The Adoption Process
The procedures for adopting an animal from the Roanoke Valley SPCA are as follows:
Upon entering the shelter, you will find staff and volunteers available to assist you in your search for your new best friend. You will want to allow yourself ample time to look at all available animals and learn as much as possible about the one(s) that may be appropriate for your lifestyle.
Once you have chosen the pet that you can’t live without, there are a few other things you must consider before making your final decision. If you have children, other family members or other pets in your home, they all should be given the opportunity to come in and meet the animal you have chosen. Also give consideration to your home environment. Is it “pet friendly”? Purchasing the basics, such as a crate of appropriate size, leashes, collars and food and water dishes will make your new pet’s arrival much easier on everyone.
If everyone involved is in agreement, there is a brief application and survey that will need to be completed. The Adoption Application can be completed, printed and brought to the shelter when you come in to meet your new best friend. Adopters must be 18 years of age or older and provide the SPCA with photo identification showing current address. Adoption fees may be paid in cash, by check or credit card (VISA or MasterCard).
Our front desk attendant will then review your application. If you rent an apartment or house, we will need you to provide us with a copy of your lease agreement that clearly states any pet policies. Also, should any adoption counseling (further discussion of the animal’s needs, your expectations, etc.) be deemed necessary, a member of our staff or a volunteer adoption counselor is available to assist you.
After paying the adoption fee and pending the approval of your application, you may take your new pet home immediately. Adoption fees are as follows: Puppies (under 6 months of age: $120.00, Dogs (over 6 months of age): $90.00, Kittens (under 6 months of age): $90.00 and Cats (over 6 months of age): $70.00.
All pets available for adoption have been examined by our staff veterinarian and treated for any health issues. They have been tested for canine/feline diseases, spayed or neutered, received routine vaccinations (including rabies), been microchipped, and have received a heavy dose of love and attention from all of our staff and volunteers. An additional bonus effective November 1, 2007, all RVSPCA adopted pets are eligible for 30 days Pet Health Insurance for only $5 to help with unexpected health-related expenses. The policy is renewable after that initial period.
An added plus...HappyDog DNA is providing a FREE canine DNA kit for every dog adopted. If you choose to perform the easy cheek-swab test, send it to the lab with payment of $59.95 to find out what breeds make your pooch the lovable critter that he is.
