The Adoption Process
The timeline varies by shelter and situation. Some adoptions can be completed same-day, while others may take 1-2 weeks. Factors that affect timing include the shelter's application review process, required home checks, whether the pet needs to be spayed/neutered first, and your own schedule for visits.
On average, expect the process to take 3-7 days from application to bringing your pet home.
Most adoption applications ask about your living situation (own or rent, house or apartment, yard access), household members (including children and other pets), your experience with pets, your work schedule, and your plans for the pet's care.
Some shelters may also require landlord approval if you rent, veterinary references if you've had pets before, and personal references.
Yes! Many renters successfully adopt pets. You'll typically need to provide proof that your landlord allows pets, which might include a copy of your lease showing pet policies or written permission from your landlord.
Be aware of any breed, size, or number restrictions in your lease. Some shelters can provide a letter confirming the pet's breed and size to help with landlord approval.
While policies vary, most shelters strongly encourage (or require) at least one in-person visit before finalizing an adoption. This gives you a chance to interact with the pet and make sure it's a good fit.
If you have other pets, many shelters offer "meet and greet" sessions where your current pet can meet the potential new family member in a controlled environment.
Costs & Fees
Adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, location, and animal. Typical ranges are:
Dogs: $50-$500, with puppies often at the higher end
Cats: $25-$200
Small animals: $10-$100
These fees usually include spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, microchipping, and sometimes a starter kit of supplies.
Most adoption fees include: spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip and registration, deworming treatment, flea/tick treatment, and a basic health examination.
Some organizations also include: a collar and ID tag, a bag of food, a voucher for a free vet visit, and behavioral support resources.
Beyond the adoption fee, budget for these ongoing expenses:
Food: $20-$100/month depending on size
Routine vet care: $200-$500/year
Flea/tick/heartworm prevention: $100-$300/year
Grooming: $30-$100 per visit (varies by breed)
Pet insurance: $30-$70/month (optional but recommended)
Supplies, toys, treats: $50-$200/year
Also set aside an emergency fund of $1,000-$2,000 for unexpected vet bills.
About the Pets
Reputable shelters provide medical care for all animals in their care. Before adoption, pets typically receive a health examination, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and treatment for any parasites.
That said, some pets may come with known health conditions — shelters are required to disclose these. Always ask for the pet's complete medical history and schedule a vet visit within the first week of adoption.
The vast majority of shelter pets are there through no fault of their own. Common reasons include: owner lifestyle changes (moving, divorce, new baby), financial hardship, owner illness or death, landlord restrictions, and strays found without identification.
While some pets may have behavioral challenges, these are often the result of lack of training or previous neglect — not inherent problems. Many shelters work with behaviorists to address issues before adoption.
Yes! About 25% of shelter dogs are purebred. You can also find breed-specific rescue organizations dedicated to particular breeds. Our search filters let you filter by breed to find exactly what you're looking for.
Keep in mind that mixed breeds often have fewer genetic health problems and can make wonderful companions with unique personalities.
Puppies/Kittens: Adorable and moldable, but require significant time for training, socialization, and supervision. Best for those with flexible schedules and patience for the "teenage" phase.
Adults (1-7 years): Often already trained and past destructive phases. What you see is what you get personality-wise. Great for most families.
Seniors (7+ years): Usually calm and grateful. May have more medical needs but often overlooked. Perfect for quieter households or first-time owners wanting an easier transition.
After Adoption
Most reputable shelters and rescues have return policies and prefer you return the pet to them rather than rehoming on your own. There's typically no penalty for returns, though adoption fees are usually non-refundable.
Before giving up, reach out to the shelter — many offer post-adoption support, behavioral consultations, and resources that might help resolve issues. Give it at least 2-4 weeks for initial adjustment.
The "3-3-3 rule" provides a helpful framework:
First 3 days: Your pet may be overwhelmed, scared, or shut down. Don't expect much.
First 3 weeks: Your pet starts to settle in, learns routines, and shows more of their personality. Some behavioral issues may emerge.
First 3 months: Your pet feels at home and their true personality fully emerges. You've built trust and established a bond.
Many do! Support can include: behavioral helplines, training class discounts, veterinary vouchers, Facebook groups or community forums, follow-up wellness checks, and resources for common challenges.
Ask about available support before you adopt. A good shelter wants your adoption to succeed and will help you through challenges.
💡 Still Have Questions?
Every adoption is unique. Don't hesitate to ask the shelter staff any questions — they know their animals best and want to help you find the right match. You can also use our AI Matching tool to find pets that fit your specific situation.