NYC Adoptions FAQ

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Our comprehensive FAQ can answer all your questions about adopting a pet from the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City, located at 424 East 92^nd Street, between 1^st and York Avenues. The public is welcome on Mondays through Saturdays from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., and Sundays from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

When you adopt a pet from the ASPCA, you can be certain that he has been treated well during his stay with us. Our cats and dogs enjoy a clean, stimulating environment, as well as socialization, play and exercise with trained staff and volunteers.

Not from NYC?

If you don’t live near the ASPCA, please visit your local shelter to inquire about the adoption process. You can use our searchable database of nearly 5,000 community SPCAs, humane societies and animal control organizations to find an animal shelter in your area.

How To Adopt A Pet from the ASPCA Adoption Center

What is the adoption process at the ASPCA?

When you arrive at the shelter, the Adoptions staff will ask you to complete a short Canine-ality^™ or Feline-ality^™ Assessment to identify what sort of dog or cat will best suit your lifestyle. For example, after work, do you love to go for long jogs or do you prefer to plop down in front of the tube? Depending on your response, we could match you with a dog who’s been identified as a “Go-Getter” or a “Couch Potato.”

After the survey, we’ll walk you through the shelter to meet our resident dogs and cats. If you meet a pet and fall in love at first sight, you will then fill out an application for adoption. We require two forms of identification, including a telephone, utility or cable bill as one form, plus a driver’s license, passport, or student or work ID.

If you don’t meet that “special one” during your first visit, you’re welcome to fill out an application and come back at a later date. Applications remain active and current for three months.

How long does it take to adopt a pet?

Adopting a pet can take as little as a few hours, provided you bring the materials required to complete an application. The ASPCA provides same-day adoptions for both cats and dogs.

Can I put a pet on hold?

We do offer a hold service for pets, but only for unavailable dogs. If you meet a pet in the shelter who still needs to be neutered, for example, you may put down a $75 nonrefundable deposit. (The deposit will be refunded only in those cases where the adoption is not a suitable match.)

Once I’ve decided on which pet to adopt, when can I take him home?

If your dog or cat is ready for adoption, you can take him home the same day your application is approved.

How many references do adopters need?

Right now we require two references from each adopter. However, we will soon be using the ASPCA’s Meet Your Match^™ program, which scientifically evaluates an animal’s behavior and matches him or her to an adopter’s personality and lifestyle preferences. Once we’ve fully transferred over to this program, we’ll guide you in finding your pet and will no longer require references.

Selecting the Right Pet for You

How will I know which dog or cat is right for me?

Please know that when you come in to the ASPCA Adoption Center to look for your new pet, you’re not alone in the search. Our shelter has five full-time trainers—more than shelters three times our size—who have gotten to know our animals. They will be happy to guide you in your selection.

Will I be able to get to know a pet before I make my decision to adopt?

Of course! You’ll have an opportunity to socialize with the dog or cat you’ve chosen to meet. Our playrooms, training center and dog runs are available for you and your canine of choice, and you’ll be given a chance to hold and play with the cats who strike your fancy. We’ll make sure you have plenty of hands-on interaction and opportunities for bonding before you make your decision.

Do you have purebred animals?

Yes, the ASPCA has both purebred and mixed-breed pets. It is a myth that shelters only house mixed-breed dogs and cats.

I want to adopt a specific breed or pet of a certain size. Can I submit a request?

The ASPCA believes that the best pet/people matches are based on compatible personalities, not on what a dog or cat looks like. Therefore, rather than reserve a certain breed or size of pet for you, we prefer that you come down to the shelter. The animals in our care range widely in size, age and personality type, and our highly trained behaviorists will help you to find a pet who fits best with your personality and lifestyle.

Behavior Issues & Resources for Adopters

Will I be responsible for house training my adopted pet?

Most of our pets are housetrained; however, if you adopt a puppy or under-socialized adult dog, you may need to work with him during the transition. The ASPCA provides literature to guide you through the housetraining process.

Can I expect that the animal I adopt will be obedience-trained?

The ASPCA does screen all pets for behavior traits prior to adoption. Some of our animals are trained, but others may require a refresher course.

What if my adopted pet needs obedience classes? Do you have resources?

Yes, the ASPCA offers obedience classes for dogs adopted from our shelter, and the classes are mandatory for puppies adopted from the ASPCA. Also, check out our free Pet Parenting Workshops for new adopters.

What if the pet I adopt has behavior problems?

The ASPCA provides behavior counseling over the phone to new adopters.

Before bringing my adopted pet home, can I introduce her to the pets I already have?

Yes, in fact we encourage potential adopters to bring their pets with them for an introduction on neutral ground.

How Much It Costs to Adopt from the ASPCA—and What’s Included in the Fee

Is there an adoption fee?

Yes, adoption fees for companion animals are:

$75 for adult cats
$125 for one kitten or $150 for two
$75 to $200 for dogs

Fees include 14 days of free follow-up veterinary care at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, a leash and collar or carrier, and information about what to expect from your new pet.

We also require that all puppies attend obedience classes, which run an affordable $50 for six classes.

Why isn’t it free to adopt?

