Adopt a Pet
Give an animal in need a new home by adopting from the City of Berkeley’s Animal Shelter.
To adopt a dog, cat, or other pet, visit the Berkeley Animal Shelter during business hours to meet animals ready for adoption. Before visiting, you can browse adoptable dogs, cats, and other pets online through the Friends of Berkeley Animal Care Services website. or see new pets or what's happening at the shelter on Instagram.
Pet Adoption fees
| Animal type | Adoption fee |
|---|---|
| Dogs | $125.00 |
| Cats | $100.00 |
| Rabbits | $25.00 |
| Birds | $25.00 |
| Exotics | $25.00 |
| Rodents | $10.00 |
60/6/60 program
Seniors 60 and older who adopt a pet age 6 or older receive a 60% discount on the adoption fee.
How to Adopt a Pet
Our goal is to match each pet with the right home. To adopt from Berkeley Animal Care Services, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide a government-issued ID
- Complete the adopter profile
- Meet with the pet and adoption counselor
- Sign the contract and pay the adoption fee
Then you can take home your new family member.
If multiple people want to adopt an animal on its available morning, we use a random drawing. Adopters must be present at the shelter, so call ahead if you’re traveling to meet a specific pet. This way, you can confirm the animal is still available.
Tips for dog and cat adoptions
- Bring your household members to meet the pet at the shelter.
- If you already own a dog, we can arrange a dog-to-dog meet and greet before adoption.
Health and care
All animals adopted from the shelter is:
- Spayed or neutered
- Microchipped
- Up to date on vaccines
If the animal is spayed or neutered at the time of adoption, pets can go home the same day. Otherwise, they will be ready the day after their surgery.