How To Adopt

  1. Browse our available pets
    View our list of available pets below, or visit the shelter to see our available pets. All applicants must meet the pet before applying for them. Adoption applications must be completed in person, at the shelter.

    View our available pets
  1. Complete an adoption application
    Once you’ve met a pet you are interested in, please fill out an adoption application. This helps us ensure that you and your chosen pet are a good match, and gives us important information about your home and lifestyle. All applications are processed in the order in which they are received.

    Once your application is approved, which can take from one to five days depending on the pets’ status, we will schedule a time for you to finalize your adoption paperwork, and bring your new pet home!
  1. Pick up your new pet and finalize your adoption
    When coming in to pick up your new pet please be sure to bring a leash and collar if adopting a dog or puppy, and a carrier if adopting a cat or kitten. These items and other pet supplies may also be purchased at our Shelter Shop. Proceeds of these items will help support our animal care programs!

    Fees associated with adoption:
    - Adoption Fee: $20
    - County License (for King William or King & Queen residents only: $5 for dogs
    - Spay/Neuter Surgery: $100-$125* for dogs, $70-$95* for cats
    - Rabies Vaccination (for pets not already vaccinated): $10-$25*
    *Spay and Neuter fees and Rabies Vaccination fees will vary depending on participating veterinarian choice.
  1. Visiting the veterinarian
    Within seven days from adopting your new pet, our contract requires it to be seen by a veterinarian for a physical exam and a rabies vaccination if applicable. If your pet is taken to one of our participating veterinarians (Aylett Animal Hospital, Tri-County Animal Hospital, or King William Veterinary Clinic) the exam will be free.

    Rabies vaccination
    -State law requires all dogs and cats 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies.
  1. Spaying and Neutering
    Virginia State Law requires every pet adopted from a shelter be spayed or neutered. If you live in King William or King & Queen County, or a bordering county an appointment with a participating veterinarian for your pet’s spay or neuter surgery. You are responsible for presenting the pet to the veterinarian on that date.

    If you live out of the area, shelter staff will take the pet to the veterinarian for their spay or neuter surgery prior to adoption. The physical exam and rabies vaccination will be completed at that time.

    Failure to spay or neuter the pet will result in criminal and civil fines and repossession of the pet.