s age and health needs. Following these preventive care guidelines will help ensure your new companion stays healthy and happy.
Barn Cat Program FAQ's
There is no adoption fee for barn cats.
When you bring your new barn cat home, it is important to confine them to an escape-proof room or enclosure—such as a tack room, garage, coop, or an XXL dog crate—for 2–4 weeks. This helps the cat acclimate safely to its new surroundings. During this time, provide daily food and water and clean the litter pan regularly. After the confinement period, most cats will adjust to their new environment and can be allowed to explore their designated area. You should continue providing daily food, water, and access to shelter, such as a barn, garage, or other safe space.
Yes! All barn cats adopted from TLHS are spayed or neutered. This is part of our adoption policy and an important step in preventing pet overpopulation. Spaying and neutering helps ensure that barn cats do not contribute to unwanted litters and supports the long-term health and well-being of the cats in our community.
All cats adopted from TLHS will be current on their rabies vaccination. After adoption, it is your responsibility to keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date. For feral cats, the safest and most effective way to vaccinate them is by using a humane live trap, similar to those commonly used for raccoons or possums.
No; the cats in the barn cat program are not social, friendly cats or suited to be pets. They have no desire to be “lap cats” and cannot be touched, or may take a very long time to trust enough to pet. We strongly encourage adopters to offer cats in this program an independent outdoor life complemented by appropriate care and shelter like a barn or garage.
The youngest cats in the Barn Cat Program are approximately six months old. TLHS will not adopt younger kittens as barn cats, as they don’t yet have the knowledge, size, or skills to remain safe outdoors. Most cats in the barn program are young adults between one and five years of age, though we do have younger and older cats available occasionally. If you have an age preference, just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you!
No. The cats in the TLHS Barn Cat Program are not socialized to be friendly indoor pets or lap cats. Most have little to no desire for human contact, and while some may gradually learn to tolerate handling, it can take months or even years, and many may never become comfortable being touched.
For their safety and well-being, we strongly encourage adopters to provide these cats with an independent outdoor life, complemented by proper care and shelter such as a barn, garage, or similar protected space. Adopters should also take precautions to ensure the cats are safe from predators, traffic, and harsh weather conditions. Providing food, water, and a secure area helps maintain their health and supports their natural instincts as working or outdoor cats.
TLHS barn cats are generally not handled by visitors for safety reasons, though some may be accessible if they are located in a kennel on the adoption floor. When you schedule a barn cat adoption, our staff will select cats based on which are most eager to enter a carrier and which can be safely handled. If you have a preference for color, age, or gender, we will do our best to accommodate you, though selections depend on which cats we can safely catch first and their willingness to cooperate.
All barn cat adoptions are scheduled by appointment, as rounding up these cats can take time and extra staff to ensure their safety and minimize stress.
Sometimes, if multiple barn cats are available and manageable, adopters may have a choice in which cat they adopt. To get started and help provide a home for one of our barn cats, contact our Placement Coordinator at placement@tupeloleehumane.org.
Ready to find your new companion? Schedule a meet and greet today by emailing placement@tupeloleehumane.org or calling 662-205-4221. Thank you for helping us save lives and make a difference in our community!
Ready to adopt?
TLHS is currently scheduling appointments for all adoption meet and greets to provide a smoother experience for our visitors and animals. If you see an animal you’d like to meet, you can either click the email button below to schedule a visit to our facility or click ‘Apply for Adoption’ on the animal’s profile on our website.
Canines
Puppies under 6 months – $150
Puppies over 6 months and adult dogs – $85
VIP Dogs – $150
Felines
Kittens under 4 months – $80
Kittens over 4 months and adult cats – $60
VIP Cats – $80
Dog Adoptions Include:
- Spay or neuter
- Rabies vaccination
- Current on routine vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick prevention
- Heartworm test (if over 6 months)
- Routine deworming
- Microchip
- Free health exam within 48 hours of adoption at a local participating vet
- Pet Insurance (optional post-adoption)
A “VIP” pet is a highly adoptable canine or feline that is adopted quickly, usually the same day or week that they are made available.
Cat Adoptions Include:
- Spay or neuter
- Rabies vaccination
- Current on routine vaccinations and flea and tick prevention
- Initial Felv/FIV/HW test
- Microchip
- Free health exam within 48 hours of adoption at a local participating vet
- Pet Insurance (optional post-adoption)
A “VIP” pet is a highly adoptable canine or feline that is adopted quickly, usually the same day or week that they are made available.
Ready to get started?
Ready to find your new companion? Schedule a meet and greet today by emailing placement@tupeloleehumane.org or calling 662-205-4221. Thank you for helping us save lives and make a difference in our community!
Find Your Forever Friend at Tupelo-Lee Humane Society
Where compassion meets responsible adoption — helping pets and people find the perfect match.
Every adoption saves a life and opens a kennel for another animal in need. Our team is here to guide you through every step.
Why Adopt From TLHS?
