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Where to Adopt a Pet: Know Your Pet Adoption Options

Where to Adopt a Pet: How to Find a New Dog or Cat

Bringing a new pet into your home is a rewarding way to share your love and make a meaningful difference in an animal's life. Thankfully, there are many resources available to help you find the perfect dog or cat. Start by exploring different adoption options to find the one that best fits your family and lifestyle.

What are the best places to adopt a new dog or cat?

Table of Contents

Pet adoption can occur in a number of different ways, and taking the time to understand how the process works and where to get dogs and cats from safely can help you make the right decision.
 

Animal Shelters and Humane Societies

The world is too full of dogs and cats waiting for a home and many end up at local shelters or humane societies. While many pets can live out the rest of their lives in these locations, some shelters are overcrowded and can only provide temporary homes for a certain number of days. That’s why an animal shelter or humane society is a great place to start your search for a pet.  If there’s one in your area, plan a visit. You can meet adoptable animals and learn about volunteer opportunities and special adoption events. A current resident might be just what you’re looking for.

The process:

  • Adoption fee:

    Shelters and humane societies often include an adoption fee that can range anywhere from $50 up to a few hundred dollars or more, but that usually includes the cost of a spay or neuter and shots.

  • Paperwork:

    Before taking a pet home, you may be asked to answer questions or fill out paperwork to provide them with more insight into your lifestyle, time the pet will spend alone most days, the type of home/yard you have, additional pets you might have, etc. Learn more about fees and paperwork below.

  • Home or shelter visit:

    Some shelters require a home visit to ensure you’ve properly pet-proofed and are set up for your new family member’s arrival. For specific details about the process your local shelter or society follows, give them a call and ask.

Breed Rescue Groups

If you’re in the market for a specific breed, you may want to start your search with a breed enthusiast group or breed-specific rescue association. Before heading down this route, though, do your research to learn if the temperament and care requirements of the breed you’re interested in match your specific wants and lifestyle.

The process:

  • Referrals to shelters or rescues:

  • Shelters are usually aware of local breed rescues and can provide referrals. Potential dog parents can also refer to the American Kennel Club Rescue Network, while The International Cat Association is a good resource for would-be cat parents.

  • Foster to Adopt:

    Breed rescue groups often use foster pet parents to take care of animals until they find a home. Because they often spend a lot of time with the animals they care for, foster pet parents are particularly well qualified to tell you about the personality and characteristics of a dog or cat you may be interested in adopting. Their insights can help ease the transition when you bring your new pet home.

  • Getting matched with the right dog or cat:

    Adopting through a breed rescue group is similar to working with a shelter, in that the organization will take steps to ensure you are the right match for the pet and that your home offers a suitable environment for that pet. Again, how much you pay to adopt from a breed rescue can vary from $0 on up to $250 or more. Since each breed and group is different, be sure to talk with the administrator about the process, fees and specifics up front so they don’t  come as a surprise when your perfect pet comes along.

Work with Your Veterinarian

Veterinarians can be a wealth of knowledge about adoption opportunities in your area, especially when it comes to helping rehome patients whose parents can no longer care for them. Veterinary technicians or volunteers at vet offices, who may also volunteer at shelters or help out as foster pet parents, may be able to point you in the right direction as well. If your veterinarian’s office has a bulletin board, you can start there, or ask at the reception desk.

The process:

  • Finding a pet through individuals:

    The process of adopting through your veterinarian—as well as what you end up paying—will vary widely based on the circumstance. For example, if your veterinarian happens to know an elderly pet parent who needs to find a new loving home for the dog they can no longer care for, that adoption process could be fairly straightforward and free.

  • Referral to group or shelter:

    If, on the other hand, your veterinarian sets you up with a shelter or breed-specific rescue group, you’ll likely go through their regular process and pay something within the fee range mentioned above.

Pet Adoption Websites

Pet adoption websites—like adoptapet.com or the adopt a pet feature on petcolove.org—are gaining in popularity, and they can be a great way to start your adoption search from the comfort of your own home. Most of these sites help draw in rescue options that are available at your local shelters or with rescue groups, as well as animals currently residing with foster pet parents. These sites can be an asset if you’re looking for a pet with specific attributes, since you can often search by breed, age and gender, among other factors.

The process:

  • Filter and search for a new pet:

    These sites often only act as aggregators for shelters or other adoption organizations in your area. Once you click on a pet you’re interested in, you’ll likely be taken to that shelter or rescue’s website for more information or to fill out an email interest sheet.

  • Reach out to the local organization:

    After that, the process would follow the traditional ones for a shelter or breed-specific rescue group listed above.

Friends and Family

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to start your adoption search is by getting the word out to friends and family that you’re looking to adopt a pet. Many different factors contribute to people giving up their beloved pets, and most are very grateful when a new loving home comes along quickly. Plus, if you end up adopting through someone you know, you have the added benefit of being able to contact them with any questions, as well as potentially keep some of the supplies that the pet is already used to.

The process:

  • Find the paperwork and vaccine history

    Adopting a pet from a friend or family member could be easier than going through a shelter or breeder, but you’ll still want to make sure you do your due diligence. For example, before taking home any pet, be sure to ask about shot, health and microchip records and whether the animal is spayed or neutered and ask for copies of any veterinary records so you can stay on top of or get ahead of health issues.

Petco Adoption Events

Petco makes it easy to find your new furry family member by allowing you to meet adoptable pets at your local store. Cats are available for adoption in certain stores and dog adoption events occur routinely with rescue partners (call your local Petco for more details).

