The Adoption Process
Open hearts, open homes
Our "Open Adoptions" Philosophy
The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA's open adoptions policy is designed to make pet adoption an accessible and positive experience for all individuals and families. This policy prioritizes finding loving, responsible homes by removing unnecessary barriers and focusing on educating adopters, rather than setting strict requirements. Staff work collaboratively with potential adopters to ensure the right fit for both the animal and the adopter, offering guidance on pet care and behavior. This inclusive approach aims to increase adoption rates and help more animals find their forever homes.
How to Adopt
You can view our adoptable animals online, or come to the shelter from 12pm-6pm Monday thru Sunday. Interest forms can be filled out online or in-person. Adopted animals can be taken home same-day. Please note that all dogs and puppies must leave the shelter on a leash and collar, and all cats and kittens must leave in a carrier. Adoptions are processed on a first-come, first-served basis: we do not hold animals for any reason.
Adoption fees
Cats
- Senior Cats (>8 years): $75
- Adults (>6 months): $150
- Kittens (<6 months): $199
- Playmate Special (two kittens <6 months) : $250
Dogs
- Senior Dogs (>8 years): $100
- Large Dogs (>20 lbs): $200
- Small Adults (<20 lbs): $300
- Puppies (<6 months): $350
Other Animals
- Small Animals (mice, guinea pigs, birds, etc.): $20
- Rabbits: $60
All eligible for playmate special
What's Included in the Adoption?
✓ Core Vaccines with age-appropriate boosters (Distemper/Panleukopenia/Rhinotracheitis-Calici/Chlamydia Psittaci)
✓ Rabies vaccine (if old enough)
✓ Flea, mite, and internal parasite treatment
✓ FIV/Feline Leukemia testing
✓ Spay/Neuter surgery
✓ Microchip
✓ Bag of Hill's pet food (for transition to home)
✓ All Vet Records
Ready to find your new friend?
View Adoptable Animals
Your future furry friend is just a click away—start your adoption journey!
Adoption Discounts
Veterans and First Reponders
The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA is proud to offer adoptions for veterans, active duty military, police, EMS and fire-fighters at a reduced fee. These groups can visit the shelter and choose from any of our animals available for adoption and receive 25% off their adoption fee.
Veterans and first responders interested in participating are encouraged to visit the shelter and/or complete an adoption request form online. As with all adoptions at the SPCA, pets will be matched with adopters based on the interest form completed and adoption counseling.
Seniors for seniors
Our Seniors for Seniors adoption program helps senior adopters experience the benefits of animal companionship, while helping senior pets find loving homes. Spending time with animals is a wonderful way to decrease stress hormones, lower blood pressure and reduce feelings of loneliness. Senior adopters (age 65 and older) who adopt a senior pet (age 8 and older) are not charged an adoption fee.
Quick Links:
ADOPTION HOURS:
Daily: 12:00pm - 6:00pm
