ADOPT FAQ

Adopt Fees

Pet Adoption Centers are open Wednesday – Sunday, 11am-3pm. Come by and meet your Friend for Life! Save time by filling out an application ahead of time.

Dogs & Puppies

Cats & Kittens

Small Animals

  • $155: Dog Adoption (4 months-5 years)
  • $140: Underdog (6 years & older)
  • $30 Off Bonded Pair: Reduced Fee for Adopting Bonded Dog Pair
  • $255: Puppy Adoption (3 months & younger)
  • $125: Cat Adoption (2 months-5 years)
  • $115: Undercat (6 years & older)
  • $220 ($110 each): Purrfect Pair (2 cats or kittens)
  • $40: Rabbit Adoption
  • $15: Rats & Hamsters
  • $15: Guinea Pigs
  • $10: Parakeets
  • Varies: Other Animals

Adoption Fee Includes:

  • Spay/neuter surgery (dogs, cats, & rabbits)
  • Pain management medication (rabbits only)
  • Age and species-appropriate current vaccinations and microchip (registration not included)
  • Health examination by spcaLA medical staff
  • Certificate for free health examination by participating VCA Animal Hospital
  • No enrollment fee for Trupanion pet insurance*

Are you an adopter 60 years of age or up? Speak to your adoption counselor. You may qualify for a reduced adoption fee thanks to a grant from Pets For the Elderly.

Please note: adoption fees may vary based on adoption specials, subsidies, breed appearance, length of stay, and other factors. Additional fees may apply for medication, e-collars and spay/neuter deposit.

Requirements

Don’t Leave Home Without:

  • Proof of address.
  • Valid, government-issued identification.
  • Copy of lease/HOA agreement that states you may have pets and/or property manager contact information.
  • Payment (spcaLA accepts cash, debit/credit cards, mobile pay).
  • Family members to meet new pets.
  • Adequate time and patience! The adoption process can take 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete an application and speak with an spcaLA Adoption Counselor.

Please Be Advised:

  • Companion animals are adopted out to be companions, who will live safely indoors as members of the family.
  • Adoptions are done a first-come, first-serve basis. Submitting an application does not hold or reserve an animal, or guarantee adoption. If several parties present express their interest in the same pet simultaneously, spcaLA will enter them into a “lottery” and begin the adoption process with the first name drawn. Please note: we are unable to verify arrival time prior to our opening. As such, if multiple groups arrive for the same animal prior to opening time, and express interest in the same pet, spcaLA will use the lottery system regardless of place in line.
  • Once an adoption application is approved, you will be required to bring current family pets to meet the new pet. This rule always applies to dogs and sometimes to cats. Please be prepared to show proof of current vaccines for your resident pet(s).
  • If an animal has NOT been spayed or neutered, they will not typically be released until after the surgery has been performed. If a pet is released prior to spay/neuter, the adopter will pay a spay/neuter deposit.
  • Additional fees may apply for medication, e-collars, and spay/neuter deposit.
  • spcaLA reserves the right to refuse service to anyone and may deny adoptions at their discretion.

Common Questions About Adopting

Adding a new member to your family is a lifetime commitment.

Please be sure this is the right decision for you.

Adoption Partners

Shelter pets’ breeds and ages are characterizations based on appearance, and are not meant to indicate or guarantee lifespan, temperament, disposition, lineage or actual breed.

*Terms and conditions apply, ask your adoption counselor for more information.