Yes. Some dogs and other wonderful critters brought into the Animal Control are strays that are never claimed by their owners and it is great to offer these animals a second chance.

If you are interested in adopting a dog or other critter feel free to browse our adoption page on-line or drop into the Animal Control facility at 1280 Raymur Avenue and see what animals are available. We will help choose an appropriate pet and you will spend time with an animal you may be interested in.

Adoption fee is $250 for dogs 2 months – 6 yrs, and $75 for dogs that are 7 yrs and older, and those with ongoing medical concerns. For further information on adoption fees contact the Animal Control facility at 3-1-1 or outside Vancouver at 604.873.7000.

Adoption fees include:

• mandatory spaying/neutering
• coupon for free check up by a veterinarian (coupon can be used at any vet office that honours it)
• first vaccinations (excluding rabies)
• microchip
• 6 weeks of free pet insurance
• a coupon for a free bag of dog food
• de-worming for young pups
• coupons and literature on responsible pet ownership

Yes – It is the policy of the City of Vancouver Animal Control that all dogs adopted be spayed or neutered. This surgery will be completed before you pick the animal up to take them home.

To spay a dog means it has a surgical procedure which removes the ovaries and uterus. This ensures that the female will not breed and pregnancy cannot occur. Neutering means that the testicles are removed, ensuring that the male will not breed and cannot cause pregnancy.

Come down to the Animal Control facility at 1280 Raymur Avenue to visit the dogs we currently have up for adoption, or view photographs in Adoption Dogs.

No - Once adopted, the original owner has no claim to the dog. You are the legal owner.

No – Animal Control does not have a cat adoption program. If you are interested in adopting a cat, please take the time to visit the many other shelters throughout Vancouver. You may consider the BC SPCA and VOKRA (Vancouver Orphan Rescue Kitten Association).

Yes - There are times, for a variety of reasons, that a dog will require care outside of the adoption program and would benefit from a foster home. If you are interested in joining the foster program contact our Canine Services Supervisor at 3-1-1 or outside Vancouver at 604.873.7000. If interested in the foster program you will be required to complete a foster agreement application and attend an interview at Animal Control. Prior to becoming a foster family, you will also be required to sign a foster parent agreement.

Yes, if a dog does not work out in their new home owners can contact the Supervisor of Canine Services to discuss the concern and options available to them. As per the contract signed at the time of adoption, refunds are not available if an animal is returned, except under extenuating circumstances.

Our hours for adoption are Monday to Friday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 8:00pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Animal Control is closed on Statutory Holidays.

Vancouver Animal Control encourages the adoption of available animals to responsible pet owners. If you are interested in adopting a pet, you will be required to complete an adoption questionnaire at the shelter. The questionnaire will assist our staff to make sure that the pet you choose will best fit your lifestyle.

Sterilizing animals before they have puppies or kittens is an effective method of controlling animal population. Sterilization has also proven to benefit the health and well being of many animals. A veterinarian can perform this simple medical procedure which promotes animal health and prevents the birth of additional animals for which good homes may not be available.

No. As the dog owner you are responsible for finding a new home for your pet. You can contact the BC SPCA, place ads in local papers as well as ads on websites such as Craigslist.