Adopting a Pet
Adoption of a pet from the Bay Area Humane Society & Animal Shelter is a simple and easy process.
We recommend that you plan to bring members of your household to meet and interact with the pet(s). It's important that everyone who will be sharing their lives with this new family member be happy with your selection!
Also, if you already have a dog in your household, you may want to bring your pet(s) to interact with the new pet you wish to adopt. We'll help you determine how likely the pets are to be compatible. Please spend at least a half hour getting acquainted with the pet you wish to adopt.
Once you and your family have chosen, complete an adoption application form. Please bring picture identification, preferably a drivers license.
BAHS staff will offer suggestions about the health care and training your pet will require and will provide you with any available information concerning the pet(s) you have chosen. Sometimes we have information about the pet's history from the person who surrendered the pet - sometimes animals come to us stray and we don't have any background information. In all cases, however, we've spent time evaluating the pets during their stay here and will share everything we can.
Animals are adopted to the first approved applicant.
You might see a pet who is not yet available for adoption and for whom we may not be accepting applications. The reason my be that all stray animals are held for seven days following admission. This allows a stray pet's owner time to find and claim their pet. An unclaimed pet will be available for adoption on the ninth day following admission to the Shelter.
We do not accept multiple applications per pet, or same party applications for more than one pet unless it's conjunction with any 'adoption special' (such as the ongoing program to adopt two cats for only one adoption fee).
When you submit an application for a pet, the adoption fee is also due.
If the pet you've chosen is not already spayed or neutered, we will make arrangements to have that performed before the pet goes home with you. All dogs, cats, and rabbits must be spayed/neutered before adoption.
If they are already been spayed or neutered, you'll be able to take your new pet home the same day you submit your application and payment, pending any medical needs the animal may have.
Download the adoption application here.