Adoptions

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Pet Adoptions

Adoption Process

Here’s how the adoption process works:

Adoptions are currently available in person:
- Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Check out our available dogs online and our available cats online .
Complete the adoption paperwork in person.
If the animal is altered, you may take the animal home the same day and the adoption is complete.
If the animal is not altered (spayed or neutered), the animal must remain in the shelter until the procedure is completed.
Once the animal has been spayed or neutered, you may take the animal home as your new family member.
- The adopter has 30 days to return or exchange the animal if the adoption is not successful. After 30 days, it becomes the adopter’s responsibility to rehome the animal. No refunds.
Cat adoptions: $75.00
Dog adoptions: $125.00
- $10.00 yearly license fee for county residents outside city limits
- $5.00 yearly license fee for seniors age 65 and older

Prepare for Your Appointment

Make the most of your appointment by following these steps in advance:

Check out our available dogs online or our available cats online . Our population changes every few minutes. For best results, check the website about an hour before your appointment or call for updates.
Write down the pet’s name or A-number that you would like to meet.
- To maximize lifesaving efforts and ensure animals spend as little time as possible at the shelter, pets may not be held.
Review additional options below.
- Check out Home-to-Home or Rescue Me!. These websites allow pet owners to rehome their own pets. They are free to use, and the animal may be taken home at no cost.

What Comes With Your Adoption

Along with your new “fur-ever” friend, animals in our shelter receive the following care.

Dogs in Our Shelter Are Given

4-in-1 vaccination for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza
Bordetella vaccination
30-day flea and tick treatment
For adopted dogs 3 months and older: rabies vaccination and Madera County dog license tag (license fee not included in adoption fee)
All adopted animals must be spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter. If the animal has not yet been altered, it may need to stay an extra day or two until the next available surgery date.
24PetWatch microchip with registration

Cats in Our Shelter Are Given

3-in-1 vaccination for feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus
30-day flea and tick treatment
Rabies vaccine
Madera County does not require cats to be licensed
24PetWatch microchip with registration

Pets for Vets Program

Effective January 1, 2020, California veterans no longer need to pay pet adoption fees at public animal shelters. Under Senate Bill 245, also known as the Pets for Vets Act, veterans may adopt a cat or dog and have the adoption fee waived.

How It Works

Veterans must show a driver’s license marked “VETERAN” or a military ID card to have adoption fees waived.
Veterans participating in the Pets for Vets Program are still responsible for the Madera County license fee.
- $10.00 yearly license
- $5.00 yearly license for seniors age 65 and older
The law limits free dog and cat adoptions for veterans to one pet every six months.
Learn more about SB-245 Pets for Vets Act .