How to Adopt a Pet at the SPCA

If you are ready to adopt a pet, check out your local SPCA. Adopting a pet from a shelter is very rewarding as you will be providing a loving companion a home for life. The SPCA has a variety of ages and breeds of cats and dogs. If you don’t fall in love on your first visit, try again. New animals are constantly arriving at the SPCA and the process of adopting is easy.

• Call your local SPCA to find out their hours and the best time to visit.


• The SPCA recommends you bring every member of your household when you come to adopt, especially to adopt a dog. This way you can see how the animals you are considering react with everyone.


• The SPCA has trained adoption counselors available. It’s important to ask them a lot of questions about any pet in which you are interested. Find out how long the animal has been there, why it ended up at the SPCA, any health problems or treatments it has had and all about its disposition.


• Take the time to get a feel for how each pet you are considering behaves with you and your family. You may want to go home and think about it for a couple of days, then go back. Find out how the pet you have chosen acts the second time you visit.


• Once you’ve decided on your pet, fill out the necessary paperwork. If you’d like, you can download and print the paperwork at home so it is already filled out when you go. You will need to provide proof that you own your home or proof that you are able to have a pet if you rent. You may be asked to provide a personal reference as well.


• When you are finished with the paperwork, all that is left is to pay and you can take home the new addition to your family. The adoption fee includes a free vet visit. It will usually have an expiration date, so don’t forget to take advantage of the free visit in the first week or two.