Ready to adopt a pet in Virginia Beach, VA? We're here to help! Check out our list of the top places to adopt a dog, cat, or small pet in Virginia Beach and what to expect!
Adopting a new pet is an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you're not sure where to start. If you're in Virginia Beach, VA, and looking to adopt a dog, cat, or small pet, our guide can help you find the best and safest places to adopt. We provide a comprehensive list of adoption centers and information about each center's specialties, requirements, and fees.
Preparing for your new pet's arrival can also be a daunting task, but our guide offers practical advice on how to prepare your home and lifestyle for your furry friend. We also provide an overview of the adoption process, including common requirements and guidelines for successful adoption. Remember, by adopting a pet, you're not only giving them a loving home but also improving your own well-being.
What Do You Need to Adopt a Pet in Virginia Beach, VA?
Adopting a pet from an animal shelter or rescue in Virginia Beach involves meeting specific requirements, which can vary depending on the shelter. These requirements may include presenting identification, completing an adoption application, answering questions, and potentially undergoing a home visit.
- Age minimum to adopt
To adopt a pet from most animal shelters and rescues, you must meet the age requirement, typically 18 years or older, but some may require you to be 21 or 25 years old and above.
- Fill out the online application
Additionally, you must fill out an online application, which asks for your contact information and details about your home and pet parenting experience.
- Cost of adoption fees
There is also a fee associated with adopting a pet, which covers expenses such as food, housing, medical care, utilities, and staffing. Although the fee may seem high, it is generally much less than the actual cost of caring for the animal until it is adopted. Shelters and rescues often rely on volunteers and donors to help cover these costs.
- Have a "meet and greet"
Before adopting a pet, you may be required to participate in a "meet and greet" with the animal to see how you get along and whether the pet is a good fit for your family.
- Home visit
Some shelters may also require a home visit to ensure that your home is suitable for a pet, which helps to prevent any future returns to the shelter.
Cost to Adopt a Pet from an Animal Shelter in Virginia Beach, VA
When adopting a pet from a Virginia Beach animal shelter, the adoption fees may include expenses like spaying or neutering, medical treatments, and microchipping. Some shelters offer reduced fees for specific groups, such as seniors or military personnel, and may also have discounted rates for senior pets or pets who have been at the shelter for an extended time. In addition, adopting multiple pets at once may also result in a discounted fee.
The adoption fees charged by animal shelters in Virginia Beach can vary, so it is essential to check with the specific shelter you are interested in to get accurate pricing information. It's a wise idea to inquire about the adoption fees before getting attached to a particular pet, as this will help you budget appropriately and avoid any unexpected costs. Below are the prices from each of the top animal shelters to adopt from in Virginia Beach, VA.
Virginia Beach SPCA
The adoption fees for cats and kittens range from $75 to $200, while dogs and puppies range from $100 to $400. However, they often have adoption specials throughout the year, so be sure to check their website for the latest promotions.
Hope for Life Rescue
The adoption fees for dogs and puppies vary based on age and size, ranging from $150 to $400. For cats and kittens, the adoption fee is $100.
Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center
The adoption fees for dogs and puppies range from $25 to $125, depending on factors such as age, size, and medical history. The adoption fee for cats and kittens is $25.
Virginia Beach Animal Control
The adoption fees for dogs and cats at the Virginia Beach Animal Control vary based on the animal's age, breed, and size, as well as whether or not the animal has been spayed or neutered. The fees range from $25 to $50 for cats and $30 to $70 for dogs.
Where is the Best Place to Adopt a Pet in Virginia Beach, VA?
There are several places in Virginia Beach where you can adopt a pet from an animal shelter. You'll find humane societies, government-funded organizations, animal shelters, and animal rescues. Check out some of the most popular, reputable places to adopt a pet in Virginia Beach, VA, below. No matter which place you choose, there are tons of loving dogs, cats, and more who are ready for their new forever home.
The Virginia Beach SPCA
The Virginia Beach SPCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless pets in the community. They offer various services and programs, including adoption, foster care, spay/neuter services, and humane education. Their adoption process involves:
- Meeting with an adoption counselor.
- Filling out an application.
- Undergoing a screening process to ensure the pet is a good fit for your home.
They have a wide variety of adoptable animals, including dogs, cats, and small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs.
Hope for Life Rescue
Hope for Life Rescue is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing dogs in need and finding them loving homes. They are committed to saving the lives of dogs, regardless of breed or size, and provide them with veterinary care, socialization, and training as needed. They have a network of foster homes and do not have a physical shelter, so all of their dogs are in a home environment until they are adopted.
Animal Aid Society
The Animal Aid Society is a haven for dogs in need. This no-kill canine shelter specializes in providing a safe and loving environment for homeless dogs until they find their forever homes. They stand out because they operate entirely on donations and the hard work of volunteers, ensuring that all funds go directly to the care of the dogs. Each pup receives medical attention, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering services. What's unique about this shelter is their commitment to education, offering resources to help adopters and the community understand the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Chesapeake Animal Services
Chesapeake Animal Services takes pride in its multifaceted approach to animal welfare. Not only do they provide shelter and adoption services, but they also enforce local animal laws to ensure the safety and well-being of both pets and the community. They specialize in reuniting lost pets with their owners and finding new homes for animals in need. Their uniqueness lies in their educational programs and community outreach, which aim to promote responsible pet ownership. Additionally, they offer low-cost vaccination clinics to keep pets healthy.
The Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center
The Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center is a public shelter run by the city's animal control department. They take in stray animals and provide them with medical care, food, and shelter while they wait to be reclaimed or adopted. They also have adoptable animals available for adoption, including dogs, cats, and occasionally other animals like rabbits and birds. Their adoption process involves filling out an application and interviewing with an adoption counselor.
PetFinder.com & AdoptAPet.com
In addition to these shelters, you may also be able to find pets for adoption through online resources such as Petfinder.com or AdoptAPet.com. You can view pictures of cats, dogs, and other small pets from numerous animal shelters and rescues nearby. And you can filter through the available pets to find what you're looking for based on species, gender, breed, size, age, and whether or not they are good with children and other pets.
Adopt a Pet in Virginia Beach today!
Now that you've seen just how many places there are to adopt a pet in Virginia Beach and know the potential fees and requirements for adoption, it's time to start searching for your new fur baby!
At Local Pet Care, we're here to help you not only find the best places to adopt but also the best dog-friendly restaurants and the best dog parks and dog-friendly parks in Virginia Beach, VA. Plus, we'll help you find the best local pet care professionals near your home. With these resources, you will be set up for pet-parenting success!
For more great articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the Blog at LocalPetCare.com.