Before you begin the process of adopting a new animal companion, take some time to think about the commitment you are making and ask yourself if this is the right time for you to adopt.  Any animal - dog, cat, rabbit, rat or parakeet - requires your time and attention. They all need some level of training, handling and socialization. Make sure you know the needs of a particular type of animal and decide if you will be able to care for the animal for its entire life. Remember, the average lifespan for many animals can be 12-14 years or more. The library is an excellent place to start researching the different types of animals and their care requirements.

Once you have done your research and your search begins, try to look at every animal as having potential. When you find one that you like, try to define what attracts you to this particular animal (personality, the breed, etc.).  If you already have animals at home, be sure to consider them when looking for an additional companion. For instance, your 15-year-old dog may not appreciate a high-energy puppy.  And remember – don't be in a hurry. Finding the right companion animal can take a lot of time.

Adopting an Animal from the Placer SPCA

1.     Please visit us during our normal shelter hours.  You will have the opportunity to walk through our adoption rooms to view available animals for adoption.  We recommend bringing all family members who reside in the home where the new companion animal may be adopted.  This will help ensure that all family members agree and are comfortable with the animal.

2.     Everything we know about the animals in our care will be written down on cards hanging on their kennel.  Our staff and volunteers interact with the animals daily and are able to provide additional information regarding their disposition, energy-level, training status, etc.  Be sure to look on both sides of all paperwork. Each animal that is available has been health and temperament evaluated, which should assist you in your decision making.

3.     Once you have identified an animal you are interested in adopting, you will need to complete a Matchmaker Questionnaire, which will help us and yourself understand your wants and needs with regard to adopting and caring for a new companion animal.  You may also download and bring a completed copy of the questionnaire in with you when you visit our shelter.  Select the appropriate questionnaire below:
a. Dogs
b. Cats
c. Critters/Exotic Animals

4.     The Placer SPCA will keep your completed Matchmaker Questionnaire on file for a period of three months.  After which time, we will need for you to complete a new questionnaire.  We also ask that you make amendments or complete a new questionnaire as your situation changes (e.g. new family member, change of address, etc.)

5.     An adoption counselor will review your completed questionnaire with you at the front desk and help you determine whether or not the animal is appropriate for your situation.  If the animal seems to be a perfect fit for your lifestyle, the adoption counselor will arrange for you to socialize with the animal in a private room or in one of the play yards. 

6.     If after socializing with the animal you are interested in proceeding with the adoption, you will be asked to complete the adoption at the front counter.  Please note: some animals will require an additional socialization with the current animals in your care.  If this is the case, you will be offered the opportunity to place an animal on hold for a period of no more than 24 hours.  A $10 non-refundable deposit is assessed at the time of hold.  Should you adopt the animal you placed on hold, this $10 fee will not be applied to your adoption. 

7.     Our adoption prices change periodically. Click here to see a list of our current adoption fees.  All adoption fees include a cursory veterinary examination, pet tag and collar, vaccinations, microchip and spay or neuter surgery, if necessary.

8.     If you have chosen a pet that is already spayed or neutered, you may take him or her home at the time of adoption. Otherwise, a surgery appointment will be scheduled. We will call to tell you when and at which veterinary office you can pick up your new companion. State law requires that no animal be released from our care until they are spayed or neutered first.

P.S. Once everyone is settled in, we would love for you to send us a picture of your new friend in your home!