Adopt a Companion
You’ll find pets of all types and personalities awaiting adoption at our humane center. Choosing to adopt from the Richmond SPCA offers wonderful benefits to you and to your next best friend:
- Save lives. The Richmond SPCA is a no-kill humane society, and each adoption makes room in our shelter to bring another animal who needs us into our care.
- Expert matchmaking assistance. Our knowledgeable and caring adoption counselors will help you meet the cat, dog, kitten or puppy who will be a good fit for your home and lifestyle.
- Lifetime support. Through our free behavior helpline, together we’ll tackle any behavior issues that arise after you take your new pet home.
- Professional veterinary care. While in our care, each pet receives a thorough examination by our shelter veterinary team, age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, treatment for any known health conditions and a spay or neuter procedure. Post-adoption medical care is available at low-cost from our full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital for pets whose adopters live in our service area.
Adoption Fees
Adoption fees vary based on the age of the animal and special promotions offered throughout the year.
Standard adoption fees:
- Adult cats: $125 (ages 6 months and older)
- Kittens: $150 (younger than 6 months)
- Adult dogs: $150 (ages 6 months and older)
- Puppies: $200 (younger than 6 months)
Adoption Process
When you arrive at our humane center, an adoption counselor or our front desk associate will greet you. We welcome you to walk through the dog and cat adoption areas, and when a pet tugs on your heart strings, we encourage you to speak with an adoption counselor. If all of our adoption counselors are busy helping other visitors, please add your name to our wait list at the adoptions desk, and the next available adoption counselor will be eager to assist you.
Before your visit, consider filling out an adopter survey. This one-page survey gathers information about your expectations of having a pet and helps your adoption counselor suggest pets who might best suit your home, wishes and lifestyle.
When you come to our adoption center, please bring with you:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Proof of address
- Payment for your pet’s adoption fee (cash, credit/debit cards, money order or Richmond SPCA gift card are accepted; checks are not accepted)
Adopted cats must have an appropriate carrier for the ride home, and adopted dogs must have a leash and collar. These and other supplies for your new pet may be purchased in our Lora Robins Gift Shop.
Phone-based adoption counseling appointments are available on a limited basis. For more details or to request such an appointment, please email adopt@richmondspca.org or leave a message for us at 804-521-1307 to be placed in the queue for a call from an adoption counselor.
Adoption Specials
- Fee-Waived Adult Dog Adoptions
If you’ve been thinking of adding a dog to your life, now is the perfect time! From April 15 to April 19, qualified adopters will pay no adoption fee for any dog over 6 months old.
- Awkward April
When we photograph pets awaiting adoption, we always capture a lot of awkward moments, and this April, we’re embracing it. During this Awkward April, all of our available pets have gotten in on the fun showcasing their silly side, and for a few special friends who’ve been in our care for 90 days or more, their adoption fees are waived.
- Teddy’s Tails
Adoption fees for all pets 8 years and older are discounted 50%.
- Patient Paws
Look for this icon on the profile photos of pets who have been waiting patiently for that person who will be their person. Not only are their adoption fees fully waived, but their longer stay with us means we’ve had extra time to get to know all their loveable traits and special quirks. You can get to know these Patient Paws from their closest friends who are just waiting to introduce them to the one who will love them as much as we do.
- FIV/Feline Leukemia Discount
Adoptions fees for cats and kittens diagnosed with FIV or feline leukemia are discounted 50%.
- Carol Young Godin Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program
Adopters age 60 or older who adopt a cat or dog age 5 years or older are eligible for a $50 adoption fee and welcome home kit.
- Pets for Patriots
The Richmond SPCA is a proud member of the Pets for Patriots nationwide network of trusted adoption partners. Veterans and active-duty service members receive special adoption discounts and benefits.
- First Responder and Military Discount
Provide identification as a first responder (law enforcement, firefighter, EMT or 911 dispatcher), member of the military or veteran at the time of adoption for a 20% discount on your adoption fee.
- View our web calendar for more adoption specials throughout the year.
Adoption specials may not be combined.
