Adopt a Pet

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Pet adoptions are processed on a first come basis. It's possible that an animal listed may already be adopted when you visit the shelter. If you are interested in adopting a pet, please first fill out the online adoption application, which is where you can then make an appointment to visit the shelter. Please email [email protected] for general inquiries or with the animal ID number to find out the current status of a pet.

Standard Adoption Fees

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.

Note: Regardless of adoption fee, Manatee County residents will still need to pay for a pet license.

What the Adoption Fees Include

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 neutering
  • Initial vaccines
  • Microchip implant (all animals)
  • FeLV/FIV Combo Test (cats only)
  • Heartworm Test (dogs only)
  • Parvovirus testing on puppies (if needed)
  • Rabies vaccine
  • Flea and Tick Prevention
  • Monthly Parasite Prevention

The adoption fee does not include the cost to license your new pet (required for Mantee County residents). You can buy the license at the shelter when you adopt.

View Adoptable Pets

Use the buttons below to select the type of pet: dogs, cats or other (rabbits and pocket pets), or use the links below to view in a new window and sort by name.

Steps for Adopting a Pet

Step 1: Preparing 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: How to find your new best friend

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 (if available) 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,  return to the reception center where you will be asked to complete a brief adopter profile sheet. 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.  We will  notify Homeagain that you are the pet's new owner.  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.

In most cases you can take your new pet home with you the same day you come in.  If the pet has not been sterilized or received a rabies vaccine, it will be sent to the vet for pick up as soon as the next business day.

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 [email protected].