At Tupelo-Lee Humane Society, we believe adoption should be simple, supportive, and successful — for both pets and people.
We use a matchmaking-based adoption approach to help you find a pet that truly fits your lifestyle, home, and expectations. Our goal is to create lasting matches that keep pets in homes and out of shelters.
- Compassionate guidance from our Placement Team
- Transparent animal history whenever available
- Full medical vetting prior to adoption
- Support and resources to help your new pet thrive long-term
When you adopt, you’re not only changing one animal’s life — you’re making room for us to help the next one waiting for a chance.
Location:
2795 Cliff Gookin Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38801
Adoption Hours:
Tuesday–Friday • 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday • 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Contact Our Placement Team:
Phone: 662-205-4221
Email: placement@tupeloleehumane.org
❤️ Recently Adopted Pets
These are just a few of the incredible matches made at TLHS. Your new best friend could be next!
How Our Adoption Process Works
We want your adoption experience to be positive, welcoming, and straightforward. Here’s what you can expect from start to finish.
Browse Our Adoptable Pets
View available dogs, cats, and other animals online or visit the shelter during adoption hours to meet them in person.
Meet & Greet
Spend time interacting with the pet to learn more about their personality, energy level, and needs.
Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduling ahead is encouraged.
Complete Our Pre-Adoption Questionnaire
This brief form helps our team understand your home, lifestyle, and expectations so we can support a successful match.
Matchmaking & Counseling
Our Placement Team will discuss what we know about the pet, including medical history, behavior notes, and enrichment needs, and help determine whether they’re a good fit for your home.
Finalize Your Adoption
Once approved, we review and sign the adoption contract, finalize your adoption fee, and prepare your pet to go home with you along with an adoption packet and medical records.
Take Your New Best Friend Home
Our team will share transition tips, recommended vet follow-ups, and ongoing care guidance to help your new pet settle in and succeed.
Adopter Requirements
To ensure responsible and successful placements, adopters must:
- Be at least 18 years old with a valid government-issued photo ID
- Complete our pre-adoption questionnaire and speak with a TLHS team member
- Agree to landlord, property manager, or HOA verification if renting or in a shared community
- Provide proof of current pets’ vaccinations and heartworm prevention, when applicable
- Demonstrate the ability to provide appropriate housing, daily care, and veterinary care long-term
- Agree to return the animal to TLHS if unable to keep the pet in the future
What Your Adoption Includes
Every TLHS pet goes home fully vetted and ready to start their new life with you. Specific services may vary by age and medical history.
Dog Adoption Package
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Rabies vaccination (age-appropriate)
- Distemper/Parvo (DAPP) vaccination
- Bordetella vaccination
- Microchip with lifetime registration
- Flea and tick prevention
- Deworming
- Heartworm test (age-appropriate)
- Starter dose of heartworm prevention
- Veterinary exam voucher with a participating clinic
Cat Adoption Package
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Rabies vaccination (age-appropriate)
- FVRCP vaccination
- Microchip with lifetime registration
- Flea and tick prevention
- Deworming
- FeLV/FIV testing (age-appropriate)
- Veterinary exam voucher with a participating clinic
Barn Cat Program
- Fully vaccinated
- Spayed/neutered
- Microchipped
- Free adoption fee for approved barn homes
- Requires safe shelter, fresh water, and daily food
Barn cats are ideal for barns, shops, warehouses, and other safe spaces where they can help with rodent control while living a cared-for life.
Adoption Fees & Policies
Adoption fees help cover a portion of the medical care, food, shelter, and daily needs each animal receives while at TLHS. Please note that fees and promotions are subject to change.
| Animal | Age/Type | Adoption Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Puppy (under 6 months) | $XX |
| Dog | Adult | $XX |
| Dog | Senior | $XX |
| Cat | Kitten (under 6 months) | $XX |
| Cat | Adult | $XX |
| Cat | Senior | $XX |
| Barn Cat | Working cat | Free (approved homes only) |
Reservation & Hold Policy
To stay fair to all adopters and to avoid long-term holding of animals:
- TLHS does not accept deposits or place long-term holds on animals.
- Adoptions are generally completed on a first come, first served basis for approved adopters.
- Out-of-state adopters must have confirmed transport or travel plans before an adoption can be finalized.
Payment Methods
We accept cash, major credit/debit cards, and select digital payments. Additional donations are always appreciated and directly support the animals in our care.
Special Adoption Programs
TLHS offers unique programs to help more animals find safe and loving placements, both locally and beyond.
Out-of-State Adoptions
We proudly adopt pets to families outside of Mississippi when safe transport or travel options are available. Some restrictions may apply based on distance, weather, or animal needs.
Learn more: Visit our Out-of-State Adoption information page for details on eligibility, transport, and next steps.
Foster-to-Adopt (Case-by-Case)
In certain medical or behavioral situations, our team may recommend a foster-to-adopt arrangement to ensure the placement is a good fit for everyone involved. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by TLHS staff.
