The adoption process at Best Friends is simple. Browse our adoptable pets online. Our team will meet with you to understand what you are looking for, answer any questions, and introduce you to animals you are interested in. We'll share all the information we have about them to help you make the best decision. You'll then complete an adoption survey, go over and sign some paperwork, and you'll bring your new pet home!

Adoption fees for adult dogs are $100 (puppies 6 months and under are $150) and for adult cats are $100 (kittens 6 months and under are $150). Fees cover spay/neuter, vaccinations, a microchip, and a health check. We offer ongoing promotions, including waived fees for senior pets (7+ years old), 20% discounts for veterans and military, and two-for-one kitten adoptions.

To adopt a pet from a Best Friends location, you must be 18 years or older. Start with the adoption survey so we can learn what kind of pet fits your home.

Yes, renters can adopt! We encourage you to check your lease or speak to your landlord about your wish to provide a loving home for a pet in need.

The adoption process can vary. Same-day adoptions are sometimes possible.

Yes! We encourage you to do so. Contact us to set up a time to meet the pets you’re interested in and bring your family. Our staff can help you find the right fit.

We want every adoption to be successful. If issues arise, contact the Best Friends location where the pet was adopted. We can provide support, training resources, and behavior guidance to help. We have a lifetime return policy — we’ll always take your pet back, no judgment. We want what’s best for both you and the pet. Find pet care resources for training and behavior support.

Foster-to-adopt is available at some Best Friends locations and is a great way to make sure a particular pet is a good fit for your home before making a bigger commitment. During the foster period, we'll provide all the supplies and support you need. Contact us to ask whether we offer it here, or learn more about our foster program.

Yes, all adopted animals are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered (included in the adoption fee) before going home. If a dog or cat is too young for surgery at the time of adoption, we'll schedule the service at one of our clinics or provide a spay/neuter voucher to be used when the pet reaches the appropriate age.

We want to ensure every adoption is successful and encourage you to call or email us any time. We can offer behavior and training tips, along with pet care advice, and direct you to comprehensive online guides and other Best Friends resources. Some locations even offer post-adoption check-ins. Please don't hesitate to contact us — we're here to support both you and your pet. Explore our pet care resources for guides on behavior, training, and more.

Yes, we have adoptable animals of all breeds and mixes, and you can easily search our site by breed, size, age, and other characteristics. Breed listings are our best estimate, not a guarantee, since many pets are mixes. We’d also encourage you to consider the personality and needs of the particular animal. At Best Friends, we believe that all dogs are individuals, and for that reason, we do not support breed-specific legislation. Our adoption counselors are there to help ensure a great match is made, based on your lifestyle and household.

Only you can decide if you are ready to adopt.  Best Friends adoption counselors are here to share information, answer questions, help you be prepared to bring an animal home, and can help you figure out which pet might be right for you. Learn how to choose the right pet or explore our pet care resources.