Adopt a pet from the Vancouver Animal Shelter

How to adopt a dog or small pet

Want to adopt a pet and give them a "forever" home? We're thrilled! Our pro-adoption shelter places 200 to 300 dogs and small animals every year with families and homes that best meet the needs of the animals.

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  Learn about our dog adoption process

  We have dogs of all ages, from newborn puppies to senior dogs. While puppies are popular, older dogs can be great pets, too. They are smart and grateful companions that won't leave you with puppy puddles or chewed-up slippers. Why not enrich your life and that of an older dog?

  1. View our available dogs

  Adopt a Pet External website, opens in new tab  Pet Finder External website, opens in new tab

  • Each profile includes helpful details about the dog’s personality, needs, and ideal home environment.
  • To minimize stress for our animals, our shelter is not open for public walk-throughs.

  2. Submit a dog adoption application

  Download a dog adoption application PDF file (276 KB)

  • Tell us about your lifestyle, household, experience with dogs, and what you're looking for in a companion. Email your completed application to [email protected].

  3. Application review

  • Our Animal Care Staff carefully review each application to find the best match for both the dog and your household.
  • We prioritize compatibility over a first-come, first-served approach.
  • Reviews can sometimes take a few days, or possibly longer if we receive a high number of applications.

  Important note If we receive a high number of applications for a particular dog, we may not be able to respond to everyone.

  4. Meet and greet

  • If your application is a good match, you will be invited to a meet-and-greet appointment at Animal Services.
  • You’ll get to spend time with the dog and our staff will share more detailed information about their care and temperament.
  • Bring all household members to ensure the dog is a good fit for everyone.
  • If you already have a dog, bring them along so we can assess compatibility.

  5. Final steps

  • After the meet-and-greet, if you are interested in adopting the dog, our team will discuss next steps with you.
  • This includes the final approval step, where your complete application will be reviewed by our Animal Care Supervisor. Sometimes, if we have multiple candidates, this may take a few days.
  • If you’re a successful match, you’ll be invited to sign the adoption agreement and pay the associated adoption fee.
  • We’ll also provide resources and support to help your new dog settle in successfully.
  • Once your dog is home, our Animal Care Attendants will be available to answer questions, offer guidance, and ensure both you and your new companion are thriving together.
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  Learn about our small pet adoption process

  We adopt out small animals including rabbits, hamsters, birds, rats, guinea pigs, and sometimes reptiles.

  1. View our available small pets

  Adopt a Pet External website, opens in new tab  Pet Finder External website, opens in new tab

  • Each profile includes helpful details about the animal’s needs and ideal home environment.
  • To minimize stress for our animals, our shelter is not open for public walk-throughs.

  2. Submit an adoption application

  • Email [email protected] to request an adoption application.
  • Reference the animal type in the subject line. For example: Request for bird adoption application
  • Email the completed application back to us.

  Important note  You can also send us an enquiry through the forms on Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet, and we’ll email you an application to complete.

  3. Application review

  • Our Animal Care Staff carefully review each application to find the best match for both the pet and your household.
  • We prioritize compatibility over a first-come, first-served approach.

  4. Meet and greet

  • If your application is a good match, you’ll be invited to a meet-and-greet appointment at Animal Services.

  5. Final steps

  • After the meet-and-greet, if you are interested in adopting, our team will discuss next steps with you.
  • Depending on the type of animal and circumstances, this may include a final approval step, where your complete application will be reviewed by our Animal Care Supervisor.
  • If you’re a match, you will be required to sign an adoption agreement and pay the associated adoption fee.
  • Lastly, our experienced Animal Care Staff will provide resources and support to help your new pet settle in successfully.
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  Recognize the impact of bringing a pet home

  All animals need attention, interaction, and adequate exercise. 

  Lifestyle

  • Prepare for a long-term emotional and financial commitment.
  • Make time to interact with your pet.
  • Consider the allergies and health conditions of people in your home.

  Living situation

  • Check for restrictions on pets at your home.
  • Ensure you have enough space.
  • Consider your surrounding outdoor areas.

  Selecting your pet

  • Choose the right pet for your personality and circumstances.
  • Research the behaviours and characteristics of the pet you're considering.

  Adopting a dog

  • If you adopt a dog, you'll need to:
    • Licence it
    • Make sure it wears its collar and licence tag
    • Teach it basic obedience
    • Use a leash
    • Pick up its waste

Adoption fees

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  Dogs

  Category	Fee
  Regular dog	$374
  Senior dog (age 7 years and older)	$114
  Dog with ongoing medical conditions	$114

  Note  Taxes are extra.

  What the adoption fee for dogs includes

  • Neutering or spaying
  • Micro-chipping
  • The first set of vaccinations
  • A free bag of dog food

  Note If you are a Vancouver resident, you also need to buy a dog licence for the dog you adopt.

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  Other animals

  Category	Fee
  Chinchillas, hedgehogs, and rabbits	$41
  Ferrets	$75
  Gerbils, hamsters, mice, rats, and degu	$6
  Guinea pigs	$20
  Lovebirds and parakeets	$20
  Budgie and finch	$13
  Chicken, rooster, duck, pigeon, and dove	$6
  Exotic bird (example: Amazon parrot, African grey, cockatoos, conures, lorikeets, and macaws)	$318
  Other animals	$159

  Note  Taxes are extra.