How to Adopt a Pet at SPCA

Know what to expect at SPCA

If you are interested in adopting a pet from your local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), knowing the requirements prior to arrival can make the adoption process quicker and easier, according to the aspca.org website. Armed with the right materials, you will be ready to answer application questions completely, provide the SPCA with necessary documentation and possibly bring your new pet home within a few hours. Although the adoption process varies based upon state and location, you can still prepare in advance to adopt a pet from your local SPCA.

Things You'll Need

• Assessment or survey
• Adoption application
• Personal references with telephone numbers
• Proof of current residence or lease
• Valid photo identification
• Payment for fees

Instructions

1. Complete a short assessment or survey upon arrival. This information helps the SPCA staff match you with an animal that is suited for your lifestyle.

2. Walk through the shelter with a staff member to see the available animals.

3. Get to know any individual animals that you are interested in adopting. Spend time with those animals, one-on-one, in the animal shelter's playrooms or dog run.

4. Fill out the SPCA adoption application. Depending upon the shelter, requirements may include one or two personal references with telephone numbers, proof of current residence or a copy of your lease if you rent your home. Some shelters require veterinary records for other pets in your household, according to mdspca.org.

5. Provide valid photo identification, such as a driver's license. Some SPCA locations require more than one form of identification.

6. Speak with an adoption counselor about the adoption and the animal you have chosen to adopt. This is sometimes referred to as an "interview".

7. Pay the required fees. Fees are used to cover the cost of spaying or neutering, vaccinations, registration and general care for incoming animals, according to aspca.org.

8. Bring home your new pet the same day, provided the animal you choose is ready for adoption. The animal must be spayed or neutered and approved for adoption by the shelter's veterinarian.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your local SPCA to find out exactly what materials and information are required for pet adoption.

• You may be able to view pictures of adoptable pets and download an adoption application from your local animal shelter's website.

• Bring all members of your household to the shelter to meet your new pet before you bring it home.

• You must be 18 years old or over to adopt a pet from SPCA.

• If you find that the animal you adopt is not the right match for you, the shelter requests that you bring the animal back, regardless of how much time you have spent with the pet, according to aspca.org.

References

• ASPCA: NYC Adoptions FAQ
• ASPCA: Three Easy Steps to Adoption
• Maryland SPCA: How to Adopt

Resources

• ASPCA.org: Find a Shelter