The process:

  • Attend an adoption event at Petco

    The Petco Foundation hosts adoption events nationwide every month where prospective pet parents can come in to meet different animals available for adoption.

  • Interview and paperwork

    Be prepared to answer questions about your lifestyle, other pets and overall availability. You’ll likely fill out a form with some information and maybe even have a house visit. Again, since adoptions are only facilitated by Petco and the Petco Foundation, the process is usually carried out and finalized by a rescue group or shelter that will adhere to their standard procedures.
bird social interaction

How to choose a pet at a shelter

Most shelters will have kennel cards on each cage that provide basic information about the dog or cat in question, including age, whether or not the pet is owner-relinquished, any obvious health issues, and, sometimes, how the pet does with other animals. it's also important to try to assess for yourself the health, demeanor, and personality of a potential pet by asking the following questions when choosing your new companion:

Learn about the pet’s behavior:

  • Does the animal appear healthy? Are his eyes clear or runny? Is she or he sneezing?
  • Does the stool in his cage or kennel seem solid and formed?
  • Is he showing any signs of aggression, such as hissing or growling?
  • When it comes to felines, does the cat or the kitten stand up and try and attract your attention when you walk past the cage? Once again, don't be deterred if he is a bit shy. Cats or kittens that are hiding or facing away from you may simply need a bit more socializing. You will have to determine if you have time at home to spend extra time working with the cat to help coax him out of his shell.
  • How does the dog or cat move and walk? Check for any signs of awkwardness or pain.
  • Kittens or puppies are often kept together in their original litters. Check how the kitten or puppy that catches your attention reacts to his littermates.
  • How does the dog or cat respond if you approach the cage and wiggle your fingers?

Ask shelter staff questions:

Shelter volunteers are happy to answer all your questions. Often the volunteers have spent enough time around the animal to provide additional insight into what the pet likes or their unique behaviors.

Assessing a pet's overall health

These days, shelters go to great lengths to ensure that their pets are well-groomed and free of fleas, ticks and ear mites. Many shelters also work with animal behaviourists who volunteer their time to ensure that pets are well socialized, as this gives them a better chance of overcoming the stresses of the shelter environment and ultimately of being adopted.

Many animals that end up in shelters have had a rough time and may not have glossy coats as a result of being previously malnourished. Don't let this deter you. Proper food and a loving, stress-free home can often turn around a dull coat.

Animals with special needs

Many animals with physical disabilities, medical problems or behavioral issues end up in shelters, too. Caring for a special needs pet can be very rewarding experience. Before you undertake this extra responsibility, talk to your veterinarian about what is involved with the pet's care to ensure you can afford the additional expenses and time commitments you may encounter. Also, never undertake this responsibility unless there is someone at home full-time.

Get to know the animals one-on-one

There may be several animals that get your attention at the shelter. Ask a volunteer to arrange for you to spend some time with each animal separately in one of the shelter's hospitality rooms.

These private areas are often away from the shelter activity and noise and the one-on-one time gives you both a chance to interact. For animals that are stressed and cower in their cages, a visit will give them an opportunity to come out of their shell a little bit and slowly begin to react to you. Remember, be patient.

If you think you have found the perfect dog or cat to become your newest family member, arrange for the shelter to put them on hold so you can arrange to bring your children to visit. It's important to explain to kids to sit quietly and observe and initiate games slowly. This gives the animal an opportunity to inspect them, too.

The paperwork

Once you have made your decision, the shelter will require you to fill out adoption forms, which can be lengthy. Expect questions about:

  • Where do you live?
  • Do you have a suitable outdoor area for a dog?
  • For cats, expect the shelter to request that you guarantee in writing that the cat will have an indoor-only lifestyle.
  • The shelter also will want to know about other pets and people in the home.
  • Many shelters will require confirmation that all consenting adults in the home agree to the adoption. They are looking after the animal's best interests and ensuring the pet is going to a loving, forever home.

Pet adoption fees

Adoption fees vary from shelter to shelter. They cover the cost of any medical care the pet may have received as well as the spay/neuter operation, if not previously done, vaccinations and deworming.

Another reason for an adoption fee is because shelters believe a monetary commitment helps people to underline the responsibility of pet parenting and the promise to give a pet a good home.

Home inspections

Many rescues will not release a pet into your care before they have made a home inspection to confirm it's a safe and clean environment. This is because they take entrusting a pet into your care very seriously and want the best situation for that pet to thrive and be safe.

While adopting a pet is a commitment, it's also important to inquire about the shelter's return policy, just in case things don't work out.

Most shelters provide you with as much information as they can about your new pet (you'll receive more if the pet was owner relinquished). This also will include a health assessment from a veterinarian. Additionally, you'll likely receive a few supplies and a sample of the food the pet is currently eating. Be sure to use this food and slowly transition to any new food. This will help prevent upset stomach and intestinal distress. You can always transition slowly to another brand or formula later. For the same reasons, don't rush to change the brand of cat litter. Again, when the time is right, make it a slow transition.

Acclimating your new pup or cat to your home

The next big step on your journey will be getting your new pet comfortable in their new home. Don’t be discouraged if this takes a while. Some experts say it is helpful to remember the “3-3-3 rule” when adopting a new pet, which states that it takes roughly 3 days for a new pet to calm down, 3 weeks for them to adapt to their environment, and 3 months for your new pet to build trust with you. Learn more about how to help your new pet adjust on every step of their journey with Petco:

Final thoughts

Whatever route you decide to take to adopt, know that adopting a pet is a big responsibility, as well as a wonderful way to help a deserving animal find a forever home. When you do finally adopt, Petco has all the supplies you need to help keep your new family member happy and healthy.

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