Adoption Procedures

Click here to see animals that are currently available for adoption at the VBSPCA.

Here is what you can expect during the VBSPCA adoption process:

1. Upon arrival at our shelter, you can request to visit with cats or dogs or small animals, or all of the above. 
2. You’ll visit the animal area(s), view the available animals, and you can ask questions of our staff. 
3. If you are interested in adopting an animal and would like to learn more, please speak with our staff. They can show you to one of our visiting rooms to interact with the animal, ask questions, and see if he or she is a good fit for you and your home. 
4. If you decide that you want to adopt the animal, let a staff member know and they will assist you with the application process.
5. Once you have submitted your application, you will have 48 hours to fulfill all adopter requirements as listed below:
   • If you rent, you need to make sure there are no animal type, breed, and/or size restrictions that would prevent you from taking your adopted pet home. You should provide us with a copy of the pet policy for your rental or the website address where the policy is clearly listed. If your rental property requires any additional paperwork, it is your responsibility to provide that to us.
   • If you have pets, you must provide proof of current FVRCP and Rabies vaccines (for cats), and current DHPP and Rabies vaccines, heartworm test and heartworm prevention (for dogs). Bordetella is not required but highly recommended for your current dog.
   • We encourage all household members to visit with the animal before adoption. In some cases, we may require ALL household members to visit with the animal before we finalize the adoption. 
   • For those who already have a dog at home, we invite you to request a dog-to-dog introduction at the shelter if you want one. This involves you bringing in your current dog to meet your desired adoptable dog to see how they interact. In some cases, we may require you to have a dog-to-dog introduction before we can finalize the adoption.
6. Please note that all animals adopted from the VBSPCA will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. If the pet you are adopting has not yet been spayed/neutered, we will place the pet into your custody through what we call a “foster to adopt” arrangement until the procedure has been completed. We can only facilitate these unique “foster to adopt” arrangements with adopters who live within a 75 mile radius of the VBSPCA.
7. Please note that any dogs adopted who are undergoing heartworm treatment must remain within a 75 mile radius of the VBSPCA during the treatment process.
8. While we can sometimes accommodate same-day adoptions, in most cases we will ask you to make an appointment to finalize your adoption once you have submitted all required documents.
9. When you come for your adoption appointment: You must have a collar and leash for your adopted dog/puppy or a collar and carrier for your adopted cat/kitten that you will use to take them home. You may bring these items with you, or you can purchase them at the VBSPCA Pet Retail Store at the shelter. All proceeds from the store go to support our animals. If you are adopting a small animal, you should have an enclosure at home suitable to the animal type and size, and you should bring a non-cardboard, breathable container to collect your new pet.

What to Bring With You to Facilitate the Adoption Process

• Valid Photo ID
• If you rent: A copy of the pet policy for your rental so we can talk through any potential obstacles to taking your pet home.
• If you have other pets: Proof of current vaccinations and your veterinarian’s name and phone number.