In addition to supporting our shelter’s ability to care for incoming animals, the ASPCA’s adoption fees cover spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping and registration, as well as FeLV/FIV testing for cats and heartworm testing for dogs.

Will I be responsible for spaying or neutering my adopted pet?

No. All ASPCA animals, like most shelter pets, are spayed or neutered.

Will I be responsible for microchipping my adopted pet?

No, the ASPCA provides free microchipping.

If I adopt from the ASPCA, will I receive special ASPCA medical or veterinary services for my pet?

During the first two weeks after adoption, every new pet can come into Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for a veterinary exam. Up to $250 worth of veterinary fees are covered, should your new pet develop an illness after arriving in his new home. Adopters must make their own appointment; after two weeks, all medical responsibilities fall into the adopter’s hands.

For New Adopters—What to Expect and What Happens Next

I’ve just adopted a pet from the ASPCA. Will you follow up to see how it’s going?

A member of our staff will contact you by phone or email within the first three weeks after adoption to make sure the settling-in process is going smoothly. This is especially helpful if the pet you’ve adopted is working through a behavior issue or has a health condition that takes extra care. Of course, our specialists will be available to provide ongoing support and guidance, and there is a wealth of training advice in our online Animal Behavior Center.

What can I expect from my new pet when I bring him home?

Our trainers and behaviorists know the animals in our shelter and will discuss their personalities with you. Please remember, however, that it takes time for an animal to settle into a new home, and your new friend must be treated with patience and given time to adjust.

What if I adopt a pet, but it's not working out—can I return him?

We actually ask that you do return a pet with whom you’re not getting along, whether it’s after one week or ten years. Before we take him or her back, however, we’ll discuss the problem you’re having. If it’s a behavior issue, you can call our behavior hotline number, provided exclusively to ASPCA adopters to discuss possible behavior solutions. You may also attend one of our pet parenting classes or consult a reputable trainer for assistance. And you can read our online behavior information for helpful tips.

What if I adopt a pet, but it’s not working out—can I give him to a friend?

Although the adopter’s contract you receive states that you must return the pet to us if it doesn’t work out, you may feel you’ve found an appropriate home with a family that is well-suited to your pet. If this is the case, please contact us so that we can update our records.

General Information about the ASPCA Adoption Center and Our Services

Is the ASPCA Adoption Center a no-kill shelter?

Absolutely! The ASPCA makes every effort to place each of our shelter animals in a safe, responsible home, and does not support euthanasia as the predominant means of managing the pet overpopulation problem. We consider euthanasia as a last resort used only to spare an animal from further hardship and suffering.

For more information, please see our position statement on euthanasia.

If an animal hasn’t gotten adopted, how long will you keep him in your shelter?

Since we are a no-kill shelter, animals who are brought to us will remain under our care until they are adopted. We do not place a time limit on the search for a pet’s home.

Can I give a pet as a gift?

If you think that a friend or family member would benefit from having a pet, there’s a way for you to offer this gift while letting your friend have the experience of meeting and choosing the animal. The ASPCA’s Gift-a-Pet Certificate allows you to pay the adoption fee of a cat or kitten for the giftee of your choice. The recipient of the certificate may then come to the ASPCA Adoption Center and visit the cats and kittens in our care.

Please visit ASPCA.org for more details.

I found a litter of kittens. Can I bring them to the ASPCA?

Please call the ASPCA Adoption Center at (212) 876-7700 before bringing in strays. If we have room in the shelter, we’ll ask you to bring them in during our public intake hours on Tuesdays between 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. However, we cannot guarantee that there will be space in the shelter for found animals. In the case that we do not have space, we’ll direct you to Animal Care & Control (AC&C) of New York City at 326 East 110^th Street, between 1^st and 2^nd Avenues. AC&C can be reached at (212) 788-4000. The facility is not a no-kill shelter, and animals brought there have only a limited time in which to be adopted.

I can no longer care for my pet. Can I leave her with the ASPCA?

The ASPCA considers pets to be members of the family who will be deeply affected by such a drastic change. We ask that you take a moment to consider that your pet’s life is in your hands. If your final decision is to surrender your companion animal, please call the ASPCA Adoption Center at (212) 876-7700. If we have space, you’ll be asked to bring your companion animal in to us during our public intake hours on Tuesdays between 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. In the case that we do not have space, we recommend that you use your personal contacts (veterinarian, dog walker, pet sitter, friends, family, coworkers, etc.), to find a healthy, suitable new home. Animal Care & Control (AC&C) of New York City at 326 East 110^th Street, between 1^st and 2^nd Avenues, is also an option. Please note, however, that AC&C is not a no-kill shelter, and animals who are brought to this facility have only a limited time in which to be adopted.

For more detailed information, please visit ASPCA.org.

Do you have species other than dogs and cats at your shelter?

No. If you’re interested in adopting a pet of another species, please visit Animal Care and Control of New York City at 326 East 110^th Street, (212) 788-4000. You may also wish to visit other animal rescues and check online sources.

Are pets allowed to live in apartments in NYC?

Please check with your landlord, leasing company or co-op to see if pets are permitted in your building. Many apartments allow pets with an extra deposit.

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