Our adoption is simple and straight forward with our main goal ensuring you and your new pet are a good match for each other.

Before beginning the process to adopt, please read our available information on selecting the right pet for your home: Pet Ownership.

In order to find the perfect pet, please be prepared to:

1. Spend plenty of time visiting with our animals in the "get to know you rooms" or the community runs outside. We recommend no less than an hour.
2. Show your drivers license or California ID card.
3. Be able to have pets in your home. Although we do not ask for a copy of your lease if you rent, we expect you to resolve any landlord related issues before you come to adopt.
4. Be a responsible pet owner. You will be required to purchase many items for your new pet including a crate, carrier, leash, collar, id tags, food and water bowls, flea medication and food. You will also be required to provide regular vaccinations and health exams for your pet. These expense can add up, so you must be willing and able to provide for your new pet.
5. Bring your existing dog if you are adopting a second one. We want to make sure your existing pet loves your new friend as much as you do. Meeting on neutral territory with an experienced dog trainer will make the selection and introduction process that much easier. Note that we are reluctant to adopt a dog to a home with a dog of the same gender IF one of the dogs is under two years of age. As dogs mature, their tolerance of same gender dogs may be reduced. Please talk to one of our trainers if you have a dog younger than two, or wish to adopt one, and they are the same gender.
6. Bring any and all family members, or roommates, with you. Some small children are allergic to cats or dogs, but their parents are unaware of it yet. Some elderly family members can't handle the size or activity level of some of our canine guests. Bringing everyone who will be a part of the family or the household is critical to the success of the adoption.
7. Be willing to give your new pet a permanent home. We do not want this pet to be displaced again, so think through all the potential reasons you might not be able to keep the animal for the rest of its life.
8. Be able to pay our adoption fees. Cats and kittens are $100.  Puppies and dogs are both $225; this fee includes five-weeks of Puppy Kindergarten or Basic Obedience classes, microchips, age appropriate vaccinations, a collar, leash or carrier, and flea treatment. Senior dogs (over 8 years old) are $150 and includes an optional training class. Senior Cats (over 8 years old) are $75. Our Adoption fees can only be paid by credit card or cash. We cannot take checks.
   

The paperwork itself takes just a few minutes, but the adoption process could last up to 1-2 hours depending on the animal you want to take home.

Placing holds on dogs and cats is sometimes an option after the adopter has spent a significant amount of time with the pet, but for one reason or another is not quite ready to make this life long committment.   Deciding to place an animal on hold for a client is case by case decision and we make no guarantees that we can hold the cat or dog you are interested in. We do NOT do holds for puppies or kittens.

If you would like additional information about adopting an animal from the East Bay SPCA please call 510-569-0702 (Oakland), 925-479-9670 (Tri-Valley), or email info@eastbayspca.org.