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Pet adoption application process and fees

View adoptable pets

Adoption Appointment Hours

Monday - Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  1. All of our adoptable animals can be viewed on our website, or in person at the shelter at 184 Verona Street. Some animals may be available now, and some may be on a stray-hold, which could require putting your name on a waitlist. 
  2. If you see an animal that you are interested in on our website, you may click on its picture to apply. Once submitted, we will have your application on file when you visit the Animal Shelter. 
  3. We process adoptions same-day for those who are submitting an adoption form in person, so you may not be first in line for adoption consideration. If you would like to move forward with the next steps in adoption, please come visit Rochester Animal Services during adoption hours. 
  4. Our staff members will ask you for some information to help us ensure the well-being of the animal you wish to adopt, and to ensure the same for any pets that you may already have at home.
    1. We always encourage potential adopters to think about all the responsibilities and expenses associated with owning a pet, because we want to ensure that adopters are up to the task and ready to commit to the life of the pet. 
  5. As part of the adoption process, you will be asked to complete the following steps:
    1. Provide general contact information (i.e., name, address, phone number, email)
    2. Show proof of identity
    3. Read and sign an adoption agreement.
    4. Pay the appropriate fees (see "Adoption Fees" below)

Applying is not a hold or reservation and does not guarantee an approval. We will review your application with you in person when you visit the Animal Shelter.  Feel free to ask questions about spaying or neutering, house training, obedience training, controlling fleas and ticks, and anything else of interest. 

Adoption fees

Species  (dog and cat)Fee  Species (other)Fee  
Puppy (<6 mos)$50Ferret$28
Dog (>6 mos)$50Rabbit$30
Senior Dog (>7 yrs)$50Pocket Pet$3
Kitten (<6 mos)$35Parakeet$8
Cat (>6 mos)$35Cockatiel$30
Senior Cat (>7 yrs)$35Parrot$500
  Macaw$1000

Dog and cat fees cover veterinary care, spay/neuter surgery, de-worming, vaccines, disease screening ( HW for dogs and FELV/FIV for cats), dog license, microchip identification, ID tag, initial dose of flea control, and a free health exam voucher.    

Adoption discounts

  • 2-Fur-1 Cats: Adopt one cat, get a second cat free
    • Year-round promotion
    • This applies to all cats over 5 months of age if spayed or neutered before release to a new home                                                
  • Seniors-For-Seniors Program
    • Any person over the age of 60 can adopt any pre-sterilized animal over 7 years of age at no charge
    • This applies only to pets that have been spayed or neutered before release to their new home
    • License fees apply to dogs.                                                      

Hours & location

  • 184 Verona Street, Rochester NY 14608
  • Monday - Sunday, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
  • (Adoptions and visitations end 30 minutes before closing each day)

Questions?

Have questions about adoption or any of the animals you see? Call the office at (585) 428-7274, email us, or visit us (and the animals) in person.  

Back to Rochester Animal Services: Found Pet Guide