There is no need to make an appointment before visiting our shelters. First, look through our website and get to know our available animals.
Para obtener información sobre nuestro proceso de adopción en español, haga clic aquí.
How to Adopt at the shelter
Visit our locations during open hours. No appointment necessary!
Meet the animals. Our Adoptions team will help you meet our animals and talk to you about their personality, behavior and medical history.
Fill out an Adoption Interest Form. This includes your contact information and a few questions. If you can’t take them home right away, you can put them on a 24-hour hold with a $100 deposit.
Complete paperwork. Provide an ID, pay the adoption fee, and sign the adoption agreement. Some adult animals are also eligible for a 3-day Foster-to-Adopt prior to completing the adoption.
Take your new family member home!
How to Adopt ANIMALS IN FOSTER HOMES
Some animals are in foster homes because they thrive better outside a shelter environment. They’re also waiting for their new families!
View our adoptable animals on the website. Animals in foster will say “In Foster” on their profile.
Fill out an Adoption Interest Form here. The form includes your contact information and a few questions.
Virtual Meet & Greet. Our adoption team will call you to talk to you about their behavior and medical history and to schedule a meet & greet with the foster home. The foster parent will show you their foster animal and answer any questions you may have about them.
Shelter Meet & Greet / Pick-Up. Our team will schedule you to pick up the animal at the shelter. Cats go straight home with you, but for dogs and rabbits you can do a meet-and-greet at the shelter first.
Complete paperwork. Adult animals are eligible for a 3-day Foster-to-Adopt prior to completing the adoption, but you can also choose to complete the adoption right away. To do that, you just need to provide an ID, pay the adoption fee, and sign the adoption agreement.
Take your new family member home!
Adoption Fees
+ Cats
- Under 6 months: $175
- 6 months - 5 years: $130
- 5+ years: $50
- Two-for-one discount: $240
+ Dogs
- Under 6 months: $300
- 6 months - 5 years: $175
- 5+ years: $75
+ Other
- Rabbits: $20
- Small Animals: $10
No Fee Adoptions
+ Pets for Vets
Adoption fees are waived for military veterans in accordance with the Pets for Vets Act. Valid military identification must be presented at the time of adoption. All adoption requirements will still apply.
+ Seniors for Seniors
Adoption fees are waived for adopters 60 years and older who adopt an animal that is 5 years or older.
Additional Fees
+ Carriers / Leashes
- Dog leash: $10
- Cardboard carrier: $10. All cats must leave the shelter in a carrier. Please bring your own carrier or purchase a cardboard carrier.
+ Hold deposit
- $100 for 24-hour holds for non-residents.
This deposit is non-refundable and will be applied toward your final adoption fee.
Rehomed pets from Adopt-a-pet
We’ve partnered with Adopt-A-Pet to feature more animals in your area looking for new homes. See available animals on Rehome.
Contact Us
Palo Alto Shelter
info@petsinneed.org
(650) 496-5971
Redwood City Shelter
info@petsinneed.org
(650) 367-1405