Barn Cat / Working Cat Program
Our barn-cat program helps relocate feral or semi-social cats to safe outdoor homes where they can live meaningful lives and provide natural pest control. Adoption fees are waived for approved homes able to provide shelter, food, and vet care as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about adopting from TLHS? Start here, or contact our team for more information.
In many cases, yes. If the animal is already spayed/neutered and medically cleared, adoptions can often be completed the same day. If surgery or additional care is still needed, our team will explain the timeline and next steps.
Please bring a valid photo ID, a secure leash and collar for dogs, or a carrier for cats and small animals. If you rent, bring landlord or property manager contact information. Be prepared to spend time meeting pets and completing paperwork.
Absolutely. We simply verify that pets are allowed where you live and that any breed, size, or number restrictions are followed.
If an adoption is not the right fit, we require that the animal be returned to TLHS. Our team can discuss what didn’t work and help guide you toward a better match in the future.
Yes. All TLHS pets are microchipped and spayed/neutered prior to adoption, unless specifically discussed for medical reasons.
Yes, when transport or travel can be arranged safely and appropriately. Some animals may not be eligible for long-distance transport depending on their health or behavior needs.
After You Adopt: First 48 Hours & Beyond
Bringing a new pet home is exciting, but it can also be an adjustment for everyone. These tips can help your new family member settle in smoothly.
Follow the instructions in your adoption packet to confirm your contact information is correctly registered to your pet’s microchip.
Use your exam voucher (if provided) and schedule a wellness visit within a few days to establish care and ask any questions.
Set up a calm, safe area with a bed, food, water, and litter box (for cats) to give your new pet a place to decompress.
Introduce children and other pets gradually and with supervision. Go at the new pet’s pace and give plenty of positive reinforcement.
Keep your pet on heartworm, flea, and tick prevention year-round, and follow your veterinarian’s vaccine recommendations.
If questions or concerns come up, our team is here as a resource. We want your adoption to be a success for everyone.
Ready to Meet Your New Best Friend?
Whether you’re looking for a hiking buddy, a couch companion, a playful kitten, or a hard-working barn cat, TLHS is here to help you find the right match. Start by browsing our adoptable animals or come visit us in person.
Phone: 662-205-4221 • Email: placement@tupeloleehumane.org
Adoption Hours: Tuesday–Friday 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM • Saturday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pupdates
Most recently we fostered a feral mother cat and her five newborn kittens. The mother fiercely protected her kittens and constantly growled and hissed at my girls and I, not letting us close to any of the kittens. Unfortunately, the kittens mimicked the mom's behavior for the first few days and ran from us. We all had to learn to respect the mother's instincts and keep our distance so she would continue caring for her kittens. Tambra, the Cat Foster Manager, kept in close contact with me and answered my many questions on how to best care for this feline family. After a few days of patience and persistence, the kittens began to trust us and eventually they sought us out and wanted to be held. They were healthy, playful, and affectionate when they returned to the shelter, and the mother even let me pet her a few times. It was rewarding to see the change in the kittens and know we played a small part in giving them a good start to life.
People frequently say, "How can you foster knowing you have to bring the kittens back? Doesn't that make your girls sad?" Yes, that's the hard part. We love the animals like our own and it's hard to return them to the shelter. But I saw a quote once about fostering that I've never forgotten: "My heart breaks a little so theirs doesn't have to." So true. My heart does break sometimes when I say goodbye, but I know the time and love we give these animals is what helps them become adoptable into forever homes, with families that will love them like mine. And that makes it all worthwhile.

Kaia loves to travel and I am so glad I am able to give her the chance to explore her world! She has been to 3 national parks, 13 states, and countless hikes across the country in just under a year. She has experienced the beaches of Southern California, lakes in Illinois, canyons in Texas, the snow capped mountains of the Sierra Nevadas, and our adventures won’t stop there! She is the most affectionate girl, and loves to snuggle up with me whenever she gets the chance. I am SO thankful to Tupelo Lee Humane for helping me meet my best friend, I simply cannot imagine my life without her.
Words cannot express my gratitude for all that TLHS does. I just wanted to thank you again for giving me the opportunity to love on this sweet girl for the rest of her life. I know she was treated with kindness from the moment she was rescued by you, and words cannot describe how thankful I am for each and every volunteer that made it possible for her to have the best shot at life. She is my best friend and I love her more than anything!
Everyone at the Tupelo Lee Humane Society was just wonderful to work with! Megan was our adoption coordinator and she was so great at sending us photos and videos of Max while we waited for him to be released. Finally that day came and we drove almost 4 hours to get him. The facility is beautiful and full of wonderful caring people to greet us. I think they were as happy as we were that he was going to be going home with us!
We stayed in a local hotel that night just to make it a little easier and we had a blast getting to know this adorable little guy! Puppies are a challenge, and Max is definitely his own little guy, but he has been a part of our family from the first night. Our other two dogs and cats welcomed him right away and we couldn't love him more!