The Adoption Process

Finding your new best friend at the RVSPCA

You have an empty spot in your heart and home that only a pet can fill.  Maybe you've visited the Animal Gallery on the RVSPCA website or seen some of our pets posted on Petfinder.com or other websites.  What's the next step to finding the perfect pet for your home?

Meet the pets in person...
Visit the RVSPCA and you will find volunteer adoption counselors and staff eager to help you find your new best friend.  You will want to allow yourself ample time to look at all available animals and learn as much as possible about the one(s) that may be appropriate for your lifestyle.

Once you have chosen the pet that you can’t live without, there are a few other things you must consider before making a final decision. If you have children, other family members or other pets in your home, they all should be given the opportunity to come in and meet the pet you have chosen. Also give consideration to your home environment. Is it “pet friendly”? Purchasing the basics, such as a crate of appropriate size, leashes, collars and food and water dishes will make your new pet’s arrival much easier on everyone.

The paperwork...
If everyone involved is in agreement, you will need to fill out an application for your new pet..  Please click CAT, if you wish to adopt a cat or kitten.  Please click DOG if you wish to adopt a dog or puppy.  Please click SMALL CRITTER if the pet you wish to adopt is a guinea pig, rabbit, hamster, bird, or other type of small furry creature.  The application can be printed, completed, and brought to the shelter before you come in to meet your new best friend, or you can complete the application at the shelter.  Adopters must be 18 years of age or older and provide the RVSPCA with photo identification showing current address. Adoption fees may be paid in cash, debit or credit card (VISA or MasterCard).

Our front desk attendant will then review your application. If you rent an apartment or house, we will need you to provide us with a copy of your lease agreement that clearly states any pet policies. Also, should any adoption counseling (further discussion of the animal’s needs, your expectations, etc.) be deemed necessary, a member of our staff or a volunteer adoption counselor is available to assist you.

About your new pet...
All pets available for adoption have been examined by our staff veterinarian and treated for any health issues. They have been tested for canine/feline diseases, spayed or neutered, received routine vaccinations (including rabies), been microchipped, and have received a heavy dose of love and attention from all of our staff and volunteers. An additional bonus effective November 1, 2007, all RVSPCA adopted pets are eligible for 30 days Pet Health Insurance for only $5 to help with unexpected health-related expenses. The policy is renewable after that initial period.

The cost...
After paying the adoption fee and pending the approval of your application, you may take your new pet home immediately. Adoption fees are as follows: Puppies (under 6 months of age: $120.00, Dogs (over 6 months of age): $90.00, Kittens (under 6 months of age): $90.00 and Cats (over 6 months of age): $70.00.