Adoption Procedures

Click here to see animals that are currently available for adoption at the VBSPCA.

Here is what you can expect while visiting the VBSPCA

1. Upon arrival at our shelter, you can request to visit with cats or dogs or small animals, or all of the above. 
2. You’ll visit the animal area(s) to view the available animals. 

Visiting Animals

• Walk through the animal areas and see if there is any animal you would like to meet.
• Let a staff member know which animal(s) you are interested in visiting. They will escort you to a visiting room.

Getting Assistance & Asking Questions

• Our staff members are available to answer any questions you have about the animals.
• If you decide you would like to adopt, a staff member will help you complete the adoption application.

Once you have submitted your application, you will have 48 hours to fulfill all adopter requirements as listed below:

• • If you own your home, we will verify your home ownership. If you rent, you need to make sure there are no animal type, breed, and/or size restrictions that would prevent you from taking your adopted pet home. You should provide us with a copy of the pet policy for your rental or the website address where the policy is clearly listed. If your rental property requires any additional paperwork, it is your responsibility to provide that to us.
  • If you have pets, you must provide proof of current FVRCP and Rabies vaccines (for cats), and current DHPP and Rabies vaccines, heartworm test and heartworm prevention (for dogs). Bordetella is not required but highly recommended for your current dog.
  • We encourage all household members to visit with the animal before adoption. In some cases, we may require ALL household members to visit with the animal before we finalize the adoption. 
  • For those who already have a dog at home, we invite you to request a dog-to-dog introduction at the shelter if you would like one. This involves you bringing in your current dog to meet your desired adoptable dog to see how they interact. In some cases, we may require you to have a dog-to-dog introduction before we can finalize the adoption.

Please note that all animals adopted from the VBSPCA will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. 

The VBSPCA allows for out-of-state adoptions but reserves the right to deny out-of-state applicants if it is in the best interest of the animal. Please note that any dogs who are undergoing heartworm treatment at the time of adoption must remain within a 75 mile radius of the VBSPCA during the treatment process.

While we can sometimes accommodate same-day adoptions, in most cases we will ask you to make an appointment to finalize your adoption once you have submitted all required documents.

When you come for your adoption appointment, you must have a collar and leash for your adopted dog/puppy or a collar and carrier for your adopted cat/kitten that you will use to take them home. If you are adopting a small animal, you should have an enclosure at home suitable to the animal type and size, and you should bring a non-cardboard, breathable container to collect your new pet.

What to Bring With You to Facilitate the Adoption Process

• Valid Photo ID
• If you rent: A copy of the pet policy for your rental so we can talk through any potential obstacles to taking your pet home.
• If you have other pets: Proof of current vaccinations and your veterinarian’s name and phone number.