Adoption

Thank you for making pet adoption your first choice. Whether you're here to see cute photos of available animals or learn more about adopting a pet from the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center, you've come to the right place!

Ready to Adopt?

It's as easy as 1-2-3.

Girl with dogStep One - Pick Your Pet - Now that you feel you are ready to adopt, we want to find the right match for you. You are about to make an important commitment that should not be rushed into. Your new pet will be with you for years, and choosing him or her is a big decision. You can check out our online kennel to see many of our animals currently available for adoption.  When you find you one you'd like to meet in person, head over to the Animal Service Center. (Make sure you write down the animal's ID number so we can help you find the one you're looking for when you arrive.)

When you visit the Animal Service Center, please bring the following to help facilitate the adoption process:

  • You must be 18 years of age or older to adopt.
  • Identification. A government issued photo ID (driver's license, state identification card, military ID, etc.) and proof of current address (A telephone, utility or cable television bill qualifies.)
  • If you rent, be sure to bring your landlord's contact information so that we can contact them to make sure pets are allowed at your property.
  • Dog adopters, we strongly encourage all members of your household to come to meet the new pet. If you already have a dog at home, it's a great idea to bring him or her for a meet-and-greet visit with the pet you are considering adopting.

Girl pets a petStep Two - A Little Bit of Paperwork - We know how much everyone loves paperwork, that's why we've simplified our adoption process. All you need to complete is our short Adoption Questionnaire (PDF). You can fill one out at the Animal Service Center, or print out and complete a copy at home.  Just make sure to bring it with you when you come to meet our animals! Once the adoption is official, you'll just need to review and sign an adoption contract (PDF). That's it for paperwork!

Dogs on a leashStep Three - Take Your Pet Home - In most cases you can take your new pet home on the same day. We offer you and your new animal companion the following benefits:

  • A new collar and personalized Identification tag for your new pet.
  • A leash or cardboard pet carrier to help you bring your new companion animal home.
  • A free bag of Hill's Science Diet pet food to get your pet started off right.
  • Spay/neuter surgery, up-to-date vaccinations, pet microchip, heartworm testing, FeLV/FIV testing for cats and an overview of your pet's medical care.
  • A discounted new pet veterinary exam at one of our participating veterinary hospitals (Valid for 7 days post adoption).
  • Literature and information about animal care and behavior and what to expect from your new pet.
Dog biting the leashAfter Adoption

We know we shared a lot of information with you during the adoption process, and you may have questions. Here's some important things we want you to remember about your adopted pet:

Read It!
Your adoption contract (PDF) and pet adoption guide contain great information to help you and your pet get off on the right track. Make sure to read through both when you get home.

Spay/Neuter
If your pet was not spayed/neutered at the time of adoption, you are responsible for having it fixed by your veterinarian within 30 days of adoption. If your veterinarian feels surgery must be delayed for the safety of the pet, please have them contact us.

Can't Keep?
If you find you can no longer keep your pet, please contact us for assistance. If you know someone who is interested in adopting your pet, please let us know so we can transfer the owner information in our records. If you do not have someone willing to take your pet, your adoption contract requires you to return the animal to us so that we can try to find it a new home.

Moving?
Please let us know so that we can update your contact information in our records as well as your pet's microchip information. If your pet ever ends up lost at the Animal Service Center, we want to be able to get them back home to you as quickly as possible. Current contact information is vital!

Lost Pet?
If your pet is lost or stolen, please contact us immediately.

Boy with dogMeet Our Adoptable Pets
Adoption Fees
*Fees listed below do not include spay/neuter fees or deposits for animals that arrived unaltered
Regular Adoption Fees:
Dogs/Cats/Livestock $50 per animal
Reptiles/Birds $15 - $100 per animal
Rabbits $10 per animal
Rodents/Fish/Fowl $5 per animal
Special Adoption Fees:
Heartworm Positive Dog $25 per animal
Overlooked Animals (adult animals at the shelter longer than 30 days) $15 per animal
Mature Animals (animals over 5 years of age) $25 per animal
Multiple Adoptions (adoption of additional animals on the same day) $15 for each additional animal (limit 3 animals per household)
Senior Citizen Discounts:
Any Animal (less than 30 days at shelter) $25 per animal
Mature Animals (animals over 5 years of age) No Charge
Overlooked Animals (adult animals at the shelter longer than 30 days) No Charge
Spay Neuter Fees & Deposits
Spay/Neuter Deposit - Animals not spayed at the time of adoption will be assessed a $50 refundable spay/neuter deposit as required by Florida Statute. The animal must be spayed/neutered at the adopter's expense within 30 days of adoption at which time the deposit will be refunded.
Spay/Neuter Fee - Animals spayed/neutered at the Animal Service Center will incur a Spay/Neuter Fee in addition to the adoption fee. The fee is $50 for dogs and $25 for cats and rabbits.
If the animal was spayed/neutered before it arrived at the Animal Service Center there will be no additional Spay/Neuter Fees or Deposits