The adoption process at Best Friends is simple and straightforward. Browse our adoptable pets online or drop into one of our locations. Our team will meet with you to understand what you are looking for, answer any questions, facilitate interactions with animals you are interested in, and share all the information we have about the animals 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. Check your local Best Friends center or the Sanctuary for current fees and special offers. Adoption fees support our lifesaving work.

To adopt a pet from a Best Friends location, you must be 18 years or older. Our goal is to help those with a loving home looking to adopt a pet to find the right fit for them. Start your adoption survey.

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 by location and other factors, but Best Friends tries to make the experience as streamlined as possible while ensuring great matches for both people and pets.

Yes! We encourage you to do so! When you adopt from a Best Friends location, a network partner, or one of the many shelters and rescue groups around the country, you're not only adding a loyal and loving companion to your family; you're also helping to save lives by making room for even more animals. Visit our locations to meet animals in person, spend time with your potential new pet, ask questions, and bring family members. Our adoption counselors will help you find the right match for your lifestyle and home.

We want every adoption to be successful. If issues arise, contact us first. We can provide support, training resources, and behavior guidance to help. We have a lifetime return policy — we'll always take your pet back. If you are unable or unwilling to care for an animal adopted from Best Friends, contact the Best Friends location where the pet was adopted. This is a no-judgment approach. 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. Please contact your local Best Friends location to find out whether the foster-to-adopt option is offered, 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 with questions at any time. We can offer behavior and training tips, along with pet care advice, as well as 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.

We have adoptable animals of all breeds and mixes, and you can easily search our site by breed, size, age, and other characteristics. At Best Friends, we believe that all dogs are individuals, and for that reason, we do not support breed-specific legislation. The important criteria to consider when adopting are the personality and needs of the particular animal. 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 assist with helping identify which pet might make a great match! Learn how to choose the right pet or explore our pet care resources.