About Pet Adoption | The Shelter Pet Project

Are all animal shelters the same?

There are three kinds of adoption organizations: municipal animal shelters, private humane societies and SPCAs and rescue organizations. The first two are “brick and mortar” facilities; rescue groups are volunteer organizations that care for the pets in their homes.

What does it cost to adopt from a shelter or rescue?

Generally speaking, fees range between $25 and $250. Sometimes pets are free if there is a special promotion going on; occasionally they will cost more.

How long does the adoption process take?

The adoption process can take minutes, more than an hour or even longer. It all depends on the type of organization and the adoption policies of that organization.

Learn more about places to adopt >

Oscar
Oscar was friendly when we met him at the shelter, but since he has been with us, he has become my personal . . .
See Full Story >

Shasta
Shasta was at a Shasta County shelter for 3 weeks and her time was up - she was scheduled for euthanasia . . .
See Full Story >

Bruno
Bruno is the star of our family! He is so affectionate and loves to sleep or take naps snuggled up next . . .
See Full Story >
Francis
Quite unexpectedly, Francis forever transformed me into a "cat person." Picked up as a stray . . .
See Full Story >

Mickey
He is really special to me because he is just a sweetheart. We got him when our old dog had passed away . . .
See Full Story >

Bailey
Bailey was a love from the very first time he walked in to our house. It was his "sleepover" . . .
See Full Story >
Godric
Godric's affection is endless. Whether he's giving you a massage 'kitty-style' or curled . . .
See Full Story >

Jewel
Jewel was my best friend! She met me at the door every day and insisted on sleeping on our bed every . . .
See Full Story >

Cricket
She was too little to be put in with the general population, so we found her playing with a shred of newspaper, . . .
See Full Story >
Chooey
Chooey is unlike any other. Sometimes I'm not even sure if she's really a dog. She stretches . . .
See Full Story >

Jub Jub
Jub Jub is the toast of the neighborhood, which is no surprise, because she is the friendliest pup you'll . . .
See Full Story >

Tucker
Tucker is a treasure found. He is grateful for every hug and rub he gets. He arrived at our house having . . .
See Full Story >
Annie
We first met Annie as a scared young adult cat while volunteering at the shelter. We just couldn't . . .
See Full Story >

Nettie Bella
I adpoted my Nettie Bella from a shelter in Chicago on my 19th birthday. My mother and I where looking . . .
See Full Story >

Neko and Dobie
Dobie and Neko both have the "funniest" personalities. They make us laugh every single day. . . .
See Full Story >
Dutch
Each and every morning we wake up to the "Dutch Butt Shuffle" because he's just so darn . . .
See Full Story >

Grettlebeans aka Snappy McVickars
Greta is a total clown. We believe she is a black and tan coonhound mix as she has on a rare occasion . . .
See Full Story >

Lacy
Lacy is special because she keeps me company. She waits for me by the front door when I come home after . . .
See Full Story >
Charlie
Charlie (formerly Brayden) is a very special little guy with a big heart. He's adjusting to his new home . . .
See Full Story >

Gracie
Truly the Adopt a Dog Ambassador...what a shy, demure, little lady. I lost my other 2 doxies 7 yrs ago; . . .
See Full Story >

Sol
Despite abandonment, clear signs of prior abuse, and a surprising diagnosis of early stage renal failure . . .
See Full Story >