Visitors welcome Wednesday to Sunday, no appointment needed

3175 H Ave Walthill, NE 68067

(402) 846-2719 Call ahead to meet a specific dog

Plan your visit
A man hugging his smiling dog outdoors

Find the dog who's been waiting for you

Every dog here is vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered, and has spent weeks with volunteers who know them well.

How adoption works

Most adoptions take about a week from first question to first night at home. We'd rather take a few extra days than rush a match.

  1. 1

    Browse and ask

    Look through the dogs below, or tell us what you're looking for and we'll suggest a few.

  2. 2

    Apply online

    The form takes about 15 minutes. An adoption counselor calls you within two days.

  3. 3

    Meet at the farm

    Spend time with the dog in a play yard. Bring your family, and your own dog for an introduction.

  4. 4

    Take them home

    Sign the adoption agreement, pay the fee and head home with a starter kit and our phone number.

Dogs ready for a home

A few of the 34 dogs at the farm this week. New dogs arrive most days, so if you don't see the right one yet, ask us.

  • Ranger, a black and white border collie mix

    Ranger

    2 years

    Border collie mix, male, 44 lb

    Smart, busy and happiest with a job to do. Needs a yard and someone who likes long walks.

    • Kids
    • Dogs
    • Cats not recommended
    Apply for Ranger
  • Pip, a golden retriever mix puppy lying in the grass

    Pip

    4 months

    Golden retriever mix, male, 14 lb

    Came in with his three sisters, all now adopted. Crate trained and working on sit and stay.

    • Kids
    • Dogs
    • Cats not yet tested
    Apply for Pip
  • Biscuit, a smiling beagle

    Biscuit

    8 years

    Beagle, female, 26 lb

    Follows her nose everywhere and sings when she finds something good. Rides well in the car.

    • Kids
    • Dogs
    • Cats
    Apply for Biscuit
  • Waffles, a fluffy tan doodle mix with his eyes closed and tongue out

    Waffles

    1 year

    Doodle mix, male, 38 lb

    Pure sunshine. Loves every person he meets and hasn't met a toy he won't carry around.

    • Kids
    • Dogs
    • Cats
    Apply for Waffles
  • Scout, a white terrier mix with black ears

    Scout

    3 years

    Terrier mix, male, 38 lb

    Found on a county road in March. Shy for the first ten minutes, then he's your shadow.

    • Kids: over 10
    • Dogs
    • Cats not recommended
    Apply for Scout
  • Blue, an Australian shepherd mix puppy with one blue eye

    Blue

    5 months

    Australian shepherd mix, female, 22 lb

    Bright, curious and quick to learn. Would thrive with an active family and puppy classes.

    • Kids
    • Dogs
    • Cats not yet tested
    Apply for Blue
  • Juniper, a chocolate lab mix licking her nose

    Juniper

    9 years

    Chocolate lab mix, female, 58 lb

    Slow mornings, soft beds and a hand on her head. The calmest dog on the property.

    • Kids
    • Dogs
    • Cats
    Apply for Juniper
  • Nova, a husky mix with one blue eye sitting in the grass

    Nova

    4 years

    Husky mix, female, 49 lb

    Talkative, strong and a bit of an escape artist. Needs a tall fence and an owner who knows huskies.

    • Kids
    • Dogs
    • Cats not recommended
    Apply for Nova
  • Duke, a smiling yellow labrador mix

    Duke

    10 years

    Labrador mix, male, 71 lb

    A gentle giant who was surrendered when his owner moved into care. House trained and very polite.

    • Kids
    • Dogs not yet tested
    • Cats
    Apply for Duke

Adoption fees

Fees cover a fraction of what each dog costs us. Every dollar goes straight back into care for the next dog through the gate.

Adoption fees by age group
PuppiesUnder 6 months$225
Adult dogs6 months to 7 years$150
Seniors8 years and older$50
Bonded pairsTwo dogs who go home together$250

Veterans and first responders pay half the adult or puppy fee. Just let your adoption counselor know.

Every adoption includes

About $600 of care, done before your dog goes home.

  • Core vaccinations including rabies, DHPP and bordetella
  • Spay or neuter surgery with pain relief
  • Microchip registered in your name
  • Deworming, flea and tick treatment and a heartworm test
  • A starter kit with a collar, leash and a bag of the food they're used to
  • Lifelong support from volunteers who know your dog

Before you apply

A few things that help us find you the right dog, and help your new dog settle in.

  • Everyone in your home has met the idea of a dog and is on board
  • If you rent, your landlord allows dogs of the size you're considering
  • You can give a new dog a quiet first two weeks to decompress
  • Your current pets are up to date on their vaccinations
  • You've thought about who cares for the dog when you travel
A person gently holding a dog's paw

Adoption questions

Can't find your answer here? Call us on (402) 846-2719.

Do I need a fenced yard?

Not for most dogs. A few, like Nova the husky, need a secure fence and we'll say so on their profile. For everyone else, daily walks and time together matter more than a yard.

Can I adopt if I rent?

Yes. We'll ask for your landlord's contact details or a copy of your pet policy, so you don't face a hard choice later.

Can I meet a dog before I apply?

Of course. Visit Wednesday to Sunday and ask a volunteer to introduce you. If you're driving a long way, call ahead so the dog you want to meet isn't out at a vet visit.

Do you adopt outside Nebraska?

We adopt within about three hours of Walthill, which includes parts of Iowa and South Dakota. You'll need to come to the farm to meet the dog and take them home.

What if it doesn't work out?

Call us first. We can usually help with training or settling issues. If it still isn't right, the dog comes back to us, always, at any age. Never rehome a 12 Hills dog yourself.

How long does the whole process take?

About a week for most adoptions: a day or two for us to call you, a visit to the farm, then home. Puppies with a lot of interest can take a little longer.

Adoption application

This is the first step, not a commitment. An adoption counselor will call you within two days to talk it through.

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