How to Adopt

Interested in adopting? As the only open intake shelter and animal care and control provider in Philadelphia, we always have many dogs and cats looking for homes!

Step 1

Take a look at the dogs and cats we have available for adoption!

Many dogs and cats are located at our shelter at 111 W Hunting Park Ave., Philadelphia, PA. We also have many dogs and cats in foster care looking for homes. We generally do not have puppies available for adoption, and primarily have large breed dogs.

You can also now fill out an application online in advance!

This will expedite the process as it allows us to have this information on hand when you arrive, as well as store it for the future!

Please note that filling out an application does not place any kind of hold on an animal, nor does it guarantee an adoption. You will not be contacted after filling out an application; it will only be used if you come to the shelter for an animal you are interested in. 

Step 2

Stop in today! No appointment needed to view animals up for adoption! 

For animals located at the shelter, you can simply walk in, and once at the shelter, sign up for our walk-in waitlist!

The wait may at times look long, but it moves quickly — we promise! 

While you’re waiting, you can walk around and view the animals up for adoption, so when your appointment time comes, you’ll be able to ask about specific animals. You’ll be notified when it’s time for your turn. You will have 10 minutes to return to the adoption lobby. If you do not return within 10 minutes, you will need to rejoin the waitlist

If you have questions or concerns about the adoptions process, please email adopt@acctphilly.org

All our pets will be spayed or neutered prior to being able to go home, in addition to being vaccinated and microchipped. Some animals are available to go home the same day, if this has already been done. Otherwise the animal will be scheduled for surgery and you can pick it up after the surgery is done.

For animals in foster homes:

If you are interested in a pet who is in foster care, you will need to reach out to the foster directly to schedule a meet and greet using contact information listed in the animal’s online bio. In instances where contact information has not been provided, please reach out to foster@acctphilly.org and a staff member will facilitate communication between the foster parent and interested adopter. 

Scheduling a meet and greet with foster pets:

Our foster parents are volunteers and will schedule meets as they work with their schedule. Once the meet-and-greet has been completed, and if it’s a good fit, the foster will have you fill out an application. Staff or volunteers will be in touch about finalizing the adoption after the application has been filled out, and you may arrange to pick up the pet after they have been spayed or neutered (if that has not already been done). 

Don’t see the pet you’re looking for?

New animals come in each day, so we encourage you to check frequently to see if we have what you’re looking for. If you don’t see a pet with us who interests you, we encourage you to search on adoptapet.org for pets in the area who may fit your needs.

Step 3

What to bring with you on adoption day:

If adopting a dog:

  • An up-to-date photo ID.
  • We strongly recommend bringing any resident dogs and children to meet any potential new dog family members.
  • A leash and collar or harness and leash

If adopting a cat:

  • An up-to-date photo ID.
  • It is strongly recommended that all residents in the household are present to meet the cat
  • A carrier. If you do not have a carrier, we offer cardboard carriers for $5

If adopting a rabbit, guinea pig, etc.

  • A carrier allowing for them to easily exit and enter
  • We recommend that you have all materials prepared in advance for a small animal

Step 4

Dog Adoption Fees:

  • Puppy (Under 6 Months): $255 
  • Adult dog (6mos – 2 years): $80
  • Adult dog (2 years – 7 years) $70
  • Senior Dog (7 years or older): $25
    Please note a $16 license fee applies if living in Philadelphia

Cat Adoption Fees:

  • $105 kitten (under 6 mos) 
  •  $55 adult cat (6 mos – 2 yrs) 
  • $45 adult cat (2 yrs – 7 yrs) 
  • $25 senior cat (+7 yrs)

Other Animal Adoption Fees: 

  • Rabbits and guinea pigs are $35

What are the benefits of your adoption?

Your adopted dog or cat will be microchipped, provided flea preventative and dewormed, given age-appropriate vaccines, and spayed or neutered – normally these services would cost a dog or cat owner in Philadelphia more than $500!

We have also partnered with businesses to help provide additional benefits to newly adopted pet parents. All dog and cat adopters receive a voucher for a free veterinary exam at Washington Avenue Animal Hospital, as well as at any VCA hospital within 14 days of adoption. You’ll receive a free bag of the food your pet has been eating at the shelter, as well as coupons on Chewy.com and Petco and a discounted rate on pet insurance.

Lastly, to help set dog adopters up for success, all dog adopters are provided a complimentary online dog training class by GoodPup.