The adoption fees that we collect help us provide food, shelter, important medical care and inoculations for the animals.Each adoption fee includes the following for your new pet (retail value is approximately $400):Cost of spaying and neuteringInitial vaccinesMicrochip implant (all animals)FeLV/FIV Combo Test (cats only)Heartworm Test (dogs only)Parvovirus testing on puppies (if needed)Rabies vaccineFlea and Tick PreventionMonthly Parasite PreventionThe adoption fee does not include the cost to license your new pet (required for  County residents). You can buy the license at the shelter when you adopt.

Occasionally a community cat cannot be returned to their colony. When this is the case, MCAW will sometimes designate these cats as “working cats.” Since they’re not ideal pets, we put them to work in local businesses doing what they do best. A working cat deters vermin, such as rodents. They are commonly employed where pest control is needed: in working farms, factories, warehouses, stores, churchyards, and private property. Cats that qualify for the Working Cat Program are: social, but too feisty interacting with people and thrive by having “work” to do; shy or fearful of people and prefer the company of other cats and animals; cats whose litterbox habits make them unsuitable to live indoors (and for whom medical issues have been ruled out). We do not adopt out cats as Working Cats if they are suitable to be household companions. Working Cats are a safe alternative to toxic pesticides; plus, they’re less expensive and more effective. We require that working cats be placed in teams of two. MCAW will assist with the selection of the cats. Contact us at adoptions@mymanatee.org. if you are interested in the Working Cat Program. You are also welcome to come by the Palmetto Adoption Center during hours of operation. We will review the following guidelines with the adopter: process for integrating the community cat to the property; feeding and providing water to the cats; providing vet care when necessary. Working Cats are housed in a suitable crate or kennel for 2-3 weeks before being released onto the property where they will live. This ensures that the cats understand that the property is where they should stay and where reliable food can be found. Working Cats do not have an adoption fee. Microchips are registered to the adopter or to the name of the business associated with the adoption. If you have any questions or concerns about the Working Cat Program, please don’t hesitate to call us. Our Adoption Support Team is here to help. You can reach us at (941) 742-5933.

Here is the process for adopting a pet: Step 1: Prepare for your new pet Just like any of life's big events, the first step involved with adopting a pet is to properly prepare for your new furry friend. One way to begin this step is to make a list of everything and everyone that your new pet will come in contact with, be affected by and/or have an effect on. We suggest you: Contact your landlord or homeowners association regarding any pet policy or restrictions. Prepare your home by setting up its bed, food & water bowls, etc... ahead of time. Bring in all family members and/or roommates that will come in contact with your new pet. If adopting a dog, bring in any current resident dogs for an initial meet and greet. (Visiting pets must be up-to-date with their vaccinations.) Be prepared to spend at least one hour with a counselor to process the adoption. Step 2: Finding your new pet All of our adoptable pets can be seen online by clicking on the type of pet you would like to adopt. When you are ready make your way down to one of our locations and come inside our adoption center. The next step is to begin looking for your perfect match. An adoption counselor will help guide you through our facility and introduce you to our available pets. Step 3: Get to know each other Once you find a pet that you are considering to adopt, you will be asked to complete a brief adopter profile. Your counselor will meet with you to discuss your adopter profile, the pet’s history and background (if known), tell you a little about its personality and then give you a chance to spend time with the animal. Step 4: Making it official Once you are confident that you have found the right pet, the counselor will assist you by processing the adoption paperwork and updating the pet's microchip registration records. You will receive a packet of important documents containing a welcome sheet, training tips, records of the pet's history and vaccinations, coupons, and other helpful paperwork. Once you get home, remember to set an appointment with a veterinarian for your pet’s next round of vaccinations (as needed) and a general wellness exam. If you have any questions, issues or concerns about your pet once you get home, please don’t hesitate to email us. Our Adoption Support Team is here to help. Email us at adoptions@mymanatee.org.

Your pets must be licensed in Manatee County. Your pet (dog, cat or ferret) requires a yearly rabies vaccination and County license and failure to obtain this registration could result in fines as high as $1,000. Purchasing a license is not just the law, it is like taking out an insurance policy – if your pet ever gets lost, it can help ensure they’ll find their way home.

The standard pet adoption fees are: Dogs/Puppies: $50 Cats: $25 Kittens: $50 The Seniors for Seniors Program pairs adopters aged 55 or older with a 7 year-old or older pet for a reduced $10 adoption fee. Military, Veterans and First Responders will have adoption fees waived with ID. Adoption fees are waived for animals residing at the shelter for longer than 60 days. Every Tuesday is Half Price Tuesday, where all adoption fees are 50% off. Manatee County residents are required to license their new pet for an additional $20, regardless of the price of adoption.