Step 1
Meet our adoptable pets
Browse the dogs and cats looking for homes right now. Found someone special? Fill out an application and we’ll be in touch.
Our adoptable pets are on Petfinder
See photos, personalities and up-to-date availability for every dog and cat waiting for a home.
Our adoption process
We match every animal carefully. Here’s what to expect, from browsing to bringing your new family member home.
View our adoptable pets
Check out the pets above, or view the full list on Adopt-a-Pet.
Fill out our adoption application
We require an adoption application before scheduling your meet and greet appointment, so we can assign a staff member to give you and your potential new family member our undivided attention.
Your meet and greet appointment
- Meet and greet appointments are scheduled at our shelter (or at the foster home, if the pet is in foster care) as soon as possible. Whenever possible, we ask that ALL members of the household attend.
- If you own a dog and wish to adopt a second, we will facilitate a proper introduction at our facility. If your current dog has anxiety or temperament issues, please let us know ahead of time so we can tailor the introduction to their needs.
The home visit
- We will arrange a home check either before adoption day or on adoption day, depending on circumstances. The visit makes sure your home (and fence, for dog adopters) is safe and adequate for the animal you wish to adopt.
- On adoption day, if we’ve determined your home and family will provide a good, loving, safe, lifetime placement for all people and pets concerned, we sign our adoption contract, collect the adoption fee, and provide all vet records and transitional materials for your new family member.
Follow-ups
- Adopters agree to take their new family member to their vet within the first 30 days for a general health checkup.
- If not already altered, any animal adopted must be spayed/neutered within 30 days or by six months of age.
Before you apply
Adoption fees vary with each pet’s age, breed and other characteristics, including whether they have been spayed or neutered. Each adoption decision we make is for the best fit for our individual animals.
- List every person 18 years and older who lives in the home, even if temporarily.
- If you do not own your home, the homeowner or landlord must provide written permission before adoption.
- Please include ALL requested information on the application. Missing information will delay processing, because we’ll need to contact you before we can complete it.
- The Stafford SPCA reserves the right to deny placement of animals (especially puppies and kittens) into homes with children under five years of age.
Veterinary reference check
- Vet references must be listed for any animal you have owned within the last five years.
- All current pets must be spayed/neutered, unless there is a documented medical reason.
- We call your vet to confirm that your current and past animals received attentive, regular vet care.
Dog adopters
- A fenced backyard at least four feet high is required (requirements may vary by breed). Exceptions for apartment-suited dogs are made only in rare cases.
- Fences must reasonably contain a dog and keep out intruders or predators.
- We never adopt into homes using invisible fences as the sole means of containment.
- Current dogs must be up to date on vaccines, heartworm negative, and on a heartworm preventative.
Cat adopters
- Existing cats must be negative for Feline AIDS (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and up to date on vaccinations.
- Declawing is STRICTLY forbidden.
- Our cats are indoor-only, except in rare circumstances when we have barn cats looking for homes.
Ready to apply?
The online application takes about 15–20 minutes. Please have your landlord’s contact information (if renting) and your veterinarian’s name and phone number handy.