Our Adoption Process

What will happen when I come to the Shelter to look at adoptable animals?

Except for those in foster care off-site, all our adoptable animals can be viewed during normal business hours.  Visitors interested in spending time with specific animals are asked to fill out an adoption application and advise the client services staff as to which animals they want to meet.

Adoptions will be done on a first come first served basis. Applications sent via email will not be reviewed.

You may print and fill out an adoption application OR come to the Shelter to fill out an application. Please review our available animals and note on your application any animals you’re interested in meeting. Many of our adoptable animals are not at the Shelter, they are living in Foster homes! Because of this, you need an appointment to meet many of our adoptable animals. If you’re interested in adopting, please follow these steps:

  1. Review adoptable animals on our website. Write down your “top 3” that you would be interested in meeting.
  2. Visit the Shelter at 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz to submit your application and tell staff which animals you’re interested in meeting.
  3. Staff will talk with you about the animals you’re interested in and set up a meeting. If the animal is in the Shelter, you may be able to meet them that day. If they are in a Foster home, we will need to set up an appointment for a different day.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the adoption process here at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter:

  • Driver’s license or other current photo I.D.
  • If you rent, bring a copy of your lease and/or your landlord’s name and phone number.
  • If you own, be prepared to show proof of home ownership (deed or mortgage statement).
  • We recommend and may require any family or household members who will live with the pet be present.
  • We require any resident dog(s) in the household meet potential adoptive dog(s) at the shelter prior to adoption completion.

Allow at least one hour for meeting the pet and filling out paperwork. Adoption paperwork must be started at least one
hour before closing.

Adoption costs cover spay/neuter services, rabies vaccination (for dogs and cats 3 months of age and up), additional species-specific vaccination(s), deworming, a microchip, a dog license (Santa Cruz County residents dogs only), collar, leash, and a cardboard pet carrier (cats, rabbits, small animals). The adoption fee also covers any additional services and treatments that may have been provided on an as-needed basis for an individual animal, such as flea and/or tick preventative, additional surgical intervention(s), dental care, grooming, etc. Those services and treatments are provided at the discretion of veterinary and/or animal care staff. Adoption costs vary. Click here for the complete list of adoption fees.

We ask that all adopters be at least 21 years old.

Yes. Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open-admission shelter and never turns away an animal.